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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Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Interview: Of Montreal
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.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sex abuse among kids high
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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Saturday, November 7, 2009
Warning Signs Of Adolescent Depression
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.
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.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Five effective means of coping with depression, without medications
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!
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!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Anger And Depression
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.
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.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Male Depression
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.
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.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Looking for Anxiety Support?
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!
More Info
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!
More Info
Monday, June 22, 2009
Anxiety Support Groups
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!
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!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
What you can do to cure depression
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 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.
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