Eradicating Depression

ARE YOU FEELING DEPRESSED?

Depression is multi-faceted and this test is intended only as an indication - seek professional medical advice if you feel depressed or are in any way uncertain.

IT'S AN EASY MISTAKE TO MAKE

If you experience depression then you know you can't just snap out of it. Especially if you've tried different techniques or been on anti-depressants or in counseling for a long time it's easy to think that you've tried everything or that nothing will help. If you experience depression or know someone who does, don't give up hope before you've read this article and contacted me.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

繚 You feel sad or cry a lot, get irritated often and overreact, or you feel 'nothing' a lot of the time.
繚 You feel guilty for no real reason; you feel like you're no good; you've lost your confidence.
繚 Life seems meaningless or like nothing good is ever going to happen again.
繚 You don't feel like doing a lot of the things you used to like and you mostly want to be left alone.
繚 It's hard to make up your mind. You forget lots of things, and it's hard to concentrate.
繚 You sleep a lot more, have trouble falling asleep or wake up really early in the morning.
繚 Your eating habits change; you've lost your appetite or you eat a lot more.
繚 You feel restless and tired most of the time.
繚 You think about death, or feel like you're dying, or have thought about committing suicide.

THE CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

Although there are some common causes of depression (listed below), we are all different:

繚 Excessive and prolonged stress and anxiety
繚 Unresolved emotional issues
繚 Deep seated beliefs and feelings of unworthiness
繚 Genetic / hereditary causes
繚 Unfulfilled dreams and a lack of purpose
繚 Chemical imbalances or a lack of vital nutrients in our bodies

The reasons for depression are mostly unconscious and a lot of people don't know why they feel depressed. That's ok - there is help!

CRITICALLY IMPORTANT & OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD ASPECTS OF DEPRESSION

繚 Depression is not who you are. It's not that you are depressed, it is that you feel or experience depression; it is something separate from you. Even making small changes in the way you think and speak about depression will help you start the process of uplifting your depression.

繚 Depression is often an unconsciously learnt strategy. This does not mean that you are actively or consciously 'trying' to be depressed or that it's your fault, all in your head or that you're making it up!

繚 Even though this may seem counter-intuitive at first, your state of depression is trying to protect you from actual or perceived emotional, physical or other pain and discomfort. It is not an enemy to be destroyed; it is an ally that's simply not going about things in the best way. The more you work with it rather than against it, the better your chance of working through it and enjoying life again.

繚 I often think of depression as a gift, in painful 'wrapping paper'. It is by unwrapping this painful wrapping paper and opening ourselves up to receive the gifts in the experience of depression that we can finally let go of the pain.

CHEMICAL IMBALANCES

The natural chemicals in our bodies and brains play a significant role in the way we feel. Some people that experience depression have measurable chemical imbalances and others don't. At a time in my life that I felt severely depressed (and had been for months), medical tests showed normal levels of all the essential natural chemicals and nutrients in my body. The good news is that the methods I use work - whatever your situation.

ANTI-DEPRESSANTS

For some, anti-depressants can be an important part of getting better; a 3 month course that I took in 1998 probably saved my life. At the same time I believe that anti-depressants mostly do not address the underlying issues that cause depression in the first place; the techniques that I use release and re-pattern these effectively and naturally.

Always consult with a health expert before you stop taking prescribed medication.

OTHER SUPPORT

Many people who experience depression use a variety of support and techniques to help them through tough times and I strongly recommend that clients initially keep all their current positive support systems intact e.g. medication, working with a health practitioner, a 12-step program, yoga etc.

MY OWN STORY

It was my own experience with depression that led me to specialise in treating it.

I experienced severe depression at various times in my life and experimented with all sorts of therapies and counselling like psychotherapy, reiki, crystal healing, homeopathy, meditation, affirmations and acupuncture.

My first EFT in 2003 helped me to shift more of the heavy emotion I was feeling at the time than I thought was possible and I knew at that moment that I wanted to learn the technique. I now specialise in showing others how to uplift their depression because I understand the hopelessness and despair that often comes with depression, and the delight of being through it!

I am the living proof that it is possible to overcome depression and to live a rich and fulfilling life. Wouldn't you rather have someone who has personal experience of depression help you with yours?

WHAT IS POSSIBLE FOR YOU

With the discovery of 'Energy Therapies' (like EFT) and techniques including EFT, NLP and Hypnosis it is now possible to experience deep personal change much quicker than ever before.

繚 release your energy blocks to set yourself free from depression
繚 interrupt non-helpful thinking and behavior patterns
繚 install a deep sense of worthiness and well being

As your depression starts lifting (most people experience relief even after the first session) and you start feeling better it starts up a new, positive cycle - the better you feel, the better you feel!

WHAT IS EFT

The meridian points in our body are like the electrical outlets in our homes and the meridian lines are like the wiring that connects them. If the wires in your home got cut or blocked then electricity couldn't flow through them and your electrical appliances or lights won't work. It's the same with us - if the energy flows in our bodies get disrupted or blocked in any way then we start feeling unwell and this could manifest as physical disease or pain, or emotional discomfort such as fears, phobias, anxiety, stress and depression.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a technique that uses our body's natural ability to heal itself by (literally) tapping into the body's energy system to release 'energetic blocks'. It combines body/Mind science with acupuncture (without needles).

By tapping on some of the meridian points on our bodies while using language in a specific way EFT releases these blocks, allowing the energy to flow freely, allowing ourselves to get well again - often very quickly and when nothing else will.

WHAT IS NLP

NLP is a very effective way to interrupt unhealthy or unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour and replace them with more healthy and helpful thoughts and actions so that you can move ahead in your life powerfully.

NLP utilizes a variety of techniques including the purposeful use of language, anchoring positive emotional states into your body so that you have access to them any time you want and actively using your imagination to create the change you want in your life.

WHAT IS HYPNOSIS

Hypnosis is simply a way to communicate with our unconscious minds and make the changes at the deepest levels where it matters. Used in this context it is nothing like 'stage hypnosis', you are not 'put under' and certainly cannot be made to do anything against your will. Quite often it's like being told a story and most people find it quite relaxing.

Depression, Symptoms and Explanation

Depression is actually a kind of extreme sadness, feelings of disconnection from life, as well as a diminished enjoyment in the stuff that you used to love in everyday life. It is not a sign of weakness, everyone goes through depression at some point in life or another. Even though the severity and length of the depression can vary in accordance with the situation and the root cause of the depression.

Unfortunately severe depression could lead to suicide, identifying the symptoms of a suicidal person or seeing the signs and symptoms in yourself can help to save a life. The symptoms shown by a suicidal person are listed below:

• Always thinking about, talking about, or writing about death or dying


• Reckless behavior that could result in injury or death, actions that portray a so called "Death Wish"


• Contacting loved ones either in person or remotely, in a way that seems unusual, like they are saying goodbye


• Talking about "Wanting out" or that things would be better without the person here.


• Talk of ending one's life, suicide


• Signs of Clinical Depression (changes in sleeping or eating habits, sadness) that seem to be getting worse


• loss of interest in things one used to love


• Talking about things being 'hopeless', or that the individual is worthless, or feels helpless


• Putting life's affairs in order as if the person expects to die soon


• A sharp change from being sad and depressed to being happy and calm

If you, or somebody you know is showing any one of these symptoms please seek help immediately. You can call any of the following numbers:

• 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)


• 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)


• 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889) (for the hearing impaired)

You can even call 911, a relative or friend or go to a local emergency room. Please remember life is not hopeless, and things will get better. People are here to help you, you don't have to do this alone.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression can effect everyone differently depending on the person involved and the situation that caused the depression. Below is a listing of common signs of depression:

• Changes in sleeping patterns, Sleeping longer then normal, Insomnia, or waking up earlier then usual


• Losing interest in activities you used to find enjoyable


• Changes in appetite, reduced appetite or over eating


• Loss of concentration, difficulty remembering things or difficulty making decisions


• Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilt ridden, sad, anxious, empty or pessimistic


• Cranky, irritable or restless disposition


• Physical pain, cramps headache or stomach issues that don't seem to go away


• General decrease in energy level, feeling tired or worn out all the time


• Crying spells for no apparent reason


• Suicidal thoughts, feelings or attempts (Please see section above on Suicide Symptoms)

Unfortunately not everyone will experience the same symptoms for the same causes. For instance most men will suffer symptoms of loss of interest in activities, feel cranky and restless, together with have physical pain and sleep problems. Women are more likely to over eat, and feel a sense of worthlessness and have a tendency to sleep too much. To complicate things, the signs and symptoms of depression can vary based upon how old you are. Teenagers for instance or more likely to be irritable and angry, and suffer a loss of concentration and might have physical symptoms of pains for no reason. Older adults however, generally suffer feelings of worthlessness and sadness, along with physical pain. Unfortunately in both teenagers and older adults, the signs and symptoms usually get brushed off as being merely a sign of how old they are and not as signs and symptoms of depression.

Types of Depression

There are numerous forms of depression, each may have a different cause and a different treatment. However, if you are struggling with just about any depression or general sense of sadness, worthlessness, or a loss of interesting in stuff you love, you may need to visit a doctor. Some kinds of depression are easily treated and could be taken care of without medication, but others are more quickly relieved with the aid of a doctor.

Major Depression

Major Depression is an overwhelming sensation of sadness, in addition to a decrease of interest and in most cases one of numerous symptoms in the above list. The most important thing that separates this kind of depression from other forms is that Major Depression is an almost constant state of being for a prolonged time period. Everyone has a day where they simply feel down and don't want to do anything, but a person being affected by major depression will feel very down for weeks or months at any given time with no real break in the feeling. Other kinds of depression will have lulls throughout the day where the feelings of depression seem to lift and you can be generally happy, they may not last very long but they are there, major depression doesn't have those lulls. If you are suffering from Major Depression I would definitely suggest you go visit a doctor, in addition to speak to friends regarding how you're feeling. I would also suggest you start to exercise more as exercise increases your serotonin levels and help you to get out many of the things that you're feeling.

Mild Depression

Mild depression which is also called Dysthymia, is described as feelings of depression that aren't as severe as major depression but last for years at any given time. This constant low grade depression has a tendency to impact your general level of enjoyment in life and could be easily dismissed as simply being your outlook on life. The fact is that if you have gone two years if not more with symptoms of depression as well as not being able to remember a time when you were happy you are most likely suffering from mild depression. In my own case I used to be depressed for several years, I just felt that it was how I was, just my state of being. I felt like I had lost a part of myself that I was enthusiastic about and that it merely wasn't going to come back. I needed to have a friend point out that feeling like that wasn't part of growing up, or simply a part of the situations I was in at that point in my life, but actually a sign of depression. In this instance, seeing your doctor might be a wise decision, along with some changes in your diet, sleeping habits and fitness level. For me, making sure I got 8 hours of sleep every night, working out at least three times a week for an hour (although I work out more frequently now), and starting a meditation routine was enough to drag me out of it. But you should always speak with a doctor, they may have some tips for you depending on your current physical condition that might be more helpful then exactly what is listed above.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD (what a cheerful acronym) is a type of depression usually linked to the change in seasons, from summer to winter, and climates which may have dreary, gloomy weather. The change in seasons, which usually brings with it longer darker nights, less sunlight, and gloomier weather tends to cause a sense of depression in certain people. Women look like they're effected more then men by Seasonal Affective Disorder, but everyone can be effected by it from time to time. Fortunately, in the majority of people Seasonal Affective Disorder might be effectively treated with light therapy. Light therapy, although there may very well be different levels, basically involves exposing the individual to bright artificial lights to be able to cope with the depression. This can be done at your home by just installing light bulbs with a slightly higher wattage. Some people also like to use tanning beds as a technique of managing Seasonal Affective Disorder. Just don't over do it in the tanning beds. Additionally, it wouldn't hurt to ask your doctor's opinion on approaches to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression is a kind of depression that affects new mothers after giving birth. Although some feelings of being down are expected right after a pregnancy, usually known as the "baby blues" Postpartum Depression is the result of the change in hormones from the level they had been at while being pregnant to the level they are at normally. Any depression that occurs up to six months following the birth of a baby is considered Postpartum Depression and you should consult a doctor considering the fact that this type of depression is caused by a shift in hormones.

Pets Can Help the Elderly Avoid the Need for Psychotherapy

Depression is a serious problem for the elderly. The inability to do the normal day to day activities because of their health, the death of a spouse or loved one, and isolation from friends and family can all take their toll on an elderly person's well being. Although training for therapists includes specific care for their elderly patients, it may be a better course of action to help the elderly avoid the need for psychotherapy. One way to do this is for them to have a pet or be exposed to pet therapy.

Having a pet can be a very positive force in an elderly person's life. If they live alone the benefits of having a pet are even more profound. Pets give their lives structure and companionship. Pets alleviate loneliness, reduce depression and anxiety, and help an elderly person cope with the loss of a loved one. Researchers at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario have proven that people who have pets are more active and have a more positive outlook on life. These finding have been backed up by a paper published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

A study by the Mayo Clinic uncovered some interesting facts about elderly pet ownership:

1) Pet ownership reduces doctor's visits by 21%.
2) Alzheimer's patients stay in the present more if they own a pet.
3) Seniors who do not have pets see a significant decrease over time in their physical and mental well being.
4) Nursing home patients that engage in pet therapy have an increase in social and verbal interaction.

These statistics support the benefits of pets and pet therapy. Even seniors who are physically disabled show less signs of depression than those who did not have pets or were not exposed to pet therapy.

Many therapists and counselors are recognizing the positive effect that pet therapy can have on their patients. Nursing homes are using pet therapy and some even have live-in pets for residents to interact with. Volunteers also bring their pets in for elderly patients to spend time with several times a week.

The goal of psychotherapy is to help people live better lives and have a greater sense of well being. If therapy is needed, the benefits can be increased by pets and pet therapy. Many programs that provide training for therapists now include pet therapy. It is a valuable and useful course of treatment than can help the elderly avoid the need for psychotherapy.

Depressed? How to Feel Better Fast

Everyone has normal ups and downs in how they feel. Sometimes an episode of feeling down or sad turns into Depression and persists for some time. And sometimes depression is a result of a medical condition. Whether you bounce back quickly from feeling depressed or whether you suffer from chronic or recurrent episodes of Major Depression, use the following suggestions to help yourself feel better.
Tell someone how you feel. I am always amazed at how much better my clients tell me they feel at the end of their first intake session with me. During the first session, I am gathering information about why they have come to see me, the problems they want help with, and their personal history. I have rarely begun to help them but they already feel better just by telling me about their problem. Just telling someone (a friend, partner, family, minister, or a therapist) about something that is bothering you can help you feel better.

Sometimes, you just need to allow yourself to feel down. Trying to ignore your feelings or instantly change them doesn't always work. Allow yourself to feel the pain, sorrow, anger or sadness. Really feel it. Go ahead and cry it out. And while you do this, nurture yourself. Do something that usually feels good to you. Take a warm bath, go for a walk in nature, cook your favorite comfort food, or write in your journal. You may find you shift into a better place much quicker by allowing yourself to experience the feelings for a while.

If the feelings persist, learn to manage them. Consider whether the intensity of your feelings matches the cause. Think of how bad the problem is on a scale of 1-10 and then look at your emotional response to it. If the problem is a 2, make sure your response is about a 2 as well. For example, you would expect your response to a life threatening emergency (a 10) to be very different from your response to a minor car accident (a 3). If you realize you respond to minor things as if they were major issues, you can work to make your response more appropriate.

Examine your options. There are the extreme options at each end of the spectrum but there are always many intermediate options that people tend to overlook. For example, suppose you are depressed because you hate your home. One extreme is to do nothing while the other extreme is to sell your home and move someplace else. An intermediate option might include identifying what you don't like about your home. Perhaps you feel cramped for space. Then you could get a professional organizer to help you make better use of the space you have. Or you might consider making a small addition.

Fake it. There is research that supports the idea that if you 'fake it', in other words, you pretend you feel a certain way or 'act as if' you feel a certain way, that you will gradually actually start to feel that way. So if you feel too sad to go to lunch with a friend, pretend you feel a little happier than you do, and go to lunch anyway. Chances are good you will actually feel better than if you had stayed home absorbed in your sadness.

Start thinking about what you do want instead of what you don't want, which is probably what you already have. Many of us stay focused on the things in our lives that make us unhappy. Perhaps we don't like our job, perhaps our health is not what we want it to be. Perhaps our relationships are not satisfying, or perhaps we are in conflict with our teenager.

The theory of cognitive behavioral therapy basically states that we can change how we feel by changing what we think about. If we are constantly focused on the negative aspects of our lives our thoughts will be negative, and we will feel bad. If we can begin to replace some of those negative thoughts with more positive, reality-based thoughts, cognitive behavioral therapy theory teaches us that we will start to feel better. Current brain research is confirming this theory.

Instead of focusing on how your boss discounted your suggestions today, focus on how he praised your work during your review. Instead of thinking about how much your shoulder hurts, notice how comfortable your other shoulder feels. Notice how beautiful the sun is today instead of how cold it is. Instead of focusing on how miserable you feel today, think of something you are grateful for, or find someone who needs your help.

Listen to what you say. Many people tell everyone how bad the situation is, or about a bad thing someone did to them, or how ill they feel. While you are telling someone else how bad you felt about something that already happened, you are feeling just as bad as if it was actually happening to you at the moment. Avoid doing this to yourself. Notice what you talk about and change it to more positive topics. Telling three or four people about something awful that happened to you yesterday prevents you from moving past it to a place where you can feel good.

Exterminate Automatic Negative Thoughts. Daniel Amen, in his wonderful book, Change Your Brain Change Your Life, calls Automatic Negative Thoughts ANTs. He describes different species of ANTs and then describes ways to 'exterminate' them. My clients have found these techniques very useful, and most can easily identify the different species of ANTs, that they constantly generate that make them feel bad.

In order to exterminate these ANTs you must replace the automatic negative thought with more positive reality-based thoughts. For example, you may notice you automatically call yourself 'lazy' in your inner dialogue. This ANT species is 'labeling'. Replace it with 'I like to do things in my own time but I always get the important things done on time'. Doesn't that feel better?

Reach for a thought that feels better. When you feel depressed, think of something that would feel just a little bit better. For example, you feel down because you are spending yet another weekend alone. Say 'wouldn't it be nice if I had someone to talk to?' Or, 'I hope I can find a friend to spend some time with next weekend.' Or, 'I really do enjoy the freedom of watching whatever movie I choose.' Reach for a feeling of relief.
Avoid toxic people. Brain research proves that each and every interaction we have with another person can impact our emotions. I'm sure you have noticed there are some people who just seem to bring you down. They may be negative, critical, and maybe even mean. Do your best to surround yourself with more positive people.

Get some exercise. Research repeatedly demonstrates that regular, moderate exercise works as well as anti-depressant medication (measured over a 7 month period). Exercise tends to release endorphins which actually make you feel better. Find something you really enjoy. Think back to what you did as a child. I still love to ride my bicycle. Try walking, running, swimming, rowing, skiing, team sports. Whatever you choose, do it for at least 30 minutes 3-4 times per week. Make it part of your regular routine. Do it with family or a friend for more accountability and fun.

Meditate. Learn to meditate to quiet your busy mind and stop the constant negative inner dialogue for a while. Most meditation techniques focus on the breath and aim to stop the constant flow of thoughts (up to 60,000 per day). Meditate daily. Find inner peace. There are many CD's available that lead you into a meditative state. Wayne Dyer and Andrew Weil have some excellent CD's.

Sleep. Poor sleep will definitely impact your mood. First, get enough sleep for your age. Most adults and teens are sleep deprived. Teens need 9 hours and 15 minutes and adults over 25 need 9-9.5 hours per night for optimum function. Go to bed at the same time and wake up the same time each day. Clear your bedroom of distractions like the TV and computer. The bedroom should only be for sleeping (and sex). If your sleep is disturbed by snoring or apnea get a sleep study done. If you have trouble falling asleep, eliminate caffeine from your diet after noon. If you are struggling with hormonal changes or having trouble falling or staying asleep talk to your holistic health practitioner.

Get Professional Help. If depression persists and nothing you try seems to work, then seek help from a psychotherapist. He or she will do an assessment of your symptoms and help you decide what treatment options might be the best for your situation. Often the symptoms of depression are relieved by traditional 'talk therapy'. Sometimes other options should be considered such as Neurofeedback or anti-depressant medication.

MRT Testing Is Helpful For Food Intolerance And Sensitivity That Is Not Caused By Food Allergies

Food intolerance and sensitivity reactions that are not due to an allergy:

Certain foods, additives and chemicals are capable of triggering immune reactions that are not due to allergies. Chemicals mediators released by the immune system are capable of producing a variety of body reactions and symptoms. Avoiding foods that produce such reactions is suppose to resolve or at least significantly improve symptoms resulting from eating those foods. Mediator release (MRT) testing measures the release of chemical mediators from white blood cells and platelets in response to specific foods, additives or chemicals. Such chemical reactions presumably indicate sensitivity to these foods or additives.

Principles of commercially available mediator release testing (MRT):

Commercially available mediator release testing (MRT, Signet Diagnostic Corporation, http://www.nowleap.com) is based on measuring in the blood the reaction of various immune mediator chemicals released into in response to a food or chemical to which you have become sensitive or intolerant. The result is that when exposed to such foods or chemicals your blood cells release various chemicals that cause an alteration of the ratio of solids (cells) to liquid (serum) in your blood that can be measured. The white blood cells and platelets shrink and the volume of the liquid increases. The degree of change can be measured and reported as mild or moderate to severe corresponding with the degree of sensitivity to that particular food, additive or chemical.

Test results of 150 foods and chemicals combined with elimination diet and counseling:

A panel of 150 food and chemicals (123 foods and 27 chemicals) is available. The foods or chemicals producing abnormal reactions are summarized in color tables provided along with a comprehensive report containing a result's based specific elimination diet plan supplemented with several hours of personalized counseling from a dietician.

Insurance coverage for MRT food sensitivity and intolerance testing:

Several insurance carriers pay for at least a portion of the cost of this testing however because it is considered "out of network" for most plans patients are usually responsible for payment of the service. Some carriers consider the testing "experimental" or not validated and therefore do not cover the testing.

Conditions benefited by MRT testing include migraines, IBS, fatigue and fibromyalgia:

Signet markets the testing for several conditions based on limited published research combined with their extensive clinical experience and patient testimonials. They claim success with reducing or eliminating a myriad of symptoms or conditions. These include migraines, headaches, autistic behavior, anxiety, depression, ADD, sinus and ear, nose and throat problems, irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting syndromes, Celiac, chronic stomachaches, bladder problems, fibromyalgia, arthritis, eczema, hives, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Skeptical doctor and frustrated patients look for answers:

Initially, I was skeptical about MRT. However, I began advocating it several months ago because many of my patients had ongoing symptoms or findings that suggested an ongoing food intolerance or sensitivity but the testing available to us could not tell us what food or foods may be a problem. After reviewing the available research data I concluded MRT testing had adequate scientific basis to recommend it as an option to those who were interested and would consider making dietary changes based on the results.

Expert food allergy doctor and patients find MRT testing helpful and worthwhile:

So far, my experience is that most of those who have undergone the testing and implemented dietary changes as a result have noted significant improvement in a variety of digestive and non-digestive symptoms. I have also noted some very interesting patterns in people with other allergies. There appears to be a strong correlation with food-pollen cross reactions, more commonly known as the oral allergy syndrome (OAS). I am following this systematically and hope to report my observations formally in the future.

Previously available testing and diet interventions fail to provide relief in some patients:

All of my patients who have decided to undergo MRT testing have already been tested for Celiac disease and most have had food allergy testing as well as both upper and lower endoscopy exams with biopsies. All also had already tried dietary interventions. Some have had tests that confirmed one or more food allergies, Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity or have presence of mast cell enterocolitis; eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroenteritis or colitis; or lymphocytic enteritis. Though most had some improvement with dietary interventions based on their previous tests, many had ongoing symptoms with or without inconclusive or negative food allergy testing.

Get MRT testing and try an elimination diet:

I believe MRT testing is a helpful addition to the evaluation and treatment of food intolerance. The testing does require a doctor's order. If your doctor is not familiar with the testing they can learn more at http://www.nowleap.com. If your doctor will not order the testing Signet can help you locate a doctor in your area or you can obtain the testing as part of an on-line consultation. An elimination diet based on specific foods to which you are intolerant but not necessarily allergic to may be the key to relief from a variety of symptoms and conditions. If you are suspecting a food intolerance, get tested today.

Different Types of Depression - Six Common Categories

According to common categorization, there are six different types of depression, which range from relatively mild to severe. Following is a description of each of them.

1. Major (or clinical) depression

This type of depression is what many people normally know about. This is the classic depression or what is often referred to as clinical depression.

Psychiatrists define major or clinical depression as that type of depression that dwells on the gloomy end of the spectrum, thus it is likewise referred to as "unipolar depression." A person with this type of depression gets sad thoughts, unable to control it, stays with being sad for a long period of time and is most likely to hate himself rather than other people for being the way he is.

A person with this type of depression needs utmost supervision. He is very likely to inflict harm to himself. Which is why, with clinical depression, a person must be treated with medications. This is to prevent suicide from happening whenever he falls into self-hate and loathing which is very common to this type of depression.

2. Dysthymia or Chronic Depression

The second of the 6 different types of depression is dysthymia more known to many as chronic depression.

With this type of depression, a person usually experiences depression symptoms way milder than that of major depression. However, if a person with major depressive episodes experiences the major blues for weeks or months, a person with chronic depression, on the other hand, feels the blues (although mild) day in and day out for a minimum of two years.

The feeling of hopelessness, sadness, insomnia and having eating disorders are experienced for a long time, as though having those feelings is just part of the daily life, or that sadness is the regular menu of the day. People falling under this type of depression sometimes fall into major depression.

A person with dysthymia or chronic depression requires treatment so as to give the person a chance to live a normal life during his depressed state.

3. Bipolar Depression

If there is unipolar depression there is also bipolar depression. This condition is characterized by mood swings - someone might be extremely happy one moment and then go into a melancholic state within a short period of time. These states are also referred to as "mania" and "hypomania", the two opposite poles in mental state - thus the term "bipolar".

4. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

There are people who get depressed during fall or winter - they have what psychiatrists call seasonal effective disorder (SAD). Whenever a certain season hits, they fall into depressed state, their hormones change and they can't function well, just like a person in a major depression. What's different with people with SAD is that when the depression season ends, they get well and function normally again.

Stressors for SAD are not limited to changes in climate. It includes celebrations such as a birthday (his or of someone close to him), Valentine's Day, Christmas or New Year's eve.

5. Atypical Depression

This type of depression makes someone difficult to live with. The sufferer may become hypersensitive emotionally, go into panic attacks, overeat and oversleep. This may prevent him or her from forming a lasting romantic relationship because the symptoms may drive the other person "nuts". This type of depression is mild and can easily be cured compared to other types.

6. Psychotic Depression

Of all the different types of depression, psychotic depression is the most severe type. With this type of depression a person experiences hallucinations, hears voices and gets delusional. If a person with mild or major type of depression goes untreated, he or she may suffer from a psychotic breakdown.

Finding The Cloud In Front Of Every Silver Lining

I have a family member who can find the cloud in front of every silver lining. She is a good person, and means well. For her, though, the fear of running up against obstacles overwhelms her, and she can find even the most obscure reason to be pessimistic. Before she begins a new task, she can cite the reasons why it will not go well! Some would brand her as being insecure.

Many people live their lives that way. To them, negativity is a constant companion. We would not think of telling a cancer patient to "get over it." We are told, therefore, that we should not expect a person who is suffering from clinical depression to just "get over it." Yet, we find it difficult to endure those people who see the world, not through rose-coloured glasses, but foggy grey ones.

Clinical psychologist Dr. S. K. Sharma comes close to saying "get over it." But Dr. Sharma takes a different perspective. This lifestyle advisor says that, before you can become a positive person, you must have the desire to be positive. You can only do that if you are convinced that becoming positive will enhance your quality of life.

That is not the issue with many people who endure their own negativity. They believe. They just don't believe that the option is available to them. Those people need to begin the process gradually, placing themselves in controlled situations where the outcome is most likely to be beneficial. Positivity breeds positivity, and the person can build on small successes.

Similarly, once the "gloomy Gus" experiences a series of uplifting events, he or she should begin placing himself in situations where the outcome is less certain, but the negative consequences are minimal. In these environments, the person can control the outcomes, and recover. Again, success feeds success, and overcoming negative consequences often will stimulate confidence - an essential ingredient lacking in many naysayers.

Many times, the negative outcomes are fed by our own inputs. If we have lower expectations, we broadcast those expectations, subtly, in our posture, our mannerisms and our words. Develop a habit of using positive words, of showing confidence and positivity in our posture and movements. Those cues will be picked up by others, and, often, negative situations will be averted.

Take an interest in the world around you; particularly, in other people. Letting others know you find them interesting is a sure-fire way for them to reciprocate with positive actions and words toward you. Few people enjoy commiserating with someone who perpetually espouses negative opinions, or who talks incessantly about their own issues.

As a child, I read an anecdote that remains with me five decades later. Two young women are talking, and the first says to the other, "I'm so happy. I'm marrying Bill."

"Bill?" says the second. "I thought you told me a few months ago that Jim was the most wonderful person in the world."

"That's true," replied the first. "But when I'm with Bill, he makes me feel like I am the most wonderful person."

Keep the company of positive, uplifting people, and you will develop the endurance to enjoy occasional interactions with those less enthusiastic about life. After all, birds of a feather...

Be realistic about your expectations. Die-hard Cleveland Brown and Toronto Maple Leaf fans start each yesar with the unwavering belief that their team will win the championship that year, even when the team finished last the prior year, and no personnel changes have been made. That optimism is admirable. But, certainly, even those pessimistic fans are sure to be disappointed when their team fails, once again. Set goals that are reasonable, but not too low. Be realistic, too, about your own successful conversion to optimism.

One of the hallmarks of someone who is depressed is lethargy. Similarly, those who think negatively often decline to become engaged with life. By not participating in potentially negative events, one cannot be disappointed, right? Wrong. Inactivity leads to more feelings of failure. Get up. Get going. Try. Share a joke. Read uplifting plots and novels. Watch uplifting shows. Get involved with others. It is difficult to brood about failure when you are engaged wholeheartedly in an activity.

Most of all, be appreciative. You have life. You have relative health, relative security, if you compare your situation to others world wide. Enjoy what you have, instead of being morose about what you do not.
As you move slowly from feelings of negativity to a more uplifting outlook, your attitude, like a locomotive rolling downhill, will pick up steam, become unstoppable. See? Even going downhill can be a positive experience!