Latest Depression Articles

A Recipe For Happiness - The Mediterranean Diet

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 03:07:52 -0400

The media is full of health tips and diet advice.

As obesity rates rise, there is concern that people are not paying attention to their health. Beyond the problem of obesity is the issue of overall well-being, including emotional health.

The general consensus among health professionals is that most people are not paying enough attention to their diets - few are getting enough daily physical activity. Even more alarming are statistics showing that many people are dying from preventable illnesses. Others are becoming increasingly depressed or affected by emotional problems.

One area of concern that is not given the kind of attention it deserves is depression. For many, there is something of a stigma attached to this particular condition. The fact that depression is considered a mental illness results in many people being unwilling to seek help.

Dealing with Depression

Depression affects many facets of a person's health. It can affect the body's normal functions, moods and thoughts and the way they behave. Depression varies in severity from person to person. Some sufferers may not even realize that they are displaying symptoms of the illness. Some of these symptoms are:

o Trouble concentrating

o Constantly feeling sad without knowing why

o Sudden mood swings

o Unusual behavior

A diagnosis is usually made if these and other symptoms persist for more than two weeks. For severe cases, drugs may be prescribed, but treatment recommendations also include exercise and changes in diet. In many cases a combination treatment option is best.

Diet as a Treatment for Depression

It is an acknowledged fact that diet does not affect the body only on a physical level. It also has an effect on a psychological level. While not considered a complete course of treatment, diet can lead to positive changes for people suffering from depression. Some suggestions for alleviating the symptoms of depression with proper diet are:

o Eating foods rich in antioxidants, as this helps to prevent free radical damage, which can affect brain function.

o Getting enough protein to help improve concentration and energy levels.

o Consuming healthy carbohydrates instead of processed carbohydrates. It is best to consume whole grains and legumes to maintain overall mood and reduce stress levels.

Using Holidays to Help Deal with Depressions

The significance of getting away from it all to help battle depression can never be overstated. Many people use the chance to go on holiday to keep stress at bay. For many Brits, nothing beats the Spanish islands of Menorca and Majorca. With their pristine beaches and diverse offerings, it is one way to battle stress and depression.

Its healthy Mediterranean diet also includes the foods listed above. Anyone who spends time in Menorca or Majorca could put themselves on the path to healthier living. It places a lot of emphasis on healthy carbohydrates and unrefined cereals, fish, vegetables and fruit. Studies have shown that following a diet rich in these foods may even help keep depression at bay.

Menorca is known for its quiet fishing villages and laid back resorts. Its holiday package differs from those of other islands in the area. It is geared more towards holidaymakers seeking relaxation as opposed to hard partying. The island also has a variety of attractions and sights to keep any visitor engaged.

Majorca is not so quiet in most areas but popular.

Part of Menorca's appeal rests on the fact that overdevelopment has been strenuously resisted. Its numerous green spaces make it a refuge for tourists who like to enjoy nature's unspoilt beauty. The towns Mao and Ciutadella offer numerous sight seeing opportunities, just the thing to wrap up a stress free holiday.

There are no straightforward rules for beating depression. Making lifestyle changes, even small ones, can help improve one's overall sense of well-being. Going on holiday to de-stress is an important part of the journey towards good mental and physical health. Whether you choose Menorca or some other destination, it will have a positive impact in the long run.

Maybe the media will pick up the good news story.

Understanding Depression and Bipolar Disorder

Sat, 08 May 2010 07:35:29 -0400

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is classified as a mood disorder. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses. In fact, most of us are acquainted with someone who suffers from bipolar disorder. The condition is highly treatable but many sufferers neglect to seek medical care. This is because the condition is often misunderstood and many of those who suffer from the condition are afraid to seek care. They may not realize what is happening to them or they may fear being stigmatized by being diagnosed with mental illness.

When someone suffers from manic depression they will experience extremely high periods (the manic phase) and extremely low periods (the depression phase). During the manic phase it is not uncommon for people to engage in extreme and possibly dangerous behavior. Their demeanor may change completely and their speech becomes rapid, they may become highly irritable, and they may undertake extreme physical activity. During the depressive phase the sufferer will feel extremely low and in very serious cases may even be suicidal. In most cases, the depression periods are much more prolonged and frequent than the manic periods. You will likely find that during the periods between mood swings the person appears perfectly normal.

Bipolar disorder can make life extremely difficult for those who are in day-to-day contact with the sufferer. The mood swings will not occur at regular intervals and any number of things can trigger a switch from mania to depression. The severity of the symptoms may also vary widely and can last from as short as a few days to as long as years. To complicate matters, bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as simply clinical depression, what we commonly refer to as clinical depression. The depression symptoms may be addressed but this doesn’t solve the entire problem.

The direct cause for manic depression is still unknown thought science has found evidence that it runs in families. It is indiscriminate in targeting people of all ages—meaning children as well as adults. The important thing to remember is that the condition is a disease and not an indication of a personality flaw. When sufferers and their families recognize this it sometimes becomes easier to seek treatment.

There are a variety of treatment options for bipolar disorder. Medication appears to be the most effective but it is controversial for many people. It is not uncommon for sufferers to view medication as a crutch and refuse to have their problems solved by taking a pill. Nevertheless, the many medicines that are available today to treat bipolar disorder are extremely effective in many people. Unfortunately, they don’t work for everyone. The important thing is that the person with the symptoms seek appropriate medical care so that they can be evaluated and treatments. For those that prefer not to take medication or for whom medication is ineffective, there are alternatives. Among these are psycho-therapy, herbal supplements, electro-convulsive treatment, and light therapy.

There is still a lot to be learned about bipolar disorder, what causes it, and how it can be treated. The important thing is that the condition not be ignored. Chances are with the proper attention the condition can be controlled and the person suffering from it can lead a very healthy, very normal life.

Fighting Depression With A Mediterranean Diet

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:06:49 -0500

The media givesy health tips and diet advice. As obesity rates rise, there is concern that people are not paying attention to their health. Beyond the problem of obesity is the issue of overall well-being, including emotional health.

The general consensus among health professionals is that most people are not paying enough attention to their diets. Few are getting enough daily physical activity. Even more alarming are statistics showing that many people are dying from preventable illnesses. Others are becoming increasingly depressed or affected by emotional problems.

One area of concern that is not given the kind of attention it deserves is depression. For many, there is something of a stigma attached to this particular condition. The fact that depression is considered a mental illness results in many people being unwilling to seek help.

Dealing with Depression

Depression affects many facets of a person's health. It can affect the body's normal functions, moods and thoughts and the way they behave. Depression varies in severity from person to person. Some sufferers may not even realize that they are displaying symptoms of the illness. Some of these symptoms are:

o Trouble concentrating

o Constantly feeling sad without knowing why

o Sudden mood swings

o Unusual behavior

A diagnosis is usually made if these and other symptoms persist for more than two weeks. For severe cases, drugs may be prescribed, but treatment recommendations also include exercise and changes in diet. In many cases a combination treatment option is best.

Diet as a Treatment for Depression

It is an acknowledged fact that diet does not affect the body only on a physical level. It also has an effect on a psychological level. While not considered a complete course of treatment, diet can lead to positive changes for people suffering from depression. Some suggestions for alleviating the symptoms of depression with proper diet are:

o Eating foods rich in antioxidants, as this helps to prevent free radical damage, which can affect brain function.

o Getting enough protein to help improve concentration and energy levels.

o Consuming healthy carbohydrates instead of processed carbohydrates. It is best to consume whole grains and legumes to maintain overall mood and reduce stress levels.

Using Vacations to Help Deal with Depressions

The significance of getting away from it all to help battle depression can never be overstated. Many people use the chance to go on holiday to keep stress at bay. For many Brits, nothing beats the Spanish island of Menorca. With its pristine beaches and diverse offerings, it is one way to battle stress and depression.

Its healthy Mediterranean diet also includes the foods listed above. Anyone who spends time in Menorca could put themselves on the path to healthier living. It places a lot of emphasis on healthy carbohydrates and unrefined cereals, fish, vegetables and fruit. Studies have shown that following a diet rich in these foods may even help keep depression at bay.

Menorca is known for its quiet fishing villages and laid back resorts. Its holiday package differs from those of other islands in the area. It is geared more towards holidaymakers seeking relaxation as opposed to hard partying. The island also has a variety of attractions and sights to keep any visitor engaged and a lot of the hotels in Menorca offer meals sourced locally.

Part of Menorca's appeal rests on the fact that overdevelopment has been strenuously resisted. Its numerous green spaces make it a refuge for tourists who like to enjoy nature's unspoilt beauty. The towns Mao and Ciutadella offer numerous sight seeing opportunities, just the thing to wrap up a stress free holiday.

There are no straightforward rules for beating depression. Making lifestyle changes, even small ones, can help improve one's overall sense of well-being. Going on holiday to de-stress is an important part of the journey towards good mental and physical health. Whether you choose Menorca or some other destination, it could have a positive impact on your health.