Teen Depression Blog

Treatment for Depression and Anxiety

2010-07-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

As time moves on, doctors, scientists and medical professionals are better understanding health conditions. As you have likely noticed by now. The types of health conditions and mental afflictions seem to be endless. Fortunately most of them can be identified and treated accordingly. Often this is done with a prescription medication and/or certain daily practices. It is no big secret that people all over the world suffer from bouts of anxiety and depression. Of course the key is to identify these health conditions so they can be treated accordingly. On the bright side, there is more than one effective treatment for depression and anxiety.

Different people often require different treatments for their ailments. This is why there are several treatments for depression and anxiety. It is sometimes unknown what causes these mental conditions. However, facing them head on with the right therapy and medications is typically most effective. A few websites that can assist you with better understanding depression and anxiety are MoreForDepression.com, KnowMyDepression.com, and MidlandPsyTMS.com. Therefore you should be sure to check out these sites so your can get better acquainted with these mental illnesses, and find the right treatment for depression and anxiety to suit your needs.

One modern prescription drug that is a well-known treatment for depression and anxiety is called Cymbalta. More than likely you have seen the commercials for this drug. The purpose of Cymbalta is to make the symptoms of anxiety and depression much more mild and easy to deal with. Naturally this prescription drug works differently for different individuals, as do all medications. Another medication on the market today for anxiety and depression is Zoloft. This antidepressant may work in a similar fashion to Cymbalta, however, it is imperative to speak with a licensed physician in order to find out which one is right for you and your condition.

There are some obvious symptoms that can be recognized when it comes to anxiety and depression. If you are uncertain what these are, some of them are as follows; excessive sleeping, withdrawal from others, suicidal thoughts, uncontrollable sadness, not eating, body aches, and muscular fatigue. If you have a few or more of these symptoms, you may want to speak to your physician about depression. It is a possibility that you have this condition, which might call for an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. The last thing you want to do is simply avoid the issue altogether, and simply hope it subsides. This often makes things worse. WIth the advanced medications and treatments at your disposal today, it is certainly a possibility to get your anxiety and depression under control.

The Relationship Between Stress and Depression

2010-07-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Depression is a very common mental condition. It is often caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes a person sad for no particular reason. In some people, depression is always present, but they can self manage – that is, until something goes wrong in life and the depression flares up. For others, a daily medication helps with the problem and they feel fine. If you have depression, you may want to think about the link between stress and depression if you think there is no reason for your feelings.

Stress can be a good thing for the body and the mind. It puts us on alert that we have to do something different, tells us that a solution is needed, and can move us to make changes or choices that need to be made. However, stress can also turn bad when it becomes overwhelming, causing anxiety and a host of other issues that can hurt us both mentally and physically. It can make you sick, and there is a link between an overabundance of stress and depression. If you don't understand where your depression is coming from, take a look at the stress in your life.

You know you are under too much stress when you feel the burden of your worries throughout the day, and perhaps into the night when you should be sleeping. The stress is not causing you to find a solution, it may be overwhelming you to the point where you feel there is no easy solution. You may feel stuck in whatever situation you find yourself in. That type of stress, the type that leaves you feeling as if there is no way out and no end in sight, is the type that causes depression. Without a short term fix, stress and depression are going to go hand in hand.

In order to manage stress and depression, you have to do a few things, and they are not easy things. They seem easy, but for the person in the situation, there are no easy answers. The source of the stress has to go, and that is not always possible. Perhaps you have a problem child or are dealing with an illness in either yourself or someone you love. You may have issues at work, but you simply can not leave your job. This type of sticky situation can happen to anyone throughout life, and most deal with this type of inescapable stress at least once in life. Even happy and well adjusted folks get stuck in a stress rut once in a while.

If you have never felt that you were depressed, the feelings that come with overwhelming stress may feel new to you and you may not know what it is and why you are feeling the way that you do. Those that have stress and depression may simply be overwhelmed and the answers are easier than they seem. This is a great time to sort things out with the help of a therapist. Once you can separate your depression from the stress, or once you can connect the two, digging your way out is going to be so much easier.

Getting a Depression Diagnosis

2010-07-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

No one wants to know that they have a medical problem that can be chronic and debilitating. When you think of a diagnosis like this you may think of things like cystic fibrosis or cancer, but there are illnesses of the mind that can have a profound effect on your quality of life. Just as if you were diagnosed with cancer and you go out to get treatment to try to beat it, you should go out and get a depression diagnosis, if this is what ails you, to try to overcome it. Thankfully, depression is a lot easier to manage than cancer. However, that does not mean you should just let it go without getting help.

If you think of getting a depression diagnosis as someone labeling you with a mental illness, you may not want to do anything about it to avoid the stigma of it. However, depression is nothing more than another medical issue that needs to be managed. Don't let your impressions of those with depression affect your decision to get help. A depression diagnosis is not the end of the world. In fact, it may be the beginning of a whole new world of which you have never dreamed, a better life, and better relationships.

When you suspect that you are depressed, you can go see your doctor. They have a series of questions they are going to ask you to see if a depression diagnosis fits what you are feeling and going through. They will want to know about your eating and sleeping patterns, how you deal with problems, how you feel mentally throughout the day, if you have irregular aches and pains not associated with a medical condition or accident, and if there is a history of mental illness in your family. It is important to be honest about all of your answers so you know if the depression diagnosis is correct or not.

Your doctor may ask you may more questions, and some of them may not seem related to depression. Answer them honestly as well. They may be trying to rule out something else before they decide the depression diagnosis is right for you. Once they have decided that you are depressed, they may ask you about suicidal urges to better understand where you are in your depression. They can start you out on an antidepressant right away, and they may then refer you to a psychiatrist. They do this so because a psychiatrist is a specialist and can better help you manage or change medications as needed.

Along with medication, many doctors will recommend that you see a therapist when you get a depression diagnosis. This is because depression is tricky, and we often do not deal well with problems under depression like we would otherwise. A good therapist can help you sort out what is bothering you and help you find a whole new way to look at life and problems while the medication helps you with your depression symptoms. For most people, the powerful combination of the right dosage of the right medication and a good therapist is the positive change that those with a depression diagnosis need to turn their lives around.

Coping With Depression

2010-06-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

Depression can turn those that you love into someone you do not know any more. The person you love is still in there, but they are not likely to show you the fun and happy side of them that you may be use to. Coping with depression is hard for the person with the condition, but it can also be very stressful for those that love that person. If you know someone who is struggling with depression, there are some things you can do to help and there are also some things that you should never do. Your patience and understanding are essential if you want to help and be there for them.

Those coping with depression know that they are not themselves, but they really don't care, and they may not think that you care either. That is the horrible thing about depression. It changes and warps the outlook of the person suffering, and they may not even know they are depressed. They feel worthless, jaded, tired, sad, unmotivated, uninterested in anything, and possibly suicidal. This is very hard for them, and it is also very hard on you. Whatever you do, don't give up in them. Instead, learn to think differently to help them. Never, even tell someone with depression to 'snap out of it,' as that is just not possible.

You can remind them again and again how much they mean to you and how important they are in your life. You may feel like a broken record, but they need to hear this. They may act like they don't believe you, but if you are persistent, your actions will show them that you do care. Coping with depression means coping with the symptoms until someone can find a way to come out of the fog. Encourage them to see someone for help. Some people will rebel at the thought, but remember they fear the stigma of a mental illness. Remind them that millions suffer from depression and there is treatment that will make them feel better. It's a medical condition, just like having the flu.

One part of coping with depression in a loved one is knowing when things have gone from bad to worse. You may hear that someone who talks about suicide is just seeking attention, but that is not true. Someone talking about it is someone who has thought about it. They may not want to do it, but they may feel as if it is the only way to get away from the misery that they feel day in and day out. They have gone to a place in their mind where their death is a gift to everyone and that no one will care. If your loved on is talking about it, even indirectly, keep a close eye on them and call a suicide prevention line to get advice on how to help them.

You may discover the helping someone with severe depression is hard on you. Make sure you take some time for yourself. Also remember that the person in question is coping with depression and may have been for a very long time, and they don't know how to feel differently. You may have to do or say things that makes them mad in order to help them, but you have to avoid suicide at all costs. When they are better, and on the road to becoming the happy person you remember, they will thank you for all that you have done.

Am I Suffering from Depression

2010-04-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

There are times in just about everyone’s when the question, “Am I suffering from depression?” surfaces. The mere fact that you are asking yourself this question isn’t necessarily a reason to run out to get a prescription for an antidepressant. There are symptoms of depression to consider before opting for meds.

One morning, I found myself asking this very question. Am I suffering from depression just because I am pondering the notion? Not necessarily. There are things that factor into our everyday moods. Clinical depression is quite different from simply feeling down or out of sorts.

After considering the symptoms of depression, I determined that I was simply going through an emotional. I had to ask am I suffering from depression because of my sloping emotional state but I also had to consider other symptoms that come into play when a person is clinically depressed as well.

Am I suffering from insomnia? Am I sleeping too much? Do things that I used to enjoy no longer bring me pleasure? Am I irritable and cantankerous? Do I have thoughts about death or suicide that are overwhelming and consuming? Am I suffering from depression really?

The problem lies in the simple fact that people feel depressed from time to time. However, clinical depression is persistent. Others may tell you to snap out of it but when you are truly in a depressive state, it is impossible. There is also no real reason for the dark emotions, either.

Am I suffering from depression or am I going through a rough patch? Life changing events and tragedies like a death in the family or a divorce can spiral you into a dark chasm of dread and gloom. There is good reason for the emotions and feelings of dread. When those emotions become all encompassing, then you may want to seek help.

Basically, you have to ask yourself if your state of mind is interfering with your ability to function normally. Am I able to complete tasks as usual in spite of my current dreary outlook? Am I unable to maintain healthy relationships with coworkers, friends and family because of my mood? Am I suffering from depression really?

These questions are never easy to answer, especially when you are in the emotional throws of a life changing event. Talking to a professional is a good idea but remember to try and stay objective rather than letting your dreary feelings get in the way of a real diagnosis.

Taking Manic Depression Seriously

2010-04-04T18:13:00.001-07:00

Manic depression or Bipolar depression is actually considered as one of the worst type of depression that people usually suffer from.

Characterized by sudden and extreme changes in their mood, Manic depression is said to be called as such because manic = mania refers to the 'ups' while depression refers to the 'downs'.
A lot of people actually experience erratic changes in their moods, some times, these so-called mood swings may not just be caused by PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) or stress. Doctors actually have diagnosed mood swings as a common symptom of depression.

But when these so-called mood swings have gone to utmost absurdity, from getting irked even by the littlest or simplest of thins like not getting your favorite ice cream flavor, this may not be just a sign of brattiness, but when getting irked means you'll cuss and swear on the ice cream vendor and throw absurd tantrums, this may already be the start of Manic depression.The so-called 'manic' or 'ups' in Manic depression is described as to be the times when a person suffering from Manic depression may experience overly high periods, consisting of heightened energy, a sudden outburst of euphoric mood, extreme irritability, thoughts racing as well as aggressive behavior.
According to therapists, someone suffering from Manic depression may have these so-called manic 'periods' wherein sudden outbursts of euphoric and elevated mood swings may actually go through this for as long as not just a day, in can actually go on for as long as one week, even longer than that.

When it comes to the so-called 'low' or 'down' periods, as its name suggests can actually bring someone who is suffering from Manic depression may experience very similar symptoms to those who are suffering from actual depression. People who are suffering from Manic depression may actually experience episodes showing a depressed state of mind - a feeling of worthlessness and being unloved may start to corrupt the individual's mind. Various symptoms, showing guilt, extreme sadness, anxiety attacks, feeling of not belonging, extreme pessimism and obvious loss for pleasure. According to therapists, an individual who is depressed. consistently for more than a week can officially be diagnosed as someone who is suffering from Manic depression.

In spite of being one of the most common, yet severe type of depressive disorder, Manic depression, according to doctors can actually be treated. There's no reason to worry too much about it, just follow the proper procedures that the therapist will instruct you to do, take the proper prescribed medications as well as the proper dosage in order to help you (or your friend or love one) overcome Manic depression before it becomes too late. Also, individuals who are suffering from Manic depression should always be able to see their therapists on a regular basis so as to be able to release their pent up emotions to some one who can interpret and understand what they're going to a lot better as compared to "normal" people.

Although positive results for a Manic depressive patient can still be achieved from natural alternatives, a proper and a more lasting relief from Manic depressive symptoms can still be best acquired through seeing cognitive behavior therapists. Contrary to some beliefs, when it comes to psychiatric treatments, psychiatrists, preferably cognitive behavior therapists are still the best ones to consult for Manic depression, as well as the ones who'll most probably be able to cure Manic depression.

The Truth About Postpartum Depression

2010-04-04T18:10:00.001-07:00

Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields are currently engaging in a word war against each other because of a type of depression, called postpartum depression. Cruise's and Brooke's debacle started when Tom Cruise openly disapproved of Brooke Shield's personal choice of opting to take prescribed medicines to cure her postpartum depression, when he guested at the Today Show. According to Cruise, who is a popular devotee of Scientology (who believes that we can be cured through natural means and that taking medicine is doing our body harm), Brooke Shields should have instead, opted to cure her postpartum depression by doing healthy exercises. Adding that a lot of people have been misinformed about depression and how to actually cure this common illness.

But what is postpartum depression really? We've heard about it often enough, yet are we really sure that we know enough about it for us to actually understand this illness in order for us to help ourselves as well as others? Being pregnant should really be a source of joy for everyone, especially the mother to be, who for nine months, will actually have living being grow from inside of her. Unfortunately, there is another side to this joyous occasion, being pregnant means that you and your body will have to get used to some adjustments for you to have a safe pregnancy. Smoking, alcohol, strenuous activities as well as stress should be avoided at all cost. A healthy baby means having a healthy mother as well. But given that you have been able to successfully avoided all these bad habits for your baby to be, childbirth is a whole different thing, as much as we may try to avoid it, there are still some unfortunate cases wherein the mother's as well as the baby's life might be in danger.

But there's actually more, postpartum depression actually happens after childbirth. Although it's quite common and a lot of women have learned to how to deal with it as well as successfully treat it (like Brooke Shields), it is still quite avoidable. Postpartum depression is actually a lot like depression, but only new moms are the possible victims of this illness. There are actually a lot possible reasons why postpartum depression occurs:

Childbirth as we all know is not as easy as pie, actual physical stress from giving birth is one of the main reasons why postpartum depression occurs. Next postpartum depression trigger is massive changes is hormonal levels. A lot of moms-to-be who were hesitant about bearing a child are also more susceptible to postpartum depression, those who are not ready to be a mother yet are more easily to get depressed as opposed to happy and excited moms-to-be.

When postpartum depression happens, it really is best to go to the doctor immediately. Aside from obviously having ill-effects for the new mother, postpartum depression can prove to be harmful to the child as well. New mothers who are suffering from postpartum depression may be harboring ill feelings toward their children. Their are actually some cases of murder wherein postpartum depression has been cited as the reason. Mothers who suffer from postpartum depression may blame their child for their weight gain, thus feeling like they've become less attractive and unloved. It is really best to consult a reputable cognitive behavior therapist to take care of your postpartum woes, your therapist may prescribe medications to help cure postpartum depression as well as therapy sessions to help relieve whatever pent emotions that you may have.

High School Teachers - Our Main Hope in Fighting Adolescent Depression and Suicide

2010-03-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

As acronyms go, this one is a little snarky, a little sad: Headsss. Teachers around the country, not to mention social workers, all who deal with adolescents, and are responsible for them in a professional capacity, are taught to pay attention to this little number. It is about how those that need to care for an adolescent in a certain capacity, need to always learn to ask the children in their care, questions that touch a number of areas, all covered by the letters of the acronym. The first, H, of course, is the most important - it stands for Home, for everything that happens there. The E stands, variably, for education and employment that the teenager engages in. The A reminds the caretaker to ask about the activities that interest and involve the child, and the D, about trouble with drugs if there be any. In the end, the three S's stand for safety, sex life, and sadly, suicidal thoughts. Of course, only a few teachers in our educational system usually have the time for such unusually involved questions; but a psychiatrist would surely be required to ask these in any standard case of adolescent depression, or other problems.

A teacher is our first line of defense. A lot of the time, probing questions to a young teenager will be met with an anxious exhortation: "If I tell you, how can I be sure that you won't tell anyone else?" It might be a judgment call with some, but most teachers would say that over the long run, to simply tell the truth helps establish more trust, openness and productivity in any session. Sometimes, a teacher has to ask the parent to provide the child with a bit of privacy, to help the child say it all. And the ground rule, the child has to know, will be that unless the secret shared is something deeply dangerous to the child's life, it won't leave the room.

Once all the formalities are out of the way, most caring teachers essentially begin any kind of questioning with a kind of screening for depression; adolescent depression is shockingly high in the rate at which it occurs. Most young people, are so caught up in their visions of their own resilience and strength, that they will all flat out deny that they need any help for being sad or depressed. However, when the teacher words it differently, using the vernacular of the young, they almost always get better results. A word that seems to work with young people these days, is "Stress". It may not mean to them exactly what it says in the dictionary, but it brings results.

Adolescent depression does not really look like adult depression. A lot of the kids who commit suicide are not depressed in the same way adults are. We may fail to recognize it because it may come through as recklessness - a wish to do whatever comes to their mind at the moment, or anger, or disappointment, or sometimes even as vengefulness. When teachers get these signs from their young students, they need to make their assessment right and see if there is suicide on the horizon. If it is, they can follow the protocol, and create a safety plan with the child whether or not they openly admit to suicidal thoughts. Teachers today are the bulwarks who have been protecting our children. This may not sound very hopeful, considering how poorly paid and overworked they are. But there you have it.

Prozac may no Longer be the Right Treatment for Depression

2010-03-16T19:29:00.000-07:00

Anyone looking for a treatment for a moderate case of the depression, knows the first stop to make - antidepressants. One isn't really sure how, every professional out there could have come to think otherwise, but research conclusively says now, that antidepressants are really no use, in any but the deepest cases of depression. No better than a placebo. They tried this study with two popular antidepressants, Paxil and Imipramine. Paxil is quite new, a drug that belongs to a class of medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). It is surprising that they should find this out now; the FDA wouldn't have passed this drug for the market unless it proved itself to be far better than a placebo. The placebo test of course, is something researchers try on patients, to see if a new drug is really effective. They give a group of patients the drug deal they are er trying to test, and they give another group of patients, something that looks like the drug being tested, but is really a sugar pill. The real drug, is supposed to prove itself to be far better than the sugar pill. But when the mind believes that it is being given the real drug, sometimes the body believes it's too. And reacts by curing itself. Even if the drug being given as just a sugar pill. A new drug, to be passed, needs to be proven better than a placebo.

However, antidepressant treatment does really work for patients who have a very serious case of it. Studying people who battle deep depression every day of their lives, the researchers try to use a scoring system to place on a scale how depressed subjects in the study really are. They found that antidepressants actually helped patients with depression that hovered around the top of the scale at 24, quickly drop down halfway down the scale, to around 12. The people on the placebo, could only claim half that kind of improvement. But study subjects who come in with a case of depression that rates no higher than, say 20 on the scale, improve no better on the drugs than they do on the placebo. This entire study is beginning to give doctors and scientists something to think about in the way they understand the standard treatment for depression.

So why is it, the scientists ask, that antidepressants don't work on people with anything less than a serious case of depression? There have been studies done on mice, that seem to help explain the problem. Antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft, usually work by helping the brain manufacture more of the happiness hormone serotonin, in the very depths of the brain. If the area of the brain that actually manufactures it, is kind of saturated with the receptors for this hormone, it no longer responds to any treatment for depression with antidepressant drugs. There are no ready-made answers on how to proceed from here. Scientists are trying to genetically engineer mice that have brains with different levels of serotonin receptors in different areas of the brain. And dialing down the number of receptors in an area, right away sets the brain up to be more responsive to Prozac. That's where research is headed now in helping people respond better to treatment for depression.

Depression And Anxiety

2010-02-28T23:08:00.000-08:00

There are moments in everyone's life when it appears nothing is going right.

Your outlook on life, and your general disposition, will most likely dictate how you handle these eventualities. While some people stand up and fight their way thru any problem, there are others who can't handle the mounting pressures and disgruntlements. In the final analysis, depression and anxiety take over, leaving them feeling defenseless and unhappy. Depression and anxiety are sometimes internal as well as external. You aren't always a puny person if you're susceptible to either one, and you will just require some additional support. There's no problem with this, and most people need a hand occasionally. You learn coping abilities from your folks as you grow from a young kid to an adult, and if they were subject to depression and anxiety, it could be something that you learned. There's help out there for those that are usually feel episodes of depression and anxiety.

There are a few medicines you can get from your health practitioner that can help you lighten your mood, and feel more positive about life generally. These tablets are commonly taken every day, and work quite well for some people.

It might take two weeks before you are feeling the effect of the tablet, but you may shortly see your outlook on life has modified moderately and you start to address depression and anxiety in a more positive demeanour. You may also try natural cures for depression and anxiety, but you need to remember to chat to your GP before taking any herb or other natural treatment. These are pretty often safe, but if you're taking other medicines, there's a chance they may interact and cause you harm.

Even the most innocuous herbs might have significant complications if mingled with other medicines. Diet and exercise are also great cures for depression and anxiety for some people. It is not a panacea for deepening unhappiness, but it can help increase your mood, and improve your health. Exercise releases endorphins. This is your body's natural way of causing you to feel good. Eating better foods in your diet could also cause you to feel more invigorated, and you can find yourself better able to cope with life's fears. Never be scared to find help if your depression and anxiety appear to be getting the best of you. It isn't making you a puny or valueless person, it just suggests that you are overwhelmed and don't know the way to cope. You can be confounded how quick a certified pro can help lift your depression and anxiety to sufferable levels. They can also teach you coping ability for the future.

Natural cures for depression.

2010-02-28T23:02:00.000-08:00

Depressive disorder is affecting millions of American citizens. This mood disorder can meddle with a person's's ability to function on a regular basis. Some folk find help from their surgeon who prescribes anti-depressants. others like to find natural remedies for depression.

Amino acid additions are nutritive additions that are commonly used as one of the natural remedies for depression. These are taken together with other way of living alteration including diet changes as well as other minerals and vitamins. These natural remedies for depression don't yield wonderful results alone but they have shown extremely excellent results when used together in an overall program. Some of us have had achievement in conquering episodes of depression without the amino acid additions. These people revealed that mineral and vitamin care were perfect natural remedies for depression. Folk can become depressed if they suffer from mineral and vitamin inadequacies. These people fair well simply using additions to replace the deficient elements in their systems.

Vitamin B6 is a typically used supplement that's among the hottest of the natural remedies for depression. This vitamin works alongside the body's nerve system in the processing of serotonin. Serotonin is firmly linked to depressive disorder. Some people who've got a serotonin imbalance may feel great relief from taking vitamin B6. Folic acid is another part that may be efficacious in the handling of depressive states. A lack in folic acid could be a consequence of stress ( both physical and mental ) or unnecessary alcohol consumption. Adding folic acid to your natural remedies for depression may yield superb results. Other minerals and vitamins that are used as natural remedies for depression include vitamin B12, vitamin C and magnesium. Each of these minerals and vitamins are critical in helping the body function usually. Balance in mood is usually the results of a body which has enough nutriments.

Other natural remedies for depression come in the form of herbal additions.

2 popular herbs that are used to treat depressive disorder are St. John's Wort and Ginko. These 2 herbs have been reported to elevate mood as well as boost energy in numerous people. Many people would prefer to avoid tablets and additions all the way around. These people seek other natural remedies for depression. Light care is a helpful treatment for certain types of depressive states. An individual who is afflicted with seasonal depression could find great relief from employing light treatment in the winter months.

Depression is a major condition. Ensure that you discuss these natural remedies for depression with your surgeon before attempting to handle the condition yourself. Nobody should experience a depressive state alone.

Decent Cures for Depression

2010-02-28T22:56:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel down in the dumps? Possibly like you can't go on another day? Hey, I've got a great idea that will cure everything. Go to a strip joint! Okay, just a small joke there. No but seriously, depression can hit some folks out of no where and this is often a melancholic state that can't be cured by vast amounts of chocolate. Depression is more serious than most folks care to think about. This is why valid cures for depression are essential in this day and age. The question is; do you suffer from depression and what cure is right for you? It's time to find out.

Many parents are unaware that their child is a victim of depression. Some signs you may want to look for include, sleeping a lot, avoiding others, lack of appetite, quick temper, failure to socialize with peers. These are all common symptoms of depression. Then again, your kid could just be a Treki. I hear they also have similar symptoms. Anyway, what you need to discover now are cures for depression. This is where your PC or Mac will come in handy. There are loads of concepts and cures for depression found in cyberspace. However, this may not be enough. Some individuals require more intense and extensive treatment that can only be provided by a professional. If you are a parent with a teenage or smaller child who suffers from severe depression, it is your parental duty to seek assistance for them. On the other hand, if you have a friend, who you know is depressed; it's advisable to seek help on their behalf. The truth of the matter is they probably will not take the initiative and seek out cures for depression on their own.

Back in college, I had a dear friend that suffered from depression due to his overall life. He felt that he had nothing to live for. Before I had the chance to seek cures for depression, he had already taken his own life. I must admit that I felt somewhat responsible for his grim actions. In the back of my mind I never thought he would resort to such a thing. This is where so many of us make the common mistake. Get help for your loved ones if they suffer from depression. Decent cures for depression are out there. Take the initiative today.

The Best Treatment for Major Depression

2010-02-28T22:46:00.000-08:00

Back in high school, a classmate of mine took his own life. The entire school was shocked and saddened by this tragic event. Rumor had it, he had fallen into a state of major depression when his girlfriend broke up with him and simply let it destroy his emotional state of mind. On any given day, 5% of the adult population suffers from major depression. Twice as many women than men suffer from this horrible illness. Major depression is much more severe than just a temporary sadness or mood swing. It can take over your entire life. It can affect your health, moods and everyday activities. Marriages and friendships can fall apart. Jobs are lost. People lose touch with who they are and what their purpose truly is. It is the leading cause of disability for adults.

Major depression can hit at any age and there isn't just one particular cause of it. Of course, certain traumatic events in one's life can easily bring an onset of major depression anytime. A death, an illness or a major life event can create lots of stress and depression for many people. Doctors and scientists have concluded that depression is biological and chemical, which also means that there is treatment for this illness. In fact, depression is very treatable as long as you are willing to seek help and reach out to others. Reaching out to others or to a professional is imperative in moving forward and returning yourself to being healthy once again.

The best treatment for major depression is therapy. Medication is a common and wonderful method of treating depression but therapy allows people to reach out and get help. Medication alone cannot help a person determine what an underlying cause could be for the illness or help to figure out some solutions. Major depression is not an issue to be taken lightly or be ignored. When left untreated, people can end up having harmful thoughts and wanting to end their own life. If you suspect that someone is having issues with depression, talk to them. Convince them to get some treatment. Let them know that they are not alone. In fact, they are in great company. It saddens me to know how many people suffer from major depression on any given day. I know that some of them suffer in silence, afraid to reach out to someone to seek help. It isn't something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. It's an illness that can be treated. Don't let it affect your life, take control of it before it controls you.

Is Someone You Know Dealing With Depression?

2010-02-17T18:55:00.000-08:00

Depression is a part of life for many people. Some get treatment for it and some refuse to admit they have issues that may necessitate medical attention. If you know someone who is dealing with depression, you have to deal with it also. If this is the case in your life, there are some things that you should think about when dealing with that person, and some choices that you may have to make. It is never easy to help someone, but you can be sure to help yourself so you do not end up depressed as well. You can help someone live a better life as they try to do so themselves.

Dealing with depression in a loved one is never easy. They are not the same person that you know and love when they are depressed. Even worse, unless you have experienced depression on your own, there is no way to understand how that person is feeling. It is easy to tell someone to snap out of it or to get over it, but that is not what depression is about. This is a medical condition that often needs medication to turn it around. If you try to bully someone dealing with depression into being happier, you are only going to push them away and make things worse.

If someone you love is dealing with depression that is greatly effecting them and how they feel all of the time, you want to take care of yourself as you are taking care of them. You do not have to be cooped up in the house if that is what they are doing to themselves. You can and should take some time to get out of the house to do something that you love. If you do not, you may be in danger of becoming depressed as well. Do what you can to help them, but remember that you can not change everything for them and that you have to take care of your own mental health in the process.

Ask for help dealing with depression if someone you love is not the same person that they use to be. Some with depression will not do much more than sit around the house, cry, and feel sick. These are all symptoms of major depression. You can find great information about how to help them and to make sure you are okay as well. You may even want to talk to a doctor, even if you can not get them to go see one, about depression and what it means to them, you, and your family. At times, you may have to intervene to get someone to get the help that they need.

At times, depression can quickly lead to suicidal thoughts. If you find that you fear someone dealing with depression is thinking about taking their life, you should do something as soon as you can. You can call 911 for help, or you can call a suicide hot line to get advice on what you should do next. Some say that those that talk about suicide are not really going to do that, but that is a myth. Some may half heartedly want you to stop them, and some may not even realize what they are saying or doing. Never hesitate to do something if you think someone dealing with depression is thinking about ending their life. They may be mad at you when you do something, but that does not matter. Their health and life are what matter in the end.

The Best Natural Cures For Depression

2010-01-17T01:53:00.000-08:00

If you suffer with prolonged depression, you'll be in for a long ride before you're feeling better. The commonest depression treatments are antidepressant tablets. These change your cerebral cortex chemistry to cause you to feel better, and it's got to be declared that they work quicker than any other treatment. But there's a down side to this. Unlike natural remedies for depression, these tablets do not address the base causes of depression. In the near term, they would cause you to feel miles better, but in the long run, the depression might return after you stop taking the pills.

They won't make you live your life in a way that makes you chuffed, they'll simply prevent you from feeling the following anguish from the decisions that you make. Many natural cures for depression are no better. Many of them involve drugs like 5-htp which are called natural because they come from plants or sold over the counter. As for St. John's Wart, although it is a natural treatment for depression, it isn't much different to the pharmaceutical cures. It is just an herbal mood suppressant which you should buy in any herbal store. If you're just going to pop some tablet into your mouth, why go for any of the natural treatments for depression in the 1st place? Why not pop a tablet which has been rigorously examined by the drug corporations rather than some herb that might or might not have been packed under safe conditions.

The best natural remedies for depression involve no herbal treatment.

They would involve nutritive additions, but generally this is only some of it. Support is the most universally accepted of all the natural cures for depression. If your depression isn't primarily based on a straightforward chemical inequality in the brain, than a good specialist will do wonders in helping you to shed it totally.

Naturally, analysis can take a large amount of time, but it is worthwhile. You get to heal your depression by actually getting familiar with yourself and working out what's wrong in your life and the way to change it. Another of the finest natural cures for depression is meditation. Meditation, particularly when mixed with handy exercise, and an active social life, can do great things for curing your depression. Frequently there isn't any better solution to clear up the issue.

COULEE CONSUMER: Who is more important to teens -- parents or peers?

2009-12-27T19:18:00.000-08:00

In addition, friends are a much-needed source of social support during adolescence and can serve as a protective factor against teen depression and suicide.Parental opportunities to influence their child's friendship choices occur before, as well as throughout, adolescence. Parents can influence their children's friendship choices by where they choose to live, the schools they choose for their children to attend, their parenting practices and the values they instill in their children from the earliest stages of life.All these parental choices can have a powerful and lasting (although indirect) influence on the friends that their children choose during the adolescent years.Parents faced with the unique challenges presented by their child's adolescence can benefit from new knowledge and learning specific to that age period � as well as support from others experiencing similar issues.Stephen Small, human development and family relations specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Extension and director of the UW-Madison Center for Excellence in Family Studies and Rebecca Mather, a UW-Madison graduate student are conducting a study of parents of preteens and teens age 11-16 who are interested in learning more about raising teenagers.

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Interview: Of Montreal

2009-12-20T19:16:00.000-08:00

I'm not transported back to the time of me and Nina breaking up, to all of the horrible anxiety and depression and paranoia that was going on at that time. Somehow it sort of formed into something different, it's like a different animal now; it's hard to put into words what that means to me. It doesn't really have less value, it just has different value-- you know, it's a different thing. And so, when you perform it every night, and you associate it with this glam, crazy, colorful, avant-garde circus or whatever the hell we're doing now, those songs still fit into it in a weird way. Because the density of the songs or the subject matter is definitely in touch with the complexity of the human spirit.

I don't want it just to be a completely vacuous party all the time. I like the fact that there are these deeper elements that speak to the complexities of the human mind and the human experience.

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Teen Depression Can Lead to Self-Harm and Mutilation

2009-12-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

Are you aware if your teen purposely injures herself? Teen depression or anxiety can trigger this response to stress, and you might not even know about it.

Self-harm is difficult to imagine, but some teens who are have depression or anxiety disorder use it as a way to release painful emotions.

If your teen is injuring herself, it's imperative that you seek help. Here is some background on self-injury.

It mostly affects women between the ages of 13 and 30, but men are also likely to react this way to painful depression and anxiety. They will use any object they can find to inflict pain on themselves. This includes cutting with razors, scissors, broken glass, pieces of sharp metal, needles or whatever else they can find.

A sure sign that your teen is injuring herself is any repeated cuts on her arms, legs, hands, wrists and elsewhere. Some injuries are minor and heal quickly, while others can be severe enough to cause permanent scarring and possibly require medical treatment.

While the majority of people who self-harm are not suicidal, there are some who are, so this should not be ruled out.

The big question is why do they take such drastic action against themselves?

Disruptive family life, trauma and sexual abuse are some of the more common reasons why teens self-harm. It is their way of relieving the anger and inner turmoil that results from these disruptions. While it might appear to be a method to gain attention, cutting is actually something that teens do in private, away from view.

In fact, unless you happen to see your teen with her arms or legs exposed, chances are you will never know that she has injured herself repeatedly.

Any negative emotions can trigger the self-harm, which makes it that much more difficult to pin down. One such emotion is the idea that she needs to punish herself for guilt that she feels. Other possible causes include bipolar disorder, obsessive thinking, eating disorders, and aggressive behavior.

Cutting offers a distraction from the real pain that's going on inside her. Emotional pain can be much more unbearable than a few cuts. In fact, cutting provides a sense of relief, although temporary.

Resolving the self harm means getting to the root of the problem that is causing the emotional pain. If the teen has suffered sexual abuse or is having difficulty coping with chaos in the family, these issues must be addressed by a doctor or other medical professional.

If your teen is experiencing unbearable anxiety, which can come from any number of sources including school and peer pressure, this too much be treated to prevent more serious problems arising in the future.

Cutting is a sure sign that your teen has not learned how to deal with various life experiences and the stress they bring. It is important for your teen to learn good coping skills so that this problem does not repeat itself.

What you can do

Teaching your teen alternative ways of coping is imperative because once she starts cutting, it becomes almost addictive and extremely difficult for her to break the habit.

Seek professional help as soon as you realize there is a problem. Find someone who will help her to establish a more positive attitude about herself and her options. Do whatever you can to help build her confidence and self esteem. Offer your support. Open the door for non-judgmental communication where she can share her concerns. Talk therapy is an extremely beneficial coping mechanism.

It's important to stay positive about the healing process. Some teens will recover quickly, while others will take longer. Although you might not see results on the outside, you can be sure something good is happening on the inside.

Discover the underlying causes that trigger teen depression. Sylvia's new ebook, "Understanding Adolescence: A Guide to Teenage Depression & Suicide" fills in the details, including the biological changes teens experience as they transition between childhood and adulthood. Get more anxiety relief and depression help.

Anger and depression sometimes go hand in hand

2009-12-16T23:30:00.000-08:00

Millions upon millions of people suffer from clinical depression. Depression is sometimes a difficult diagnosis and may involve a number of components and trigger events. The causes of depression are many and varied, ranging from genetic predispositions to disease, aging, traumatic events such as the death of a loved one or divorce, along with hormonal imbalances and drug or alcohol abuse.

If you approach your physician for help, he or she will attempt to determine the root cause of your depression and may recommend psychological counseling, as well as a prescription anti-depressant. A person who suffers from depression may not be able to describe what events have brought them to this condition. Seldom does the physician make an inquiry in to a possible link between suppressed anger and depression.

The current crop of anti-depressive drugs carry a host of side effects that should not be taken lightly. There are a number of physicians who have conducted long term studies on the effects of these drugs and have concluded that the cure may be worse than the illness. Most anti-depressant drugs come with a warning against suicidal tendencies, as a result of taking the drug that is supposed to relieve the depression! While you may have a legitimate diagnosis of depression, these drugs may not be the answer.

Psychological counseling may prove valuable, but it's a long, hard road to a normal state. Often overlooked, there is a definite link between anger and depression. While this link is not always at the root, if you are diagnosed with depression, it's worth your time to do a little investigation on your own. Psychologists and psychiatrists are skilled in ferreting out the thoughts behind your depression, but they are not mind readers. You know yourself better than anyone. You might well do yourself a favor with a little self analysis.

Anger and depression often do go hand in hand. People who have suffered any of the traumatic events described above may understandably feel anger. In our society, we're trained to 'keep a stiff upper lip' in ties of adversity. However, this does not negate the anger that naturally accompanies these life changing circumstances. We are taught to suppress anger at all costs. When we suppress such volatile emotions, where do they go? We internalize them. While trying to put a fresh and cheerful face forward in society, the anger and depression only grows, without expression.

If you have suffered the death of a family member, you will naturally be depressed. This is universally understood. What is not common knowledge is that you may experience anger, of the dark-night-of-the-soul variety. You may be angry at the world, unable to understand why life has dealt you this blow. Depression ensues.

If you suffer from diseases associated with aging, you may be simply tired of the physical pain you suffer, day in and day out, with no relief in sight. Physical pain fosters anger, with no viable outlet. There's no one to blame, not even yourself. While you may feel angry, your anger is all dressed up with nowhere to go. This is yet another recipe for anger and depression.

Before you accept a prescription for an anti-depressant, make an analysis of the sources of your depression. Suppressed anger and depression do sometimes go hand in hand. If anger plays a major role in your depressed state, share that information with a counselor. Getting that anger out in the open may help you relieve some of the symptoms of your depression.

Sex abuse among kids high

2009-12-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

Others problems include substance abuse, increased anxiety, depression, teen pregnancy, eating disorders, obesity, smoking, infertility and childbirth difficulties.

A 2001 study calculated sexual abuse of children costs New Zealand up to $2.4 billion a year when health, mental health and legal fees are added to losses in earnings and the potential losses to a person's lives.

Womens Refuge and Sexual Assault Resource Centres receive 50 percent of their finances from Child Youth and Family (CYF) and the Ministry of Social Development.

Blenheim centre manager Rachel Black said the balance was raised in the community, keeping services free to victims.

Refuges aim their services at women 17 years and older. Younger girls or boys will be referred to CYF; men are advised to look elsewhere for support.

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Showdown: VP Nominee Style

2009-12-13T19:15:00.000-08:00

Seriously, she makes Miss Teen USA South Carolina 2007 look like she has a future in linguistics. Hell, even some members of her own party want her to drop out. On the positive side for Republicans, the bar is so low for Governor Palin - despite Democrats trying to raise expectations so she falls short - that it should be nearly impossible for her to have a bad showing compared to her recent colossal train wreck of an interview. Warning for Democrats, she did well in her Gubernatorial debates, so maybe it's simply where she shines.

2.) Senator Biden has made some truly inane statements as of late. His greatest hits include saying that FDR handled the Great Depression by going on television to speak to the nation, comments he made to Governor Richardson during a Democratic Primary Debate, insisting that Hillary Clinton might be more qualified than him for the Vice-Presidency, and his list goes on and on as well.

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CURRENTLY PLAYING October 2, 2008

2009-12-06T19:14:00.000-08:00

Solo artist Kristina Wong unveils a string of imaginative surprises as she supposedly examines the high rates of depression and suicide among Asian American women. She darts around this grim subject with the kind of meta-theatrical wit that creates one of the funniest shows in town and engenders a level of audience participation that’s enthusiastic without becoming embarrassing. Then she ends with a sobering coda -- another kind of surprise after all the laughs. It’s a wild ride, and Wong’s a magnetically energizing artist. TeAda Productions is the host. Miles Playhouse, Santa Monica. (310) 998-8765. teada.org. Closes Oct. 5.

Wicked. Teal Wicks and Erin Mackey now play Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in the long-running musical steamroller about the formative years of Oz’s Wicked Witch and Glinda.

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Updated 10/7: PEP gives encouragement, guidance to parents

2009-11-29T19:13:00.000-08:00

In the beginning, PEP consisted of roughly 15 parents, who got together to discuss issues such as teen drinking, depression and discipline, as well as how to maintain a good relationship with their teens.

Over time, PEP decided it would be productive to bring in professionals to contribute to the group. McClain began talking with District 86 Superintendent Nicholas Wahl, who openly accepted PEP into the district's Parent Teacher Organization last fall.

"District 86 is a big proponent of reaching out not just to students, but to the entire school community to promote lifelong learning," Wahl said.

With Wahl's help, PEP was able to recruit speakers who touched on topics such as addiction, the raising of capable teens in the 21st century and the joys of parenting.

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A safe alternative

2009-11-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

Too many times parents struggling because of money issues or depression have murdered their children. They have felt that they had nowhere to turn. If all safe haven laws were amended to allow parents to turn their children over to hospitals, no matter the age of the child, more lives could be saved.

Nebraska is the only state that got it right.

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Treating Depression

2009-11-19T22:47:00.000-08:00

Medical care suppliers can look after depressed folk. A surgeon, for one, has coaching in treating psychiatric defects.

The same applies with the surgeon helper and the nurse consultant. If the case is dreadful, these medical care suppliers will immediately refer the patient to psychological health experts. The psychological fitness experts are composed from the following : psychiatrist, trick cyclist, a psychiatric nurse consultant and even a social employee. The psychiatrist offers treatment and diagnosis for psychological and psychiatric patients. A therapist, on the other hand, is trained for support, mental exam and psychotherapy. The social employee knows support to a certain degree, whereas a registered nurse who has taken masterals in psychiatric nursing can help out the patient. A physical examination will be carried out as well as some lab tests. Depression, being a sickness, needs amazing emotional support from the family. A relation must go with the patient on doctor visits to give the second a lift. In the course of the visit, the doctor will figure out if the case is serious, mild or moderate.

Depression is serious if the person experiences all of the symptoms and if it keeps him from doing all his daily activities. Moderate, if the person has plenty of the symptoms that it hampers his activities. It's a real sickness, and so the patient wants all of the help and attention he'll get. As said previously, you aren't alone in this problem. With correct care, more than eighty p.c of those suffering from major depression experience important improvement. Even those going through dreadful depression can helped. Here are some treatments for depression issues : Psychotherapy There are plenty of types and techniques of healing approaches used in treating depression. Approaches also include psychodynamic and family approaches. Both the individual as well as group modalities have been used commonly, but these rely on the seriousness of one's depression, the finance resources of the person, and resources that are available domestically.

Maybe the most prominent treatment in treating depression, the cognitive behaviour care is frequently used for handling the condition. there was intensive research and medical research that conducted to test or appraise the safety as well as the efficacy in treating depression using this kind of treatment. Considered the daddy of cognitive behaviour treatment, many written studies and books support this kind of treatment.

Cognitive behavior care uses easy strategies that focus basically on the patient's negative thought patterns. An individual affected by depression may from time to time use these cognitive distortions, setting fire to the condition.

Making the patient find out about how their depression problem might be a consequence of thinking in cognitive distortions is normally the subsequent step. Due to this kind of care, cognitive-behavioral care is sometimes short term ( usually lasts as long as twelve sessions or 2 only ) and best suits individuals that are experiencing some type of trouble that's related to the depression they're having. People that are able to deal with a problem employing a viewpoint that's unique and therefore are most likely cognitively-oriented could also do way under this approach. Interpersonal care, on the other hand, is also a treatment on a short term basis used in treating depression. In this kind of treatment, the focus generally lies on the social relations of the patient and establish tactics in improving these relations. It is strongly assumed that to improve the general contentment of an individual ( or the patient in the case ), he wants to have a stable and good social support. When an individual's relations become unhealthy, the person would most likely suffer because of this problem.

This care approach then tries to improve one's talents in social relations, expression of their feelings, assertiveness, and communication talents. This kind of approach is generally done individually but occasionally may be employed also in a setting for group treatment. Folks being treated under an individual approach are often lured and inspired to complete homework assignments between sessions. If the individual is incapable yet to take part treatment sessions actively, then their specialist might be the one to first supply the patient an environment that supports her or him till the medicine starts to help improve their state of feelings and mind. Psychodynamic or psychoanalytic approaches in treating depression now don't have much research to advocate their use. Though there are some consultants that might use psychodynamic idea in helping conceptualize a patient's personality, there are some issues raised on how this can turn out to be an efficient and effective depression treatment.

Couples or family treatment may be considered if the depression of the patient directly is affecting family relations. These kinds of care target the interpersonal relations among family members. The roles of the family members in a patient's depression may be inspected. Education about the depression problem generally might also be used as an element of the family care.

Medicine The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) has licensed many medicines for treating depression. These drugs have been sorted into classes, each medicine has a completely unique chemical structure which acts on diverse chemicals present in the brain. It's necessary to recollect that all medicines licensed by the DFA to treat depression are efficient and advocated - they just don't work a similar effect for everyone. You may want to closely work with the doctor in figuring out which drug is the best for your condition. Often, conditions may involve having more than only one medicine, some work with a mix of medications. This is crucial : don't change your medicine or can your dosage without asking your GP.

There Is A Natural Remedy For Depression

2009-11-19T22:44:00.000-08:00

If you've ever been fighting depression, how often has a chum or co-worker told you to snap out of it and thought they were clearing up the problem. Well depression isn't like that. It's a very rooted problem that won't be cured overnite with some straightforward recommendation from somebody that's not working with your real feelings. But that's to point out that an answer to depression can be improved with the way that you think and live your everyday life. Positive Thinking Negative thinking can play such an overpowering feeling in being depressed. One of the natural cure for depression is positive thought. I know from private experiences that destructive thoughts can be tricky to shake off. They're often consistently there in your intellect causing me to feel depressed. And you can not sleep because you are depressed. When you can't sleep you get exhausted.

Exhausted and depressed. Worse, it's a dangerous cycle to be in.

Everything that occurs during your day becomes depressing and you look for the negatives of everything around you. It is virtually impossible to see any of the positives. Medicine might be the answer for someone that's diagnosed as having say, a chemical disparity, but the power of thought can be terribly robust if you practice positive thinking. You want to inform yourself to have less bad days and more of the coolest ones. Positive thought is a particularly forceful natural treatment for depression. Try this. The very first thing that you consider when you wake in the morning and your last thoughts when you head off to bed at night should be about all the good stuff that have occurred to you this day and each other.

If it helps maybey write down all these things and keep a copy beside your bed to use as a reminder. Keep adding to it when something positive happens to you. We often forget what we already have and become extremely ungrateful. Giving gratitude to what we already have is a good way the think positively and it's a good natural treatment for depression. Exercise begin to exercise, even if it's a casual walk. Exercise could be a great natural cure for depression. The sole disadvantage is that when you're in a state of depression you do not feel just like you've got the energy to exercise.

You have to bump yourself and though it is going to be tough to start, once you start you may find the energy. The more energetic the exercise the better you'll feel. Diet Ultimately, eat the best food you will find. Dispose of the junk food and preprocessed food. Have a good diet including a lot of fruit and veg. You may be extremely shocked at how much better you may feel in a short space of time and how much more energy you'll have.

Budget woes put public-health agencies on critical list

2009-11-08T19:08:00.000-08:00

When Laurice Slaughter was first teamed up with a nurse, she was hardly a model of maternal promise: an unemployed teen who more often slept on other people's couches than in her own bed. But for two years, public-health nurse Erika Boyd has visited her every two weeks without fail, guiding her through an emergency C-section, postpartum depression, single parenthood and homelessness — not to mention a neophyte mother's general inexperience.

Today mother and daughter live in a subsidized apartment in Pioneer Square, and Slaughter, at 20, is hoping to enroll in community college next year. She wouldn't be the mother she is without the help she's received, she said. "I wouldn't be here right now." The funding crisis has added urgency to calls by community advocates and public-health officials for a stable revenue source to replace the lost car-tax money once and for all.

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Warning Signs Of Adolescent Depression

2009-11-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

Issues like depression may affect the standard of living for your teen, and may even affect their physical health. If you believe that your teen might be depressed, look for the signs described in this piece. It is perfectly normal for a teenager to remain up late and to need to sleep in well into the following day.

This isn't an angle problem, but a rewiring of their brains that drives them to these'abnormal' hours. They'll return to'normal' as time goes on. What's not ordinary is a teenager that sleeps all of the time, heading off to bed early, sleeping late, and retiring for snoozes. While these might be indications of other issues, they may also be indications of depression. Absence of energy - Notwithstanding all that additional sleep, does your teen still appear fatigued or tired a lot of the time? Low energy and tons of sleep might be signals of a difficulty with the thyroid, it may be another thing altogether, or it might be an example of an indication of depression.

If your teen is not inquisitive about stuff like keeping in communication with their mates or in playing the newest Playstation games, whatever he used to be happy about, then it might be cause for concern.

They could also indicate problems like an eating disorder, and so should be regarded seriously irrespective of what the circumstances. Irritation - although it can be tough to say if your teenager is grouchy generally or simply snappy with you as an authority figure, it's good to notice that inappropriate irritation may be an indication of depression. A dour outlook - If your kid is all of a sudden chatting in the negative or talking about suicide, chalking it to'mood swings' could be a mistake that will have threatening results. This is also frequently twinned with self-loathing, that might manifest in a selection of ways including verbally ('I'm such a loser' or'No one likes me, anyway' ), self-abuse like cutting, or talk about suicide. While one or 2 of the symptoms could be symptomatic of other issues or merely of being a teen, they is also evidence of depression. If you see any amount of these symptoms in your teen, it is vital that you get into contact with their pediatrician as fast as possible.

While you could be in a position to talk to your teenager about the depression, it actually depends on your relationship with your teen and how you believe that they will reply to your line of interrogating. You should not accuse if you see danger signals of depression in your teen, but should talk delicately with them to discover if they are prepared to share their issues. Diagnosis and intervention can be the tools that help you save your teen from the hazards and problems of this sickness, and your awareness is what will get them there.

Boxing is like therapy with the gloves on

2009-11-01T19:07:00.000-08:00

Same goes for 29-year-old Ezinwanne Hawkins, program director for Elizabeth House, a transitional housing program for teen-age moms: "I didn't think boxing was something I'd enjoy, but you hit that bag and you're really releasing everything."

These days, there's plenty to want to jettison — worries about the economy, job security, terrorism, the outcomes of the election and the future of "Project Runway," for starters. But Washingtonians are managing stress better than the rest of the nation, according to a new survey by the American Psychological Association. And part of our success may be due to a reliance on physical activity: 51 percent use exercise to relieve stress, compared with 47 percent nationally.

Workout effects linger

While it's the physical benefits that usually get people started on an exercise program, it's the addiction to how it makes them feel that keeps them going, says Keith Johnsgard, an emeritus professor of psychology at San Jose State University and author of "Conquering Depression and Anxiety Through Exercise."

He's been studying this subject since the early 1970s, when he noticed the mood-elevating properties of his own workouts and started prescribing exercise as therapy to his patients.

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Tips to keep cyberbullies away from your kids and identity thieves

2009-10-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

Missouri girl with a history of depression committed suicide after being sent hateful e-mail from what turned out to be an adult posing as a teen boy.

More often, teens use harsh or profane language against other teens they're trying to ostracize from their social groups. This includes spreading false rumors about personal or sexual behavior or simply being catty, by making rude comments about someone's looks. If you have a teenager, then you already understand the hours of time spent texting one another, or the importance — in their minds — of using social marketing Web sites such as MySpace and Facebook.

Dublin schools are certainly aware of this issue and are working to better educate parents and students.

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Soup du gore beats 'Sims' for brain food

2009-10-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

Violent music and video games have long been blamed for everything from the Columbine shootings to teen depression. That argument's been smacked around more than my wife (for the record, I don't have a wife … and probably never will now), but I'm going to take it a step further and turn it back on those same conservative naysayers.

What people need to be wary of isn't forms of media that present themselves honestly as pure detachment and fantasy but ones that earnestly attempt to simulate reality and influence the way we behave. While people complain about the damage that games like Doom did to our youth, they ignore the possibility that the real evil came in the guise of more "educational" games.

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Five effective means of coping with depression, without medications

2009-10-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

Millions of Americans are diagnosed with depression, while undoubtedly many millions of others go undiagnosed. Depression has many causes and manifestations, but this condition is always a miserable state in which to live. Medical solutions include anti-depressant medications, but these medications come with many side effects, including the danger of suicidal thoughts! Another problem with such medicines for depression is that once you start taking them, your physician will instruct you not to abruptly stop taking them, as dire consequences may result. Here we offer five means of the 'natural' sort, each proven to be effective in coping with depression.

Due to the nature of depression, it's likely you will have to force yourself to try some of these tips, as many people, particularly those with severe depression, lose the interest and impetus to do anything at all. Some people with depression are chronically tired, suffer aches and pains and have problems with sleep, either in the form of insomnia or a desire to sleep too much. Nonetheless, give yourself a break and gather enough determination to give each of these tips a try. Realize, too, that this puts you in charge, rather than under the thumb of a medication. Gaining a sense of controlling your own thoughts and actions can be empowering, and can give you a jump start in coping with depression. You have hope.

1.Busy yourself with an activity you love. While you may currently lack interest, you know those activities which formerly gave you pleasure. Reading, crafts, painting, cooking – whatever you normally enjoy – are just a few examples. While you're involved in this activity, focus on the moment and try to ignore those feelings of sadness that want to creep in to your mind. If you're reading a novel, allow yourself to become fully occupied in the plot. If you don't derive satisfaction on your first try, don't give up. Set aside some time every day to indulge in your activities.

2.Many studies have concluded that regular exercise is one of the best ways of coping with depression. People diagnosed with depression, who followed a regular program of exercise, reported feeling less depressed as a result. Nature can soothe your mind, so take advantage of a walk in the park, or walking on the beach or at a lake.

3.Try venting in a journal, that's for your eyes only. You don't need to be a great writer, you need only have the ability to express your thoughts. You know what sort of events trigger feelings of sadness and a depressed state. Getting your thoughts out of your mind and on to paper can go a long way in coping with depression. It's also helpful to play devil's advocate and give yourself advice on what you might do to help yourself, much as a friend might counsel you.

4.If it suits your mindset, you might also consider professional counseling. If you can't afford this option, find a support group forum online. Most have professionals who moderate the groups and can provide helpful insights on coping with depression and better understanding your condition. Talking with a close friend may provide help on an occasional basis, but tends to tax the relationship if exercised too often.

5.Prayer can provide comfort, peace of mind and a sense of well being. Try this method of prayer. Most people pray from their minds, thinking with conscious thought. Try imagining that it is your heart speaking, not your mind. Center yourself in your heart. With just a few attempts at this form of prayer, you'll discover that your heart is far more eloquent. Thoughts of the mind often go to negative places, while thoughts of the heart are most often comforting and uplifting. Try this amazing experiment. It may become the best technique in your arsenal of coping with depression.

Coping with depression isn't easy, but you will find relief with at least a few of these methods. Good luck to you!

Of Montreal Trades Polite Beatles Worship for a Flashy Prince Fixation

2009-10-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

He tried yoga, meditation, and psychiatry to cure his depression. Nothing worked. "It was like you're bleeding to death," Barnes recalls, "and someone hands you a Kleenex and says, 'Here, put this on.' "

So Barnes threw himself into his music, writing most of last year's Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?, a bizarre, brilliant set of whacked-out psychedelic synth-pop that explored his twisted psyche. And this month, the frontman and his crew—Bryan Poole, Dottie Alexander, Jamey Huggins, Davey Pierce, and Ahmed Gallab—return with Skeletal Lamping, which, while not as dark as its predecessor, is definitely crazier: a jaw-droppingly-great 15-song explosion that features burbling synth dirges, horn rave-ups, sweaty disco bangers, cacophonous noise-rock explosions, and party-starting, Prince-style funk.

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The special case of losing a child: dealing with grief and depression

2009-10-11T02:31:00.000-07:00

Losing a loved one is never easy. In the case of an elderly person, suffering great physical pain and in poor health, a death is a shock. Death is the line no one has crossed and it's a sense of disbelief that accompanies the initial shock. You grieve because you miss them, but it's hard to think that they are not in a better place, with all these woes behind them.

The most painful loss is that of losing a child. This does not fit in to our definition of what's natural. As adults, we expect our parents to die before us, it's the natural order. Perhaps we unconsciously prepare for this eventuality.

When you lose a child, you are absolutely unprepared, psychologically, for such an event. The grief and depression that ensues is unspeakable.

As adults, we subconsciously know, that at some point, our parents will, due to poor health or simply age, die. So we have an expectation that this will occur at some future moment in time. Because we subconsciously know that we will face this grief, we are actually better prepared to deal with the grief and depression that naturally accompany the loss of our parents.

On the other hand, we never expect our children to die before us. We nurture our children, guiding them towards adulthood as best we can, with all the hope and promise for them at the forefront of our mind and spirit. To have a child snatched out of life is something no one is prepared to face.

This is a life event that surpasses any other loss. The shock lasts for many months, with grief so intense as to make you dysfunctional. Your body feels as though it is made of lead. Depression is a surety. In the case of losing a child, grief and depression combine into a monstrously overwhelming condition, from which there seems no escape.

Dealing with the grief and depression of this sort is far more complicated and devastating than any other loss through death. When your beloved grandmother dies, you experience shock, followed closely by grief. Depression may follow. In the case of a child, lost prematurely, shock, grief and depression occur simultaneously. You may well doubt your sanity.

It's been said that time heals all wounds. If you lose a child, this is one wound that never heals. Dealing with the grief and depression of such an event can be the challenge of a lifetime.

What can you do? Although it may sound trite, you need to go day by day, a step at a time. Accept that you will cry, mourn and may never recover your previous level of zest for life.

Understand that friends cannot possibly know what you are experiencing, unless they have lost a child themselves. The depth of your emotions are out of the natural order. If you are religious, pray. Prayer provides comfort. You might also consider making an appointment with a grief counselor. Lean on friends for some support, but don't expect anyone to understand the depth of your pain, grief and depression. This is uncharted territory for most people.

When you're feeling especially alone in the world, you might find relief in forums devoted to this subject. You aren't alone. Others have been through this terrible tragedy. The relative anonymity of the web and forum venue may allow you to express yourself more fully. You can gain valuable insights. It can also help ease your grief and depression simply by knowing that others, who have been down this same road, have experienced many of the same feelings you have. Over time, some healing will take place.

Writing down your thoughts in a journal can be most helpful, because, over time, you can see changes in your own emotions and a lessening of your grief and depression. God bless you and keep you.

Amy Winehouse needs a hug, and some serious help

2009-10-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time she was just an awkward looking rebellious teen, breaking the dress codes at school just to piss of her high school teachers.

She was just looking for attention. Winehouse is obviously terribly insecure. We all know how that feels.

Amy's talent is a blessing and a curse at the same time.

It's what keeps the little amount of sanity she still has. It's what makes her know she's special.

It's what has given her access to the drugs she's become addicted to.

It's what has put her under the microscope she can't escape.

Winehouse's personal problems have grown so out of control she's admitted to doing self-harm, suffering from depression, and having eating disorders.

Her grandmother, who first suggested she go to music school, passed away in 2006, causing Winehouse's behavior to spiral further out of control.

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About Bipolar Depression

2009-10-04T11:56:00.000-07:00

You may not understand much about some mental disorders, but they are something that can happen to almost anyone. Even those that have gone through most of their lives with no issues what so ever may end up with something wrong. When this happens, they soon learn that there is no way to truly understand a disorder like this without having gone through it. That does not mean someone cannot understand some of it, but it does mean that the patient must do their best to help someone understand at least some of it. Those with bipolar depression may have a hard time doing this because the condition can be very complex.

There are two parts to a bipolar disorder. Someone with this condition has moments of mania and then periods of depression. That is why this disorder is sometimes called ‘manic depressive’. The two states are the total opposites of each other. The mania period is usually short while the bipolar depression state can go on for months at a time. This depression can be very bad, and can lead to thoughts of suicide. These thoughts and this state of mind should never be taken lightly. If someone you know has bipolar depression, you should take everything they say very seriously, even if things don’t make sense. It could be a cry for help.

There are many great medications for those that are suffering from bipolar depression. The problem with these is that some start to feel better and more normal and evened out so they stop taking their medications without talking with their doctors first. Someone with bipolar depression may need to see a doctor/psychiatrist once month for a few years to be sure the medications are working as they should. When the patient feels a shift into depression or mania, they should make yet another appointment for stopping their meds or taking more.

If you have bipolar depression, you can’t expect those around you to understand it completely, but that does not mean they should not learn all that they can. If they make no effort to do so, take the time to give them the resources they need to learn about bipolar depression. The more the can understand, the more they can help you when you need it the most. There may not be much they can do to help, but just knowing they have some understanding and that they are there for you can make all of the difference in the world.

Anger And Depression

2009-09-28T23:06:00.000-07:00

When some people get depressed, they simply get extremely withdrawn. They go around in a solitary stupor, not wanting to talk to other people and blaming themselves for everything. For me, however, anger and depression go hand-in-hand. When I am angry and depressed, I feel like the world is out to get me. I don't withdraw from the world. I resent it and hate it and want to fight with it. It is an unpleasant feeling, but one that I can't let go of. The depression and anger spiral out of control until I can't be around anyone without finding them difficult to tolerate in the extreme.

Of course, as a psychology major I have some insight into my own condition. There are a lot of different ways people deal with depression, and I know what purpose mine serves and why I do it. Feeling depressed and hopeless is just too hard for me. I would rather feel angry and depressive, keeping the rage inside of me. It gives me motivation to do things and helps me work my way out of my clinical depression.

The problem is that, in some ways, Anger and depression stop me from seeing the role that I play in my own ongoing problems. When I went in for cognitive psychology counseling, I would often argue in circles with my therapist, debating why I was unhappy. He claims that I couldn't see certain self-destructive patterns in my life because of the anger and depression that I felt, and that that was one of the main reasons that I was miserable all the time. I was more inclined to blame things that were beyond my control as a way to escape from responsibility. I was living a very active life and not sinking into brooding, lethargic misery, but at the same time I was unwilling to change and let go of all of that hatred.

I guess this is the double-edged sword of aggressive psychology. People prone to aggressive thinking have so much fire in their bellies that they can really take on the world. On the other hand, we tend to be our own worst enemies. We are so keyed up to fight for our own rights that we sometimes miss it when we trample on other people and their rights, or even when we get in our own ways. Sometimes, just letting go of all the anger and depression makes a much bigger difference than lashing out will. I've been trying to learn this in depression counseling, but it's a slow process. Hopefully, some day I will finally get it and be able to break the cycle of depression and anger.

Foundation gives grants to agencies helping kids

2009-09-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

"Teen suicide is right up there in these statistics, so we want people to be able to talk about any depression they might be having."

NAMI curriculum is approved by the Springfield Public Schools, Goin said. She hopes to expand the program to even more schools with the grant money.

Treatments for Depression: Treating Solutions to Depression With Consideration

2009-09-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Clinical psychology classes and pamphlets about depression will tell you that treatments for depression are widely available and that they can be highly effective. Treatments for depression include medication, counseling and other kinds of therapy. It’s often said that a combination of medication and therapy proves to be the best treatment.

Antidepressant drugs are prescribed to enhance the mood of people with depression. Most antidepressants work by slowing down the reuptake of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that travel through the neurons in our brains. When neurons are done sending neurotransmitters, they bring them back inside. Antidepressants keep neurotransmitters related to mood working longer so that mood increases. It’s important to realize that antidepressants don’t work by taking away depression. Instead, it’s more like they lift you up so that the symptoms can improve.

Therapy is the other option for treating depression. Most people think of Freud and psychoanalysis, and while a form of it exists today, psychoanalysis in its original form is debunked and no longer practiced. The one element of Freud that remains is that therapy tries to get into the underlying causes of your problems. A common form of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to treat the distorted thinking of depression patients so that they can change behavior that perpetuates their depression. By meeting with a therapist on a regular basis, patients can conceptualize what they’re feeling and going through and learn to cope with it.

Treatments for depression do work for people, but treating depression isn’t always as simple or effective as it might seem. For one thing, medication and therapy can cost a lot of money. Insurance helps decrease the cost, but the fees for your antidepressant refills accumulate especially if you’re going to take them for the rest of your life, and therapy can cost up to a little over $100 per session if you’re seeing a therapist at their private practice. There are also negative side effects for at least the first month while taking antidepressants, and it’s not guaranteed to work. Sometimes patients have to switch around to figure out which one helps them. Therapy can be effective if it’s consistent but patients have to find the therapist that’s right for them, which can be difficult.

Another issue with treatments for depression is that treatment is contingent upon the patient seeking it for themselves. The patient is responsible for getting their prescriptions and monitoring their intake, and therapy will only work if the patient is willing to participate. The problem is that depression can debilitate you and make you not want to do these things. This is where outside support can come in. Treatments for depression don’t all have to be professional. Friends and family who are supportive and understanding can do a lot for people with depression.

It’s never certain whether treatments for depression will work or not because everyone is different—they have different experiences, different problems, and different biological makeup and so on. Everyone has to pick the treatment that’s right for them, but figuring out which treatments for depression will work for you can be a challenge.

Teen Talk: Read up: Ecstasy has its bad side effects

2009-09-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

Research has shown it may cause confusion and memory loss, depression, anxiety, paranoia, mania, sleeplessness and psychotic episodes. This can occur weeks and even months after the drug has been used.

A term has been coined for post-Ecstasy use: the "Tuesday Blues" or "Suicide Tuesday." Not everyone gets it, but it's acknowledged among Ecstasy users that the days following an E-trip can bring on a mild and sometimes major bout of depression.

Anytime you take something to alter your brain chemistry, you are playing with fire. You have to ask yourself, "What am I ultimately putting in my body?"

How do you know where the drug came from, if it's given to you or you buy it off the street? Since this is a synthetic drug, Ecstasy can be altered with different chemicals or contaminants.

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Walk/Run to benefit teen suicide prevention

2009-09-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

All proceeds from the event, a yearly fund raiser for the CHADS (Communities Healing Adolescent Depression and Suicide) Coalition for Mental Health, will be used to support research and suicide prevention programs.New at this year's event are a 10K, Masters Division Walk/Run and a "Critters Who Care" event for walkers."Critters Who Care" encourages people to bring pets of all friendly species to participate.Registration for participants before Oct. 7 is $20 and $25 after Oct. 7.; There is an additional $5 charge for the Critters Who Care walk.Prizes for the events include gift certificates, medals and plenty of mums, pansies and homemade pies.For more information or to register log on to www.chadscoalition.org. .

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Strength of our sameness will pull us through

2009-08-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

I've closed his cuts, listened to his story, given him medicine, tried to help his depression, examined the road rash from his wrecks, opened his chest, felt his blood, pronounced him dead, remembered him and written about him. Sometimes he was a scoundrel; mostly he was a good guy having a tough time.

I know that man because I know so many men and women. And there are some reasonable generalities, since every human being shares features. Medical school is largely about identifying those commonalities, so that the unique differences of disease and injury can be recognized. We share the same sorts of hearts, pumping similar sorts of blood to assorted analogous organs, all requiring oxygen, carbohydrates and protein.

Our arms and legs are usually arranged in a manner similar to one another and our heads perch solidly on top of our torsos as they should.

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Husson Alumni Hall of Fame 2008 Inductees

2009-08-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

Grant has been a lifelong entrepreneur, from peddling vegetables and eggs in the Great Depression to mobile homes, furniture, restaurant, shopping malls and real estate. Today, he owns or has sold the lots for 800 mobile and traditional homes in Bangor. He is a family man and a man of faith, whose generosity is as private as it is kind. He is a role model as an entrepreneur. From his early days on Husson's Hillman Farm campus to his gifts of landscaping and scholarships, to his life-long counsel to five Husson presidents, Grant has honored Husson University.

Arthur D. Fuller, '66, received his Bachelor's Degree in accounting in 1966 and an Honorary Doctoral degree in Business Administration in 2003 from Husson. A Rumford native, he joined Husson's Board of Trustees in 1996 and was elected vice chair of the board in 2003 and chair in 2006.

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Male Depression

2009-08-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

Your mom or your best friend may suffer from depression. While most people don't like to talk about it, there is a segment of patients with depression that never talk about it and rarely seek help for it. Male depression is probably more common than you think. If you are a woman, and your husband seems to be acting differently and does not seem to be himself, perhaps you should consider that this is going on with him. Men handle depression in different ways, most refusing to accept that this is what is going on emotionally. They will just tell you that they are tired or worn out, but there could be more to it.

Men can develop depression just as easily as women, but women are often the only ones that will really talk about it. For men, they think of male depression as a sign of weakness, even though that is not what it is. They often feel that they have to be strong for their families and that there is no way something like depression can happen to them. This is why many of the cases of depression in men go untreated. Men won't go to the doctor because they feel sad and out of sorts. Some men have trouble going when they have a physical problem too. If those men get depressed, they will probably remain that way for a while.

Signs of male depression are going to be harder to pick out, but if you know someone well enough, you can pick up on the signs. Some men spend a lot more time napping and they end up sleeping longer than they normally do. This may be something you may notice more if the man in question is usually very active. They will just tell you that they are tired, which may be, but if it goes on for a while something else may be wrong – and that something may be male depression.

Other signs of male depression are withdraw from normal activities that they once loved. This is a sign for both sexes, but for men, it may be more pronounced. They may start spending more time playing video games or being on their computers instead of going out with friends and playing sports. Whatever it is that they are into, they will seem as if they are no longer interested. They will say they just don't feel like it. You will know if this is normal for them. Some men don't do a lot, but if the man in question is often out doing something and stops, you may want to think about male depression.

The reasons for male depression are the same reasons why women develop this problem. Some have seasonal depression, which means that they get sad and tired in the winter. They usually come out of this in the springtime. Others go through something at work or in personal relationships. Men have a harder time talking about things that are bothering them, so that can be why they fall into male depression very easily and without warning. It can be hard to get them to open up, but if you can, talk to them about how they feel and what their options might be to feel better.

Causes of Depression In Children And Teens

2009-08-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

You may think of depression as an adult issue, and often it is. However, children and teenagers can have problems with this as well. Life is not always easy, and even though children are often very resilient, they can have problems that are bigger than they can handle. If you notice changes in your child or your teenager, you may want to see if something bigger is going on with them. They may not have the same signs of depression that you may think of when thinking of an adult, but they can get it just as easily. If you understand some of the causes of depression in children, you can help them cope and get better.

Children and teens have different causes of depression than adults, but the underlying issues are always the same. They may feel as if they do not belong, which is more of a problem with teens than adults. Adults can feel that way, but most learn to accept who they are at some point. Teenagers and children are still struggling with identity and they can easily feel as if they are worthless if they are not fitting in what what they deem to be the popular or normal crowd of kids at school. This is one of the biggest causes of depression in teens that has been around for a very long time.

Other causes of depression in both teens and younger children are things that are happening at home. If parents are fighting a lot or going through a divorce, children find a way to blame themselves for what is going on. It scares them more so than parents think, as their home is their base of security. If it seems that that security is going to go away, they are going to act out and become depressed. Parents that are experiencing marital problems need to keep this in mind and be open with their children. You do not have to give details, but children need to be reminded that they are loved by both parents and that no matter what happens, that will not change. They also need to know nothing is their fault.

Other causes of depression can be present. They vary from child to child. When a child is depressed they are not themselves, much like adults act differently when suffering from depression. Children often withdraw from friends and start to do poorly in school. They may also be mean to animals and other children, and refuse to do as you tell them. This is when you need to talk with them about what may be bothering them. Teenagers may act out in different ways by hanging out with new friends, drinking, doing drugs, or cutting themselves with razors. These are all signs something is wrong and that they need help.

Understanding the causes of depression is important, but what is even more important is knowing what to do about it. Sadly, medications for depression often do not work well in children and teens and may make things worse. If you suspect that your child is struggling with depression, take them to see someone as soon as you can. You may find that setting them up with someone to talk to and talking to them yourself can help turn things around. Sometimes, changes need to be made, and it will be important for you to be open to making them no matter what.

Newport bachelor eats at college cafeteria for 40 years, donates

2009-08-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

Depression-era Omaha is where a pre-teen Lindsay collected dandelions to sell as chicken feed, earning a few pennies each week to buy bread for his family.

Walking to school one morning, a skinny, starved Lindsay picked through a neighbor's garbage can and emerged with a not-quite-empty jar of peanut butter.

"Bruce eagerly ate the peanut butter and would never forget how delicious it tasted," according to a self-published biography of Lindsay's life written by a friend.

Now, admittedly, eating from a garbage can � and being so desperate that you enjoy it, no less � might make any reasonable person a tad frugal. For Lindsay, though, financial security became a real obsession.

Even as things began looking up in the 1940s, after his family had moved to California, there was no way he'd let impulse buys send him back to the poorhouse.

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Advocates: Most child abusers not strangers

2009-08-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

These include parenting classes, teen programs and school programs teaching kids how and when to report abuse.

Carl Musci spoke of his role as parent program coordinator, and the classes he conducts with the Parent Empowerment Program to stop the cycle of abuse.

"We don't want to criticize them, we don't want to tell them they're wrong," he said. "We just want to help them."

Center Vice Chairwoman Gloria Cukar outlined some of the symptoms of child abuse, including depression, anxiety and eating disorders and pleaded with attendees to become active in supporting the victims.

"It takes a village to raise a child," Cukar said. "It takes a village to protect them."

Reach Greg Marano at gmarano@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4809.

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Teen insomniacs at ‘increased depression, substance abuse risk’

2009-08-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

Teenagers with insomnia are at an increased risk of developing depression and substance abuse problems in adolescence and young adulthood, a new study has found.

The study showed that adolescent insomniacs were also at an increase the risk of suicide ideation and attempts, and the use of alcohol, cannabis and other drugs such as cocaine.

The research involved 4,494 adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age at the beginning of the study, and 3,582 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years in a six-to-seven year follow up.

The findings revealed that adolescents who had symptoms of insomnia were 2.3 times more likely to develop depression in early adulthood than adolescents without symptoms of insomnia.

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How to cure depression

2009-08-01T23:39:00.000-07:00

The first step in attempting to cure depression is to understand that not all kinds of depression are created equal. There are people who have legitimately unbalanced hormones or, for lack of a better word, crossed wires upstairs. There are people who are just in a rut, sad about a death in the family or losing a job. Then there are also teenagers, for whom the default setting is "depressed." Each of these states are different, and what works for one is overmedication for another, or not enough medication. That's why it's important to get to a doctor, because in order to cure depression you have to know if you're actually biologically depressed.

Medication is typically used for people who want to cure depression, but isn't always needed or helpful. A bit of anecdotal evidence: A friend of mine in college claimed to have depression as a result of a chemical imbalance. He went to the doctor, who tested him for said imbalance and found nothing of note. However since my friend clearly had symptoms, he was prescribed prozac (or a similar medication) to help him regulate his moods.

It didn't work. Why? Because he didn't have clinical depression. He was simply in a rut, unable to be happy with his accomplishments or attempt to break out of his pre-determined path.

So it's a good step to take a look at yourself before you really go off the deep end by taking drugs that mess with your biochemistry. Are you really, truly depressed? Or are you just looking for an "easy" way to make your life into something else?

For most people I think it's the latter. I say this because, at various points in my late teens and early 20s, I claimed to have "depression." Turns out, in hindsight, I was just lazy and unmotivated. What I needed wasn't drugs, but the will to get up every morning, work out, eat right, do my work and then party the night away. Instead I just self-medicated with cigarettes and alcohol, finding brief moments of happiness in between all the ennui. If I could do it over again, I absolutely would.

However, this isn't to say that "depression" doesn't exist. For many people, there are legitimate chemical imbalances that need to be addressed with medication. These are people who can't be permanently helped by a change in routine, exercise and diet, but need chemical treatment.

Sadly, even with chemicals, depression isn't one-hundred percent curable. Science can not yet cure depression. However it is managable, and managing your depression is the first step towards living a life where you're in command, rather than having a disease be in command of you.

So how much cash really is enough?

2009-07-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

Abey, who was born in Sri Lanka, but spent most of his teen years in various schools around Australia, believes that money is as much emotional as it is legal tender, quoting research that found that the four words most associated with money are 'anxiety', 'depression', 'anger' and 'helplessness'.

"Money represents so many things about success and failure, and there's a whole range of hidden anxieties associated with it," he explains. "If you want to bring a dinner table conversation to a standstill, just ask someone how much they earn. It makes people incredibly uncomfortable.

"The research also shows that if children ask their parents what they earn, they'll either fob them off or lie to them. The result is that this younger generation have grown up with little or no understanding of the role of money in life, so parents should be aware of that."

The ideas discussed in How Much Is Enough? seem particularly relevant right now here in Ireland, where the country is experiencing its first recession since the Celtic Tiger boom

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Anger And Depression

2009-07-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Margaret Trudeau gets her groove back

2009-07-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

Another pivotal event of her teen years was being introduced to marijuana at Simon Fraser University, which turned out to be far preferable to the Baby Duck wine so popular with so many students. She did give it up when she got engaged.

"Pierre told me I must, because it was illegal," she said.

"If I hadn't ever smoked marijuana, I don't think I ever would have been hospitalized, to tell you the truth. I think I would have gone on with my emotions up and down, and I never would have climbed as high as I did."

In her case, like so many, life events can trigger bipolar disorder. For Mrs. Trudeau, it was the post-partum depression that followed the birth of her second child. In spite of a wonderful new baby and a two-year-old who was the light of her life, she just didn't want to get out of bed.

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Looking for Anxiety Support?

2009-07-18T02:55:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs a little help once in a while. Support with the day-to-day life is one of the most important things you can have. But many people need even more support. They need anxiety support. Anxiety support isn't hard to find. Thankfully, now more than ever in human history, anxiety has lost the stigma associated with it. Professional athletes are now going on diabled lists for anxiety disorders and anxiety support is treated just as physical rehabilitation for these highly paid professionals. Other fields and industries have taken similar steps and anxiety support is part of many health insurance plans.

So how do you get anxiety support? How do you even know if you need anxiety support? Anxiety support is for people that are having trouble with their day-to-day lives. If you have trouble focusing, or if your moods swing wildly throughout, or if you find yourself overwhelmed with irrational worries, chances are that you need some sort of anxiety support. Anxiety support can vary from case to case; you might only need a little bit of anxiety support to feel psychological relief or you might need a lot.

That said, it's best to try smaller bits of home-spun anxiety support before looking at more expensive or time-intensive solutions. Many people, for example, undergo undue financial stress which leads to panic attacks. Perhaps anxiety support isn't what you need, but a financial advisor. In other words, getting down to the bottom of your anxiety might be all the anxiety support you need.

For some, they need a little more help. Anxiety support groups are a great solution. If you do a little searching online you'll find that anxiety support groups are in all 50 states and it's likely that there's one that meets regularly near you. If that doesn't work, consider starting your own anxiety support group.

If you still can't find the anxiety support you need, finally consider a professional therapist. Keep in mind, this can be very expensive if it's not covered in your health insurance plan. Also, it has mixed results for many people looking for anxiety support. Finally, medication has such terrible costs, side effects and track record that you should only consider it as a last-ditch effort for anxiety support. There's plenty of ways to reduce your anxiety without lining the pockets of the big pharmaceutical companies. Whether your panic attacks are mild or severe, infrequent or regular, you are not alone. You can find the anxiety support you need to get your life back under control!

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Katrina: The Bridge portrays effective images

2009-07-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

During the Depression, the Works Projects Administration Federal Theatre Project produced (among other things) the Living Newspaper series, stage documentaries based on newspaper accounts of recent and current events, usually treating poverty, unemployment and other social problems.

Some of the Living Newspapers (such as Arthur Arent's One Third of a Nation, regarded as one of the best) were even made into films.

Like most of that series, Katrina may boast more immediate interest than lasting importance. But director Steven Wallace gives it an earnest sense of purpose.

The slice-of-life feeling is set as we enter the theater, with four of the characters already perched in various states of sultry disarray on set designer Kevin Rigdon's convincing chunk of freeway.

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Ashland forum targets cyber bullying

2009-07-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

These trends could contribute to other worrisome statistics the survey turned up on teen depression, stress and suicide, Moro said.

The apparent anonymity of the Internet also makes bullying easier, May said. Straightforward insults or threats are most common, but bullies sometimes use digital images or videos to publicly humiliate their victims. Others may pose as their target on social networking sites to mock them or even use viruses and identity theft, she said.

The results can be devastating, May said, citing a student whose schoolmate sent a nude photo of him to his teachers, principal and superintendent.

Bullies and their targets should know any information put online can come back to haunt them. Even private profiles on social networking sites can be hacked, and sometimes even deleted information can still be accessed later.

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Depression Forums

2009-07-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

There are several hard things in life that will knock us off our feet. Depression is commonly linked to events, and that depression will end after a time. There are way more major sorts of depression that are the results of a chemical imbalance in the brain. That means it's not quite so straightforward to just 'get over it' and you might need to see a doctor for some medical analyses and potentially some medicines that help your grey matter function as it should.

Unlike no other time in your life, you want all of the support you can get.

You can get a lot from depression forums that you may not get from loved ones.

If you are fortunate, you'll have many around you in your house and in your folks that may understand what you're going thru, and they are going to be supportive. However, it is tough for someone that hasn't had depression to appreciate what it is truly like and how it actually is to live with this condition.

If you join depression forums, you've got a group that is going thru what you are and they're going to realise everything you assert and do.

Depression forums have members that have depression or that have had it during the past. You can ask about things that no-one else may understand. If you've had suicidal thoughts during the past, these people are going to grasp. If you're going to start a new medicine for your depression, those that now take it, or who have taken it during the past, can let you know about their experience with efficacy and complications. Some have a tough time opening up, and that is O.K. You can read thru to see what others have gone though , and after a time, you could be able to open and talk with those that frequent these forums for depression. Even if you never get the nerve up to communicate up on your own, you can learn so much, and you may find that you aren't alone in how you are feeling. You will even find support in depression forums to go out and get aid, if that is something you have not begun to do.

What Causes Depression?

2009-07-03T22:31:00.001-07:00

If you have never been through depression, you may not understand what is and why happens. When something bad happens in our lives, we are generally sad for a while, but we do get over things and life goes back to normal. Those with depression, however, tend to be sad for no obvious reason, or can’t come out of their funk when something bad happens in their lives. This overwhelming sadness can lead to suicide if is not treated properly. Some argue about what causes depression, but most understand is actually an imbalance in the brain that can be treated.

Someone with moderate depression may not know they even have . They may just assume they feel like everyone else. In this case, what causes depression to deepen to dangerous levels can be a bad or troubling event in their life. It might even be a small annoyance, but might be enough to make someone sink into a deeper depression that needs immediate treatment. When the chemicals in the brain are not working correctly, the feel good hormones that make us happy and optimistic are blocked, and that is one of the major causes of depression that can lead to someone ending their lives.

Some debate about what causes depression, but there is one thing that should never be debated. When someone feels that they have to end their life, they need help immediately. There are many medications and even lifestyle changes that can turn what causes depression around, but they can’t be helped if they will not see a doctor. A psychiatrist is trained to spot depression and other mental health issues, and they can pinpoint what causes depression in each person so the proper medications can be given.

If you think you are suffering from depression, but those around you are telling you to ‘get over ’ or to ‘just move on and forget ,’ you have to ignore what they say. Those dark thoughts that lead to suicide are not anything that anyone asks for, and most would never dream they would have them until they happen. Any talk or thought of ending a life should be taken seriously immediately, and proper treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible. What causes depression may be something people cannot agree upon, but that doesn’t mean each and every case should not be taken seriously.

Life as a Teenage Mom

2009-06-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

During the pregnancy, Robyn said she battled with a lot of depression and sadness.

“One of the hardest things for me was going to the hospital for appointments alone. I used to see other couples there and it upset me so much that Noah's father was giving me such a hard time."

While her young body was trying to deal with being pregnant she was at the same time emotionally trying to accept the hard facts that she was going to be a mother before the young age of 20.

“I remember I was so tired all of the time, all I wanted to do was stay in bed. I found it so difficult to get up and go to work but I had no choice and through the headaches and the tiredness I did," she said proudly.

Sad that she was alone without a partner by her side while giving birth to her son, Robyn said of Noah's father, “He wasn't there for Noah's birth and that was difficult.

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Anxiety Support Groups

2009-06-22T23:26:00.000-07:00

Do you suffer from chronic anxiety? Temporary use of anti-anxiety meds, coupled with an anxiety support group, may be the answer

For certain, life today is faster paced than in the 'good old days' of many decades past. Anxiety used to be a condition limited to a small group of people. Today, there are tens of millions of us who suffer chronic anxiety.

In fact, anxiety is one of the most common complaints doctors hear from their patients. Any person still above ground is subject to this debilitating condition. What makes us anxious? All you really need to do is read the newspaper, watch the news or even just have a bad hair day at work. Using these sources as your information 'talking points' is certainly not the be-all and end-all, but it's surely TMI, enough to get you started on an anxiety roller coaster.

If you make an appointment with your doctor to see what you might do to curb this constant anxiety, you may be sorely disappointed. The doc may be quick to prescribe an anti-anxiety medicine, or even an anti-depressant. While these pharmaceuticals may provide temporary relief from your anxiety, this is really not the answer. These pharmaceutical treatments for anxiety are simply a stop-gap measure, treating the symptoms, but not the root cause. There are also addictive qualities attached to such medications, used over a long period of time. So it's best to consider these meds a short term solution. In the meantime, one solution, which works well for many people, is to join an anxiety support group, where you can bounce off others with the same problem and perhaps gain more insight into what causes your own anxiety.

For this reason, a savvy physician may prescribe an anti-anxiety medicine, along with a recommendation to seek the services of an anxiety support group. People who suffer from anxiety, who are somewhat reclusive and frequently stressed out, are not generally good candidates for face-to-face encounters with other anxious people. So, before you rule out the anxiety support group as an option, know that there are groups that meet in person, as well as those who meet online. There's no reason to shy away from this solution. No matter the degree of anxiety, or the personal foibles you may have, anxiety support groups can be a lasting solution to your anxiety.

In the face-to-face setting, you'll be meeting other people who have many of the same problems you do and a common objective – to be rid of the anxiety and the host of social and health problems that may develop as a result. You're all on common ground, so there's no need to feel that you're the odd man (or woman) out. These anxiety support groups are coordinated by a mediator, typically someone trained in psychology and the social services fields. The purpose of the mediator is to get the ball rolling amongst the participants.

You'll find that, before long, everyone is talking about various situations and experiences which feed into their anxious condition. Once people begin to settle in to the group, a sense of trust develops – people start opening up. As often as not, humor ('laughter is good medicine') starts to creep into the conversation. You begin to learn from one another just how much you have in common. Let's say you find there are four other individuals in the anxiety support group whose anxiety triggers are virtually the same as yours. The mediator will zero in on those triggers and get some conversation going on how each of you tends to deal with the anxiety produced by that trigger. You may get four different answers, or four quite similar answers. In any case, what works for one may not work for you. At the same time, another person may have a solution that's perfect for you. For example, the woman who goes out in the garden and weeds like crazy finds relief from her anxiety. This strikes you as a 'Hey, why didn't I think of that?'.

Online, anxiety support groups are equally effective. Lacking the face-to-face element, mediators are trained to use techniques which inspire camaraderie and trust among participants in the online forum.

If you suffer from chronic anxiety, you really don't need to live this way. Simply realizing you're not alone with this condition is a huge step forward in regaining your once upon a time mellow state, able to deal with stresses in a new, proactive and productive way. The amount of time you spend participating in an anxiety support group is entirely up to you. However, when you see the benefits and the reduction in anxiety within yourself, you might be loathe to abandon this venue. You may not only be able to manage your anxiety without medication, but you'll have made some good friends as well. Pass it on!

Group aims to support teens

2009-06-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

As an example, Singer offered a few signs of a teen dealing with depression: truancy, a short temper or sensitivity to criticism.

"Put that all together, and how does that label a teen in most schools?" she said. "Bad kid. So those signs are being missed."

Singer offered a suggestion for teens who might be reluctant to attend such a meeting.

"As far as the possibility of embarrassment or shame or whatever negativity the kid is thinking about, there is the tremendous reassurance that you are not alone," Singer said. "The feeling of power that comes to you because you are supported and cared about by others who understand."

Alberghini went further.

"Just try one," she said. "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. You can just listen."

jfrantz@ydr.com; 771-2062

ABOUT THE GROUP This support group is for teenagers who have mental illness, who have friends or family diagnosed with mental illness, or who are concerned about what's happening in their own lives.

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What you can do to cure depression

2009-06-20T03:38:00.000-07:00

Depression is perhaps the most rampant and misunderstood chronic condition in the United States. To cure depression, people turn to any number of treatments and fixes. But how do you cure depression? Can you cure depression? Is there something wrong with you or is it something you should just live with? Depression is certainly a difficult subject.

Depression is difficult to understand, even for experts. This seems silly to me. How can you expect to cure depression if you don't fully understand it? There is even a disagreement between doctors and psychologists as to what actually causes depression! Some think it is brought on from childhood trauma. Some think it is a reaction to diet and other nurturing factors and others assume it is a chronic and possibly hereditary disease. All of these may be true. For that reason, to cure depression, you should consider all of these suggestions.

One possible way to cure depression is through anti-depressants. The advancements made by these pharmaceutical companies over the past several decades have been remarkable. But beware. Nearly 50% of patients claim that they don't respond to the medication. Pills are not a fail-safe method to cure depression. Consider that they may be expensive, and that they have a variety of side effects, be careful before assuming that medication will cure depression for you.

Another possible way is to change your diet, and increase your exercise. This is a good general rule, regardless of whether you have feelings of depression or not. To cure depression, health foods might be a way to go. Again, this might not work for everyone. Many people have such severe depression that the diet and exercise rarely changes a thing.

Finally, you could consider therapy to help cure depression. Many that go into cognitive behavior therapy find relief. Others relapse quite easily without the constant and expensive therapy sessions. Still others feel no benefits. Therapy is not for everyone. You might want also consider that having positive relationships have been suggested to be a relief to feelings of depression. You might want to consider re-connecting with old friends or spend more time with your family; unless your family is like my family - that might make you feel more depressed! Joking aside, surround yourself with loving and supportive people and you could find a simple and rewarding way to cure depression.

When you look to cure depression, consider ALL of these options: diet, exercise, medication, therapy, nurturing relationships. You might need a combination of some or all of these solutions and fixes to help you cure depression.

Depression causes Stress

2009-06-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

Regardless of the pain, the dream which has been playing within your head continues with barely any interruption.

As your dreams approach their climax, the discomfort escalates further. Are you depressed? Typically , you can address mild stress headaches with the common OTC agony killers. Necessary oils will help you overcome depression in your life, and it can offer you a lift in perspective and a total overhaul in how you view your life. These drugs have unknown complications, and they can often become a negative effect on the mind. Aromatherapy is totally natural and it's a safe way to fight depression that has been used for millenia. Depression is also cause stress and stress is a famous killer for folks who keep feelings within. It can be the root of a loss of appetite, mood swings, and you can lose your job over serious depression. Fancy oils in aromatherapy can help, but joined with the above activities you will find your depression slowly fading. The important oils may be employed separately for their individual benefits to help fight depression.

Jasmine Jasmine is a sensuous necessary oil that helps you are saying yourself. But if your headache has now begun to interrupt your life, occurring for days at a time and striking even in your sleep that you are intensely awakened by the draining agony, then your headache can already be a healing quandary caused by an underlying depression. As in most situations, the presence of depression is hardly obvious that patients remain undiagnosed.

It's only thru determined observation whereby the worried individual exhibits other symptoms related to depression that medical mavens ultimately pay attention to their status.

Anti-choice website: Being a teen mom is cool!

2009-06-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

The site also has quotes from ex-providers (now anti-choice extremists), fake supposed consequences of having an abortion (including depression and suicide), and other "unbiased" facts.

This part is my favorite, because anti-choicers are always screaming about parental notification and how important it is for parents to be involved in their pregnant daughter's decision making process. Apparently that's only true if said parents are anti-choice:

After you get over the shock of finding out you're pregnant, the next step is naturally to go to your boyfriend and then your parents to give them the news. Generally you are expecting support from your boyfriend and disappointment/anger from your parents. However, it can be a huge shock if they react so angrily that they start pushing you into an abortion to solve everyone's problems.

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Teen's film revealed depression

2009-06-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

Without realizing he was scripting his own life, at age 16 Mackie made a film about a teen who finds no joy in life, who wants to end his emotional pain through a drug-induced eternal high. The film — called "Eternal High" — has since won 24 national awards and is now distributed in more than 10 countries, as well as in communities across the United States.

Mackie will speak and show the 3-minute film at noon Wednesday at a free community event in the Walb Student Union Ballroom at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

"When I made this film, I really didn't know I was depressed," Mackie says. "Life was boring. I didn't see much enjoyment in living."

So Mackie the writer and high school tennis star intensely describes what it is like for someone else to live with severe depression.

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THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING

2009-05-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

Rutledge slipped into depression. She thought of dropping out, a familiar option for teen mothers. Nationally, only 63 percent of teenagers who have babies before they reach 18 graduate from high school or get their GEDs, according to Planned Parenthood.

But then Rutledge meditated hard on the naysayers and her newborn - and the stay-in-school urgings of her mother, who says she had Rutledge when she was 18 - and used it all as motivation. She's had minimum-wage jobs, and didn't want a life stuck working the supermarket cash register. She's been sardined into public housing, and wanted a chance to own her own home, maybe in the suburbs, with a pool and a Jacuzzi. "Society always knocks kids who grow up in the projects," Rutledge says. "They think we can't do anything."

Depression can be funny too

2009-05-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

Depression is a mental health issue that may require help from experienced professionals. Teen depression is very real. About five percent of adolescents suffer from depression.

"Its Kind of a Funny Story" is a good read that I think will be important to both teens and adults; it has humor, love, and struggle. Three important things that make a good book.

Craig, the narrator, is an ambitious New York teen that is determined to succeed in life. He studies hard and neglects his friends all to get into an elite high school. Once he realizes that even after all his hard work to get accepted, maintaining his grades will be an even harder struggle, Craig falls into a deep depression, stops eating and sleeping and almost commits suicide.

Craig's suicidal episode lands him in a mental hospital full of interesting characters.

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Severe Depression

2009-05-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

Feeling sad after a life event is something that we all do, and is totally normal. Depending on the severity of the event, we could be sad for a very long time. However, when we don’t get any better, and we know that anyone else would have been better by now, we may want to consider that something else is going on. No one wants to admit when they are under severe depression, but it can happen to anyone at any time. There are many reasons why this happens, but the most common is an imbalance of some chemicals in the brain. That paired with life events can leave someone sad and hopelessly depressed for long periods of time.

One of the worst things about severe depression is that this can easily lead to thoughts of suicide. Though you may have never dreamed that you would consider something like this other times in your life, you have no idea what your mind will do when you are under the affects of severe depression. You may have thoughts that you have never had before, and you will not think like you normally would. It might even seem perfectly logical, and by then, you have hopefully decided that you need some help.

The treatments for severe depression often include medications and therapy. You are going to want to get medication right away. Remember that most medications for depression take a few weeks to really kick in for you, so don’t give up on them until you have given them time to work. Once they work, you can then see how much you need to take and if some type of anxiety mediation is needed to go with it. These are important to make sure you are going to be somewhat stable as you go through therapy.

Once you have your medications working, your severe depression should have lifted a bit. You may still feel the affects of it, but they are not going to be so bad. Thoughts of suicide should be gone by then. If not, you need to have your meds adjusted or changed. Your psychiatrist can help you decide if things are right or not. You want to feel good, but not so good that nothing phases you. You want to have the ups and downs, but on a level that everyone else feels them. Your severe depression is then somewhat under control.

Therapy is always a good idea when you have been through a bout of severe depression. This is because there are often underlying issues that have caused you to spiral downwards. Those reasons are things that may be bothering you more than you realized. If you can work through some of these, you are going to feel even more better. There may soon be a day when you can stop taking your medications for your severe depression. However, don’t stop anything without your doctor telling you that this is okay for you to do.

Brothers attached by gang of 30

2009-05-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

She said she thought it had something to do with a teen at school who didn't like her son.

"They (the group) saw them there and confronted them," she said.

"They head-butted him (the eldest) to the ground, then set upon him.

"It had nothing to do with him, he was attacked by people he didn't know.

"One chased my youngest son and punched him in the throat.

He pushed a security guard out of the way to get at him.

"It makes me fearful."

She said her eldest son had a fractured cheekbone, and a depression in his face that required treatment in Townsville Hospital.

"He might end up with a scar under his eye," she said.

"He will not be pressing charges, he doesn't want to escalate the situation."

When an ambulance arrived to take the elder son to hospital, police were contacted and on arrival, were told by security that the situation was "in hand".

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'How Far Can You Bounce?' Shouts Push Suicidal Teen to Death Leap

2009-05-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

Dykes was believed to have been suffering from depression and struggling to overcome a relationship breakdown.

Superintendent Andy Hough, of Derbyshire police, said he was disappointed and disturbed by the people heard encouraging Dykes to jump.

"I find it a disturbing and shocking reflection on society when people feel inclined to do that," Supt Hough told the MailOnline.

Click here to read more on this story from News.com.au.

Living Through The Last Market Crash

2009-05-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

He began working to help support the family when he was a teen-ager. As a young man he had to help support the family and worried about getting enough money to buy clothes for them. He said that despite hard times, a clothing store owner gave him a break.

"I told him i would need a lot of stuff and was trying to get money enough ahead . He said come and get whatever you want and pay me when you can," recounted Devereaux.

Several successful selling positions led him into the emerging automobile sales business.

At 21 he became one of the youngest chrysler car dealers in the country. But after the crash of 29 banks had little money to loan for new cars.

Said Devereaux: "Originally there was no money for financing an automobile and banks looked at you as if you were crazy if you wanted to borrow money for a car. That was a hard time in the automobile business."

To purchase a car during the Depression you needed up to a 50 percent down payment. Some people had to trade in their furniture for a down payment.

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Wed, October 22nd, 2008 at 9:58PM PST

2009-04-26T18:24:00.000-07:00

It was so successful, even in the depths of the Depression, that it instantly spawned dozens of imitators vying for comic strip reprint rights, thus launching both the comic book industry and the legend that comics do well in times of economic downturn.

2) NEW FUN #1 (National Allied Publications, 1935)

Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson: savvy visionary or a desperate businessman? In any case, eager to get in on the new comic book market, the major-come-lately made the disheartening discovery that all the comic strips worth publishing had already been bought up by other publishers, so he pursued the next best option, and solicited new material to publish, creating the first all-new comic book. Not that there were any strips of particular note in it, nor that someone else wouldn't have ended up in the same place sooner than later, but Wheeler-Nicholson got there first.

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the hard-drinking teen who turned into a world-beater

2009-04-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

The most compelling part of Sonia's story tells of the long, dark months that followed when she slipped into deep depression, convinced that people were spreading rumours about her personal life, and that the world judged her a failure.

"It was lonely, so lonely," she recalls.

On Christmas Day: "The highlight was when I went for a run. I just cooked myself dinner and that was it."

And then the redemption. She climbed out of the pit and won her Olympic medal.

On a personal level she found true love with Nic Bideau (after a triangular tussle involving runner Cathy Freeman), married, and had two beautiful daughters.

And with all that, the loneliness of this remarkable middle-distance runner comes to a happy end.

My Story by Sonia O'Sullivan, with Tom Humphries, is published by Penguin Ireland

Angry Teen Depression

2009-04-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

In some ways, there is nothing more disturbing than an angry teen. There you are, getting along fine with your kid and then suddenly, hormones take over and everything goes downhill fast. Your kid starts to write angry poems, dresses strangely, and tries to stay out late, break the rules, and basically be difficult in every way he possibly can. Some angry teens even get more drastic than that. They can get into relationship problems, have issues with violent and self-destructive behavior, and really go off the deep end in a lot of ways.

The key to dealing with an angry teen depression is to realize that you were once like that yourself. The same issues that make teens angry never change. We live in a society where we are considered children long after our biology dictates that we are adults. Many angry teens depression are just trying to accept natural, inborn drives. They become interested in the opposite sex, attempt to to find their identity, and want to go out in the world and have more responsibility. A big part of what makes them angry is that society still sees them as children. They're suddenly going through all these changes and can't express their natural drives in a healthy way because our society constrains them.

When my daughter was an angry teen, I initially had the same problems that many parents have. Then, I started to think about what it was like to be that age. I sat down with her and had a long talk about what she was going through, what she wanted, and what we would require as her parents. Just telling angry teens that you understand and showing them that you respect the need for more freedom can do a lot to defuse the situation. Carrying through on that can do even more. If you trust your teenager's judgment, in general that trust will be rewarded. If you treat your teenager as a child, that teenager is more likely to be childish.

Then again, sometimes things get so bad for an angry teen that you really do need to get some sort of outside help. With my daughter, it was just normal teenage identity things, but a family friend had teenagers with more serious issues. Both their son and daughter were involved in unsavory relationships, using dangerous drugs like alcohol and tobacco, and in general getting into a lot of trouble. This wasn't your normal angry teen situation. This was a dangerous situation with a lot of risky behavior. They were such angry people that they weren't amenable to reason. They could not be talked with. They had to both go through long periods of counseling to get better.

Struck by SUV, Burbank teen dies with friends around her

2009-04-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

McSheridan had helped a pal suffering with depression and volunteered with "To Write Love on Her Arms," a charity that helps teenage self-harmers, her sister Kelly said.

"I think that shows how selfless she was," her sister said.

Jeremy Naser, a close friend, was one of eight friends who rushed to Christ Medical Center on Wednesday night after learning of the accident. Though McSheridan never regained consciousness, they were with her at the end.

"She loved to draw her friends and her favorite band members," he said. "She was so kind-hearted and creative."

Rick McSheridan said the fact so many of her friends had come to the hospital so quickly was revealing.

"You wouldn't expect that teenagers would want to be in that room, because she was in pretty bad shape," he said.

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Shrugging off the markets

2009-04-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

Is there going to be a depression? Has America gone socialist? Will Britain have to buy Iceland? Who knows?

Well, I freely admit that I know next to nothing about the stock market. It's not my thing. But what really freaks me out about this whole story is that nobody else seems to know what the hell's going on either. Every banker, broker and TV newsreader in the world must have sore shoulders from shrugging ‘I don't know' to each other.

Luckily, I can afford to be glib. Thanks to my inherent distrust for the stock market, I have very little money tied up in the mess. Well, to be honest, I have very little money period. But that's not the point. The point is that you reap what you sow. If you reward obscene profits with laissez-faire regulations then you get greedy corporate pigs with no concern for consequences or casualties.

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“Wishful Drinking” Puts the “Dis” in Dysfunction

2009-03-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

As a teen, she witnessed the parade of stepmothers who came in and out of her father's life, one not much older than herself. In her 20s she rocketed to fame in Star Wars, had two failed marriages to the same man, wrote the very successful novel and subsequent screenplay for the scathingly funny semi-autobiographical Postcards from the Edge, and got admitted to rehab for the first of many times. A drug addict and alcoholic later diagnosed with manic depression (now called bipolar disorder), Fisher today at 52 could be considered the poster child for survival.

The sarcastically self-effacing actress and scribe refuses to tag herself with that label, however. She also venomously disparages tell-all celebrities while telling all on her own self and family. Fisher's seemingly absurd history - truth being far stranger than fiction - could easily devolve into self-serving 12-step confession.

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Snoring 'boosts risk of bronchitis'

2009-03-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

Snorers are more likely to develop chronic bronchitis, according to new research.

Those who snore six or seven times per week are 68% more likely to develop the condition than those who never snore, it found.

Even snoring just a few times a week can increase the risk, with people snoring five times or less having a 25% higher chance of developing bronchitis.

The study was published in the journal, Archives of Internal Medicine.

Chronic bronchitis is when the lower airways become inflamed and is accompanied by a persistent cough and the production of mucus or phlegm.

Dr Inkyung Baik, of the Korea University Ansan Hospital, and colleagues studied 4,270 people (52% men and 48% women) aged between 40 and 69.

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Teen, alleged abductor made hundreds of calls - court

2009-03-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

Howard suggested taking her to the hospital "to see if I had depression or something".

While on the road trip he told her to text her friends and let them know she was alright.

Following the video screening, the teen was questioned by police prosecutor David Pawson who sought identification of photographic items found in the glove box of Howard's car.

Asked who a packet of condoms belonged to, she said: "They are certainly not mine."

A length of cable and some binding tape were, she assumed, Howard's. But she didn't know what they were there for.

Howard's lawyer, Craig Tuck, accepted a prima facie case had been established and entered a not guilty plea to the abduction charge.

Howard was remanded on bail for a callover on December 11.

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Teen jailed for knife attack

2009-03-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

He said he now knew that if he took cannabis it would not help his depression, but exacerbate it.

Judge Mark Horton said: “You attacked the victim in his own home in an unprovoked attack with a knife causing a serious and permanent injury to his face which requires 20 stitches with which he will live for the rest of his life."

Parente: Saints, heroes and role models

2009-02-23T18:02:00.000-08:00

My teen-age years, the austere depression's recovery years, were spent working in a downtown retail store to earn my spending money. I saved pennies, nickels and dimes to buy a blouse, a pair of shoes or to purchase tickets to the annual train classic, the Milford-Framingham football game special - A perfect segue into the real purpose of this week's column, the historical significance as well as the importance of completing the costly rehabilitation of the Jay DiAntonio Youth Center located in the Milford Armory.

I was purging old home files, news clippings and speeches and came across the comments I made on the opening day of the Jay DiAntonio Youth Center.

"I believe in sainthood, heroes and role models.

"On this grand opening day, we note that Jay DiAntonio, firefighter, community volunteer, cold water rescuer, youth counselor, came as near to the descriptions of saint, hero and role model, as anyone could."

The laudatory remarks continued, "Today, in this place and time, and due to some very special people, we are here to celebrate the opening of the Jay DiAntonio Youth Center."

It all began in 1992 when Jay DiAntonio inquired about the use of the decommissioned armory for a youth center.

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Over-scheduling may be overrated

2009-02-18T19:29:00.000-08:00

High school students pressured to beef up their resumes can suffer from depression and anxiety.

It takes a toll on parents as well, not to mention the cost to shuttle kids among all those activities.

Despite what the neighbors might say, the truth is that our kids will still get into college even if they've never watched a Baby Einstein video or been president of the Medieval Literature Club.

"The parents who are over-the-top, you're never going to change," says Alvin Rosenfeld, a child psychiatrist and author of "The Over-Scheduled Child: Avoiding the Hyper-Parenting Trap." "It's about the incessant pressure on the rest of us. It's very hard to have the inner fortitude to resist that pressure."

The irony is that our strengths -- independence, thinking outside the box, creative problem-solving -- develop best when kids have time to play, to dream, to dawdle.

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The Family Counselling Centre

2009-02-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

The agency's counselling programs address a broad range of areas including depression, work-related issues, child behaviour, relationship issues, family violence, problem solving and conflict resolution.

Among the agency's programs focusing on family violence are Side by Side - a group program for children and mothers who have experienced abuse in their families, For Me and My Mom - a counselling program for child witnesses of domestic abuse, and the Partner Assault Response Program - a group program for men who have been abusive to their partners.

The Family Counselling Centre's employee assistance programs offer professional, confidential counselling for organizations that helps employees and their families deal with personal and work-related concerns. Health and wellness education and management training for supervisors and employers is also offered.

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Nation/World briefs

2009-02-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

Expectant mothers with symptoms of severe depression are more than twice as likely to give birth prematurely as those with no signs of depression, according to the study published Thursday in the journal Human Reproduction.

Stevens' jury reports unruly member

WASHINGTON -- A federal judge on Thursday warned jurors at Sen. Ted Stevens' corruption trial to be courteous and respectful of each other after the panel's leader described "violent outbursts" from one of them that threatened to derail final deliberations. U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan ordered an alternate juror to be ready to join deliberations today if the issue of a missing juror on a family emergency couldn't be resolved.

NYC mayor wins chance at 3rd term

NEW YORK -- The New York City Council has approved changes in the term-limits law that will allow Mayor Michael Bloomberg to seek re-election next year.

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Watching With Kids in Mind

2009-01-24T19:13:00.000-08:00

Lily makes friends with Zach (Tristan Wilds), a brainy teen who works for the sisters and aims to be a lawyer.

Eventually, a truth emerges about Lily's mother, for whom she still pines. Memories of her mother's violent death haunt her. What could be sickly sweet instead has enough tartness to stay interesting. The film is fine for teens, but it does include some violence, death, racial epithets, profanity, sexual innuendo, drinking and a depression theme.

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8 and Older

"Beverly Hills Chihuahua" (PG). Stereotypical ethnic humor and trite doggie-poop jokes intermingle with genuinely funny bits in this uneven live-action (well, mostly) family comedy. Real dogs "talk" to one another, thanks to computer animation.

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Sebastian Stan

2009-01-20T20:15:00.000-08:00

Answer, if that depression was great like this one: Attend a screening of the latest teen sex comedy (or is that teen-sex comedy?) at the Tribeca Grand.

This past Sunday it was Sex Drive, an oddly restrained little composition in the American Pie school whose craftsman-like simulation of raunch almost made up for its workmanlike impression of heart. The thrill might be gone (surely as much the Daily Transom's problem as the film's), but the mileposts were reached with unimpeachable alacrity: virginity, semen-involving hijink, astonishingly attractive best-friend girl understood as edgy due to darkness of hair, improbable set-up of road trip leading to sex-opportunity (sexportunity?), execution of said road trip, sight gag involving an elder gentleman's scrotum, an imbecilic Seth Green as Amish mechanic, complications to said road-trip and said sex-opportunity, mutual realization of unspoken more-than-friend status with best-friend girl.

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Sebastian Stan

2009-01-18T20:04:00.000-08:00

Answer, if that depression was great like this one: Attend a screening of the latest teen sex comedy (or is that teen-sex comedy?) at the Tribeca Grand.

Chastity advocate pulls no punches

2009-01-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Evert stressed that taking this route leads to greater happiness, noting that the potential for depression rises sharply among teen boys and girls who become sexually active. Lest young people fear losing their popularity, he pointed out that football's Philip Rivers, quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, was a virgin and so was his wife, Tiffany, when they got married.

Evert noted that chastity and abstinence are not the same things: Whereas abstinence means not having sex, chastity also includes pure thoughts and speech. He also pointed out the difference between infatuation and true love, declaring that "a lot of people think if the feeling goes down, love is disappearing. That's not true at all."

Evert asserted that true love is not really a feeling, but "an act of the will to do your best for someone else" that has a much greater permanence.

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Chastity advocate pulls no punches

2009-01-11T20:49:00.000-08:00

Evert asserted that true love is not really a feeling, but "an act of the will to do your best for someone else" that has a much greater permanence.

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Bend seniors recall Great Depression's lessons

2009-01-06T13:45:00.000-08:00

In 1929, Gene and Betty Harries weren't even teen-agers, and growing up in the Midwest. the Great Depression hit them hard.

"I remember that there wasn't much money back then. If you found any money on the floor, it was real money, and you kept it," said Gene Harries, who was barely 10 years old when the stock market crashed in October of 1929. And they say many had it harder than they did.

That was then, and now things are much different. Economists and historians say the most important difference between today's economic environment and the old days is the government's role.

"Our economy is depending on decisive action from the government," President Bush said in recent, tumultuous days."The sooner we address the problem, the sooner we can get back on the path of growth and job creation.

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Chastity advocate pulls no punches

2009-01-04T23:05:00.000-08:00

Evert asserted that true love is not really a feeling, but "an act of the will to do your best for someone else" that has a much greater permanence.

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Bend seniors recall Great Depression's lessons

2008-12-28T22:49:00.000-08:00

In 1929, Gene and Betty Harries weren't even teen-agers, and growing up in the Midwest. the Great Depression hit them hard.

That was then, and now things are much different. Economists and historians say the most important difference between today's economic environment and the old days is the government's role.

No better time to talk to your kids about money

2008-12-21T13:27:00.000-08:00

While your preschooler may remain happily oblivious, your interested teen may be a little different. It is best for them to learn something from you than to leave it up to the negative and depressing illustrations in media. So when you sit your kids down to talk, what do you say?

Here are some suggestions: You can start by teaching them that everything in life is cyclical — and that goes for financial markets also. Things go up and things go down. And then they go up again and down again. You can liken it to a wave which goes up and down, or to a glass of water you set down on a flat surface. If you knock the glass, the water is disturbed but, in time, it will once again level out. A good way to illustrate this is to enlist a grandparent to talk to your child about growing up during the Great Depression.

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Teen suicide attempts can stem from wanting to ‘escape’

2008-12-15T23:40:00.000-08:00

Depression, bipolar disorder or other psychological disorders, as well as alcohol and drug use. • Feeling of distress, irritability or agitation.• Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.• A previous suicide attempt.• A family history of depression or suicide.• Physical or sexual abuse.• Lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of social isolation.• Dealing with homosexuality in a non-supportive family or community or hostile school environment.Suicide among teens often occurs following a stressful life event, such as a perceived failure at school, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a major family conflict.A teen who is thinking about suicide might:• Talk about suicide or death in general.• Talk about "going away."• Talk about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty.• Pull away from friends or family.• Lose the desire to take part in favorite things or activities.• Have trouble concentrating or thinking clearly.• Experience changes in eating or sleeping habits.• Self-destructive behavior (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or driving too fast, for example).For parents, it’s important to know the warning signs, to keep your eyes and ears open, and to keep the lines of communication with your teen open.

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How Reader Girl Got Her Groove Back

2008-11-25T21:32:00.000-08:00

Eventually I had to admit that I was going through a literary depression. But I trudged along dutifully until the day I had one of them there Joycean epiphanies—I couldn't remember the last time I had stayed up reading into the squeaky hours of the night because I couldn't bear to put the book down.

How had that happened? I searched my memory for the last time reading had been a pleasure: age 15. Fantasy had been my favorite genre back then, so I checked out a few fantasies from my library. On the sly, of course. I read them huddled in my bed, nightlight and all. And felt punched in the gut. I'd been spoiled by all that fine literature and couldn't read past the sometimes unpolished and awkward writing enough to enjoy the story.

Well then, I thought, pulling myself up by my boot straps (oh, for genuine boot straps!), if your ideal book isn't out there, then go write it.

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Forum to focus on teen suicides

2008-11-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

Although youth suicide is the topic of the workshop, Bowles prefers to focus on suicide as a product of depression, an illness that can be treated successfully. Bowles said he's been invited by schools to talk to students in the wake of a suicide.

"I talk mostly about depression because you don't know which one of those people are going to kill themselves," Bowles explained. "There is a lot of emphasis on suicide, but it should be on depression."

Everyone goes through bouts of depression, but red flags should go up if the depression lasts beyond two weeks, he said.

Individuals can try to overcome depression by talking to friends, exercising, eating healthy, getting sufficient rest, avoiding drugs or alcohol (which is a depressant), problem solving, doing something for others, not striving to be perfect ("nobody is," he said), laughing or taking a break from the sadness by deciding to "feel sorry for myself for (only) a half-hour today," he suggested.

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Forum to focus on teen suicides

2008-11-17T19:06:00.000-08:00

Everyone goes through bouts of depression, but red flags should go up if the depression lasts beyond two weeks, he said.

MNI researchers locate neurological basis of depression following sports concussion

2008-11-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

Researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute of McGill University have identified the neurological basis of depression in male athletes with persisting post-concussion symptoms. The study, published in this weeks issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, has important clinical implications for the treatment of individuals who have suffered a cerebral concussion.

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Light therapy may help women with bipolar disorder

2008-11-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Bright light therapy can relieve depression in some women with bipolar disorder, a study shows.

Bright light treatment started out as a way to relieve winter depression, but it has since been shown to be effective for seasonal and non-seasonal major depression. It could also benefit people with bipolar disorder, in which moods swing from depression to mania, note the authors of the report in the medical journal Bipolar Disorders.

To see what "dose" of bright light might be best, Dr. Dorothy Sit, of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania, and colleagues conducted a small study with nine women in the depression phase of bipolar disorder who were unresponsive to conventional treatments.

The women were given light boxes and used them for 15, 30, and 45 minutes daily, each for 2-week periods.

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Diabetes Blues, UK

2008-11-04T22:33:00.000-08:00

Diabetes UK is calling for more psychological support for young adults with Type 1 diabetes as new research shows that a third report symptoms of depression.

We want diabetes services to be better targeted to meet the needs of young people.

These improvements are urgently needed, as the study found that 35 per cent of young people taking part showed symptoms of depression.

The study

The survey, conducted at Fremantle Hospital, Western Australia, and the University of Western Australia, looked at 92 young adults with Type 1 diabetes aged 18 to 28 years. It found that young adults with depressive symptoms had poorer glycaemic control.

Teenage struggle

Teenagers and young adults with Type 1 diabetes often struggle to manage their condition.

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MoD reveals scale of brain injuries among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans

2008-11-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of troops returning to the UK from Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering brain injuries caused by exposure to high-powered explosions or minor blows to the head, it emerged yesterday.

The Ministry of Defence said that since 2003 about 500 servicemen and women had suffered "mild traumatic brain injury" (mTBI) - which can lead to memory loss, depression and anxiety. The Surgeon General, Lieutenant General Louis Lillywhite, said that more troops could come forward as awareness of the condition increased. "We have put a significant amount of effort and resources into this area in order to get ahead of the game," he said.