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.
Showing posts with label bipolar depression. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bipolar depression. Show all posts
Sunday, April 4, 2010
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!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
About Bipolar Depression
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.
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.
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