Depression

I’m going to write about my personal experiences in this article that I have experienced through depression. I will also share what I have learnt and how I have understood that I needed to learn to cope and even to eradicate it from my life. I am confident that I am not alone in having a number of regular periods in my life where I have become deeply depressed, yet I understand that this does not make it easier for me or anyone else.

When I chose to speak to my parents concerning the different factors that affect my anxiety and depression, it was important for me to encourage them to understand just what were my feelings and thoughts behind becoming depressed. My mother told me that she believed that I could have a gene that was causing me to become depressed, as many family members have had similar symptoms in the past.

Last week I suffered a bout of depression, but similar to other bouts, I learned a number of from it. At the same time I experienced a bad part in my life too, which seemed like everything was going wrong. I felt as though there was bad news after bad news and this brought a lot of negativity into my life. Also, it seemed as though there wasn’t anything good to look forward to and I believed going out for the night with my friends was a good way to cheer myself up. I also had the intention of getting as drunk as possible too.

I was hungover and felt very sick which was due to the amount of alcohol I had drunk the night before. Through the day I struggled to stay awake and as the day progressed I became more depressed. Then, later in the day, a negative part of my body, with a number of negative chemicals inside, took over my brain and made me think very negative about myself, my life and the depression.

The lesson I have learnt is that is not a good idea to go out drinking alcohol if you are feeling low and depressed.

When I discussed my feelings with my parents about my understanding and thoughts of my depression and anxiety, they told me some interesting and useful advice. They advised me to think about the different in life which I thought were getting me down and to recognise that they were depressing me. Then, I should talk over these problems with them, think about other more positive things, and look to find solutions to overcome these problems.

This is not at all easy to do but is something I now try. I have realised that it is good to talk about our fears and phobias and that there is nothing wrong with admitting that you are stressed and depressed.

I really do hope not to live with these regular bouts of depression as I do find that they are annoying me and that I am feeling upset about them. This especially true when thinking about them means that I am unable to sleep at night, which is something that can happen regularly. I am though, looking for a number of different ways that I can beat my anxiety and depression and overcome the negative feelings that I can and want to live without.

Now, I am looking to positive thinking to overcome these types of situations and that life is simply too short to be worrying about the different little things. Also, I have started to think about and read a number of different self-help books which are helping me to keep myself in check and in control. I am learning to look at the different things I feel and think positively about myself.

People suffering from panic attacks today are finding natural anxiety relief in a number of products and techniques. Many of these proven remedies offer much needed relief from the devastating symptoms associated with these attacks.

Aromatherapy is touted by many to provide natural anxiety relief. This method employs the use of various essential oils that are derived from the roots, leaves, bark, stalks and flowers of plants. The oils from these plants have been used in many cultures for centuries to calm, soothe and relax. These oils can be used in a bath, sprayed on the skin or in the air, placed under the tongue, or massaged into various areas of the body. The particular scent can also be present in a candle which, when burned, can permeate the entire living area.

Oils used in aromatherapy stimulate the senses in such a way as to drastically reduce stress levels in the body. Not only is this very effective for natural anxiety relief, but it has been proven to help individuals who suffer from other disorders. Aromatherapy has provided relief for sufferers of depression, menopause-related symptoms, sleeping complications, pain and blood pressure problems.

Anti-anxiety herbs are also used to provide natural anxiety relief. These nervines are used to help the sufferer wind down from the high alert of a panic attack. One should experiment with the different herbs to determine which ones and how much of them will work best when a panic attack strikes. Some of the more commonly used nervines in use today are passionflower, oatstraw, lemon balm, German chamomiles, skullcap and valerian.

Many people prefer acupuncture as their method of choice for treating panic and anxiety. This ancient Chinese practice works by stimulating various points along the energy channels of the body to free up blocked energy and restore normal energy flows. Pain and illness are very often cause by blocked energy along these pathways. Only a qualified Acupuncturist should attempt treatment using this method.

Studies have shown that people who suffer from anxiety are chest breathers. Breathing from the diaphragm at a rate of 6 breaths per minute has been known to provide relief. This is something that should be learned and practiced daily before a panic or anxiety attack strikes.

Meditation and relaxation practiced on a daily basis can provide help in alleviating the symptoms and even prevent anxiety attacks. Where meditation serves to replace negative thoughts with positive ones, relaxation exercises remove stress and tension from the body. Relief from anxiety and panic attacks is much easier to achieve when these techniques are learned and practiced religiously.

People with poor health are doomed to spend a large amount of time in the hospital. No matter what the reason for their stay is one thing is for certain, your loved one needs your support. While at the hospital a person can feel alone and abandoned. There are many things you can do to help your loved one feel missed and appreciated therefore enlightening their mood.

One clear way to bring happiness to a hospital patient is to buy them presents. Often times people like to buy boxed candy but that is ill advised. Many patients are on a strict diet and candy can be harmful to certain patients. The best kind of gift you can purchase for a person is a nice bouquet (for women) or a nice house plant (for men). Or you can even make them a gift. A nice hand written card with an encouraging message will always be appreciated by a person who has fallen ill.

One should take full advantage of the hospitals visiting hours too. Make sure you schedule sufficient amount of time for your visits. A patient would much rather prefer if youd stay with them an extra hour rather than only showing up for a quick meet and greet. You can bring outside activities so bring a board game or at least a deck of cards so you can keep the patients mind off his or her health.

To greatly improve someones stay at a hospital you can purchase them a personal gown. What not many people realize is that hospital gowns are made of very strong fabrics and fibers. These fibers are chosen because they can endure the rigorous use the hospital puts them through. The fabrics endure multiple washes without fading or losing any threads. Despite being very durable these standard hospital gowns are very uncomfortable for the patient to wear.

While the gowns are very sturdy and durable, they arent very comfortable. The fabric is often times too thick and can cause a rash in any patient with skin problems. Also hospitals get their standard gowns in bulk, meaning they come in only 4 sizes small, medium, large, and extra large. With such a limited selection often times patients are left with wearing over or undersized gowns. Also many patients might have a fear of germs and wont be able to relax wearing the communal gowns.

Purchasing a night gown will greatly improve the patients stay at a hospital. You will be able to find a gown that fits your loved one perfectly because youll be able to find gowns that come in a wider variety of sizes. The fabric the gowns are made of are more breathable than the hospital gowns. The softer fabric decreasing the likelihood of skin irritation. Also purchasing multiple gowns will give your loved one the chance to wear more than one, if he or she feels that wearing only one gown is too revealing.

While no one enjoys being admitted to the hospital there are a few ways their loved ones can make the experience less stressful. The patient will truly be grateful for your extra support during their time of need.

When you want to overcome stress, you should consider using these 15 healthy positive coping skill exercises. Remember to print them and then post them somewhere, where they are noticeable when you are enduring a stressful episode.

You may find the exercise that works best for you by reading this list one-by-one. Rather than practicing any type of hurtful behavior while you are trying to cope with stress, try practicing some of the exercises as a healthy alternative. You can use these 15 coping skills exercises to help you redirect your mind away from any crisis you are presently experiencing.

Coping With Depression or Anxiety

1. Change your surroundings by taking a long walk. You can wall in the park at the mall or along walking trails.

2. Make yourself feel better by listening to some feel good music that can lift your spirits. Avoid angry music, since it stimulates the negative feelings you are trying to overcome.

3. Call/text/email a SUPPORTIVE friend or family member. I emphasis supportive! When coping with anxiety attacks, sometimes friends and family members think they are helping us, but really they are hurting us. Find that special person you can trust.

4. Watch a funny show/movie on video or DVD. I collect my favorite comedy shows on DVD and when I am having a “moment” I pull one out and it makes me laugh and get out of that moment.

5. Have a special treat. Treat yourself to something special when you are feeling down in the dumps. This can help you feel better as well as create a happy moment for you.

6. Take yourself out to lunch or invite a friend to go with you. I use to invite one of my best friends to breakfast. It was nice, because she was my one true friend I could trust and who I looked to for support. We always had a good visit.

7. Card games or board games are fun. Play a game by yourself, such as a computer game or invite others to join you in a game. You can redirect your thoughts when you are upset by playing games.

8. Read a good NON-THERAPY book/novel. I spent so much time reading therapy books; I forgot the joy of being transported to another time or place by reading a good non-therapy book. You need to give yourself permission to take a “therapy” break.

9. Get you feelings out by journaling or drawing. This is an all time favorite of many individuals. You can write anything you feel or the experiences you are going through. You can choose to keep it private or you may want to share it in therapy. Drawing is a great release. You may want to get your own color crayons or pencils to work with.

10. Take time with your pet. If you have a pet, you can enjoy their feelings of unconditional love towards you. Sit with your pet or play with your pet. Take your canine companion for a walk, listen to the purring of your cat or watch the tranquil activity of your fish.

11. Relax while riding a bike. You may ride along trails that are hidden away from roads that can transport you to your own special and peaceful world. Take the time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural settings around you.

12. Join a gym. Not only can this help you with changing your surroundings, but it would be doing something good for yourself. Exercise is excellent for depression and anxiety!

13. Do some volunteer work at your local hospital or nursing home. You will be useful as well as have the opportunity to help others. Volunteering always feels good!

14. Join an online or local support group. I tried this, but it proved too overwhelming for me. Only you can be the judge of this suggestion. I would give it a try and really listen to your voice inside as to if it will hurt or help you.

15. Work a puzzle. You can work on a puzzle either alone or with friends and family. Puzzles are always fun activities. You may want a small one you can complete in one sitting or you may prefer a large puzzle that you can return to time and time again.

When you feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts and feelings, you will find that these coping skills exercises can be most beneficial to you. Print this out and then pencil in any of your ideas for coping with stress. Remember to post them somewhere that you will see them when you are experiencing a hard time, as they can be very resourceful for you.

Controlling panic attacks is high on the priority list of anyone who suffers from these devastating episodes. Quite often, people resort to drugs looking for the immediate, even though temporary, relief from the traumatic symptoms they endure. Not only do the drugs only provide temporary relief, they can conceivably have other negative side effects which need to be considered.

Many people have tried hypnosis for treating panic attacks. Sadly though, this method has had poor results for most panic attack sufferers. Merely feeding suggestions to the human psyche proves to be inadequate for this purpose.

Therapeutic counseling is another common treatment. Because this method requires the patient to uncover and analyze their emotional past and present in order to deal with the attacks, it is long in duration. Since this is a time consuming process, it wears down the person seeking fast relief.

Once the devastating feelings of a panic attack are experienced, they understandably become an ongoing source of anxiety. Simply remembering the situation that triggered the initial attack, and the memories of the terror experienced, can trigger another attack. This recurring pattern becomes a way of life for the sufferer until treatment is found.

It is necessary to address the root causes and not the symptoms in controlling panic attacks. Symptoms will disappear once the root causes are satisfactorily dealt with. The primary cause of panic attacks is anxiety. Whether real or imagined, the mere anticipation of threat or danger can trigger an attack. When the attack starts, it brings on bodily responses such as nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.

Many people prefer the natural, easy to learn methods for controlling panic attacks. These techniques can be self administered anytime and anywhere, and are proven highly effective in easing symptoms as well as stopping the attacks altogether.

Headaches of any type are always painful for the sufferer. However, some headaches, such as migraines, for instance, can create even more problems than just a headache. These problems could be nausea, sensitivity to light and a throbbing pain in the head. Sometimes the headache acts on one side of the head, and other times you can feel the pain on both sides of the head at the same time.

The actual causes of migraine headaches has not been discovered as of yet, although there are a few theories as to why we experience migraine headaches. The most common theory is that a change in the blood flow within the brain is one of the trigger causes of migraine headaches. Another theory about migraine headache is that it could be caused by pain sensing nerve chemicals called neuropeptides.

Many medical professionals speculate that neuropeptides relax the smooth muscle that surrounds the cranial blood vessels. This relaxation causes the blood vessels to dilate. This blood vessel relaxation increases the flow of blood and other cranial fluid to the brain. This increase in fluids is thought to be the cause of migraine headaches.

These cranial fluids cause swelling, pain, sensitivity, tissue and blood vessel swelling during the time of migraine headaches. Some people think that the aura that is sometimes seen during a migraine headache is caused by the constriction of blood vessels that became dilated during the beginning phase of the migraine headache.

Another theory about the reason for migraine headaches has been associated with the genetics of inheritance. These theories say that a child of migraine sufferers will have a 50% chance of getting migraine headaches as well.

The chances of inheriting migraine headaches becomes even greater if both parents are sufferers from this painful kind of headache. If both parents have frequent migraine headaches the chances of the child inheriting migraine headache symptoms is about 70%.

Now even though many professionals think that inheritance plays a large part in migraine headaches the genes that may be considered as the causes of migraine headaches have not been identified or even isolated. When we begin to experience migraine headaches the only warning signs that we may receive are a throbbing pain in the temple area and slight sickness.

As the symptoms of your migraine progress, the pain of the headaches become much worse. Unfortunately, since the causes of migraine headaches have not been found and we dont know what triggers these attacks, there are no medications to cure these headaches yet.