Depression Symptoms

Since professional treatments for depression can be very costly, many sufferers need to to find free help for depression in order to get relief while avoiding extra financial strain. Unquestionably, some types of depression cannot be resolve or treated without the special help of mental health professionals and psychiatric hospitals which all cost lots of money.

However, many of the 19 million sufferers a year can benefit from various low cost or free help for depression resources that are readily available in your area. Free doesn’t mean less qualified either since there are many organizations and other groups that have been trained to help many people back to the road of mental recovery.

Since there are also varying degrees of depression, help for depression is usually readily available free for people who are mild to moderately depressed. Even those who struggle with clinical depression as well as other more stubborn forms of the condition can benefit from various community, county and state resources that will not charge exorbitant rates for their services. Depression help that is free or low cost usually is found through non-profit organizations, self help resources and local county services that offer free help to those who qualify.

Many non-profit groups, both religious and community sponsored offer help for anyone in need. Some churches have pastoral counselors available who can offer free help for depression or counseling on a sliding scale basis depending on what a person can actually pay. What is not paid is absorbed by the church or board through grants, scholarships and donations by those who care.

You can check the yellow pages or online information for churches or religious organizations in your town that offer counseling for free or very low cost. You can also find out more about Pastoral Counseling in your area through the American Association of Christian Counselors as well as the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.

Self-help resources for depression are also very popular such as books, conferences, support groups, and online help continue to grow. Also, alternative medicine and herbal remedies for depression are very sought after by those who prefer to find cheaper as well as more natural ways to deal with the symptoms of depression. Some have found help for depression through using certain herbs, vitamins, foods and supplements. While some natural remedies for depression can be expensive, there are some that are very cost effective while providing some relief of being depressed. The American Self-Help Clearinghouse as well as the National Mental Health Self-Help Clearinghouse can provide you with information and support that is free and professional.

There are also local county and state services that are helpful to those who are qualified to benefit from public assistance. Your particular community mental health services can provide you with the best avenue to pursue free help for depression through their channels. Free meds programs through certain charitable organizations such as Needy Meds and The Medicine Program are available as well for those who suffer from depression. There is a lot of free help for depression for those who are willing to do a little research and take advantage of the vast array of free or low cost resources offered.

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Depression in men is often different than depression in women because men react to their own depression differently. Men typically do not respond well to feeling out of control of their own emotions. This causes them to become aggressive or easily agitated. They may go into a rage with little or no provocation at all. Men are also more likely to engross themselves in something other than where the problem lies. For example, if the depression is brought on by problems at home, a man is more likely to get really involved in work and work long hours. He may also get obsessed with a hobby or sport when he is not at work. Men also tend to become self-destructive. They will engage in activities like excessive drinking or drug use. They may involve themselves in meaningless affairs or one-night stands to escape.

Men are much less likely to seek help for their depression. This includes close friends and family. Depression is often seen as a weakness, and a problem only women have. It is a huge step for a man to admit he is suffering from depression. He is more likely to ignore the problem, and drown himself in other activities. A huge indicator of depression in men is a sudden change in behavior or a sudden increase in drinking.

Depression in men should not be taken lightly. Although men are not more likely than women to attempt suicide, men are more often successful while attempting suicide. Women are typically afraid of pain even when trying to end their own lives. That is why women are more likely to try to overdose on drugs or cut their wrists to kill themselves. Men are more likely to do something they see as being quick and easy, such as shooting or hanging themselves, which are much more effective.

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There are several types of depression ranging from mild to clinical and most people will experience some form at some point in their lifetime. It can become a very complicated condition especially if not dealt with early on.

Here are the most common types of depression:

1. Dysthymic Disorder – This condition presents itself as a mild to moderate depressive condition. It is similar to major depression but its symptoms are less severe. Adults diagnosed with dysthymic disorder usually feel depressed much of the time throughout a 2 year period. Children who experience this for one year are diagnosed with dysthymic disorder.

2. Major Depressive Disorder – Clinically depressed people and those who describe feeling deeply depressed for at least two weeks fit into this category. Symptoms such as changes in weight, sleep patterns, no interest in daily life experiences, depressed mood, fatigue, suicidal thoughts and problems concentrating are typical for this condition.

3. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Season changes are directly related to the symptoms experience by sufferers who have this disorder. Those who have SAD experience a depressed mood, sleepiness, increase in weight and a craving for carbohydrates during winter months. When spring and summer return, the condition goes away and the person feels totally normal.

4. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder – If you experience severe bloating, depressed mood, irritability, feeling out of control, nervousness, food cravings, breast tenderness with general aches and pains 2 weeks prior to your period with resolution of symptoms after menses begins, then you may have PDD. Many people experience some of these symptoms in varying degrees, but those who are diagnosed with PDD experience quite severe symptoms.

5. Bipolar Disorder – Severe mood swings characterize this disorder and range from high to low which result in a very chaotic life for those afflicted. Episodes alternate between manic (feelings of irritability, nervousness and grandiosity) and then experience depression. These mood swings can take place over a period of a few days, weeks or months.

6. Postpartum Depression – Postpartum depression is what is typically known as the "baby blues" in mothers who have recently experience childbirth. Fluctuating hormones cause this condition and some mothers only experience mild depression until their hormones regain balance and they feel normal again. Other women experience deep depression to the point of dangerous hallucinations.

Each of these types of depression also have many facets that are more specific to each person afflicted and can also develop into more intense forms if left untreated. If you think you may have any of these types of depression, it is wise to seek help as early as possible in order to find personal balance and relief.

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Seasonal Affect Disorder is a type of depression caused by the changing seasons. It is found mostly in women, however, that could be a misrepresentation since men are less likely to complain about symptoms or seek medical advise. The onset of this illness is generally between the ages of 18 and 30, and then the person affected will see a reoccurrence over year as the days get shorter.

Seasonal Affect Disorder is caused by the change in the number of hours of daylight. The lack of daylight, and the decreased intensity of daylight seriously effects our internal clocks. Some people are not able to adjust to the change smoothly, and that is what leads to seasonal affect disorder. Due to the cause being the change in sunlight, seasonal affect disorder is rare in tropical areas since the number of hours of sunlight each day doesn’t change that much.

The symptoms of seasonal affect disorder vary in type, as well as severity. However, most commonly the symptoms include: sleep disruptions, fatigue, lack of concentration, increased social anxiety, loss of sexual drive, anxiety, mood swings, and depression. A diagnosis is typically made once these symptoms have been present three or more years in a row. There is no outright cure for seasonal affect disorder. There are, however, things you can do. For example, your doctor can put you on a regime of anti-depressants starting before time change until a set time after the time change. You can engage in light therapy, which would involve spending time in front of sun lamps to get artificial sunlight to make up for the loss in actual sunlight. In extreme cases, you can also move to a tropical region where the symptoms are not likely to reoccur. This could be a sincere option in cases of severe symptoms. Some patients actually become suicidal during the seasonal changes, and are a danger to themselves and others.

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The onset of autumn has an adverse effect on many people. The group of symptoms appearing at that time of year – in the absence of other explanations – has been named Seasonal Affective Disorder – or SAD in short. You may know what it’s like – the wet and grey days of autumn, accentuated by the shortening length of day – have a lowering effect on one’s mood.

I know, I suffer from it, and have done so for the last 20 years or so. The good news is that it gets better in the spring, for most people.

What are the Symptoms? These include any or all of:- depression, sleep problems, lethargy, overeating, loss of concentration, social problems, anxiety, loss of libido, mood problems. Usually, a diagnosis is based on 3 consecutive winters of the same symptoms. I don’t suffer from all of these symptoms, thank goodness, just mild depression.

Other names under which it is known include "Winter Blues". When symptoms are more severe, it maybe known as bipolar affective disorder.

Who Suffers? People who live within the tropics – say between 30 degrees north and south of the equator – rarely experience it. In that region, the days are of a relatively fixed length close to 12 hours or so. Also, the intensity of light is high due to the sun’s high average altitude in the sky and relatively lower levels of heavy cloud cover. If you live outside that region, then you may be susceptible. This is an obvious clue to one of the potential remedies – go and live near the Equator. Outside the tropics, it is estimated that 4-6% of the general population are sufferers, though many more – maybe 20% – present symptoms but fall outside a strict diagnosis.

Is it gender-related? Yes, indications are that women sufferers outnumber men by 4 to 1.

Is it age-related? Onset tends to be between the ages of 18 and 30 years.

What causes it? Undoubtedly, it is basically down to changing hours of sunlight and lower levels of daylight intensity. In scientific terms, it is the disruption of the body’s clock – known as the circadian rhythm. There are various theories as to how this affects the body. One is that it causes a reduction in the brain’s production of melatonin – this chemical governs sleep. Another theory involves the reduced production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter and governs our mood.

There have been suggestions that it is related to a deep rooted hibernation cycle from way back in our genetic ancestry.

Is there a cure? This will depend on the severity of the symptoms. There are a number of approaches, including drugs, homeopathic remedies, light therapy and moving home to the tropics. I think the last one is the most attractive! I was really happy in Brazil…

If you want to know more, visit http://www.havenplace.co.uk/SAD.html

Copyright (c) 2009 Phil Marks

Phil Marks

Thank you for reading my article, I hope you found it informative and useful. There is more information about SAD and my ‘cures’, including a great recipe for Caparinha on my website =>

http://www.havenplace.co.uk

Medical research has gone a long way towards answering the age old why am I depressed question. However, the exact mechanisms which lead to depressive disorders remain unknown. The only thing one can say for sure is that no single cause is the sole responsible factor. Most often, depression is the result of a combination of factors and triggers. Furthermore, depression is more than simply a state of mind, and is closely related to physical and chemical changes in the human brain.

If you find yourself saying I’m always depressed, there are probably several factors involved in that feeling of being depressed. Experts say a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors most probably causes the onset of depression.

The biological answers to why am I depressed lie in the changes in brain chemistry including the fluctuations in hormone and serotonin levels. Genetic factors are heredity, and family history. For example, children of depressive parents are more prone to depression. Environmental and emotional triggers are the result of stressful situations. Depression can be caused by any one of the three, or a combination of the factors. Other factors like illness, certain kinds of medication, or drug and alcohol abuse can also lead to or worsen depression.

The genetic factors behind why am I depressed hinge on family history. Depression tends to run in families and appears in successive generations. For example, the twin of a manic-depressive has a 70 percent chance of having the same illness. Similarly, the rate of depression among adoptive family members does not influence the risk of depression of an adopted child. Illnesses like bipolar disorder also tend to run in families. Although depression seems to run in families, it can develop in people without a family history of depression as well.

Biological factors also answer the I’m always depressed conundrum. Research indicates that people with depressive illness have an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin deficiency is thought to cause sleep problems, irritability, and anxiety while norepinephrine, deficiency causes fatigue, sad moods and so on. A Cortisol imbalance (often associated with high stress lifestyles) adds to the problem.

Psychological and personality factors also have something to do with "why am I depressed." People who are pessimistic, suffer from low self-esteem and self image issues, or have a generally negative outlook on life are more at risk. A feeling of helplessness, or fear and angst caused by physical illness can also trigger depression.

Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and substance abuse either accompany depression or make it worse. Environmental situations like long term stress add a lot to the risk of depression. Sudden changes like a breakup, financial problems, or the death of a loved one often trigger depression, as do milestones like a new job, graduating from school, marriage or childbirth.

Treatment options vary, of course, and much depends on the severity of the problem, but most people who ask why am I depressed do very well on natural remedies because rather than having to tolerate all the scary side effects of drugs, these remedies work by increasing the production of dopamine in the brain which will improve your general outlook on life and give you the energy to start connecting with others and make important changes that increase your satisfaction with life and the sense that your life is meaningful.

Laura Ramirez is a dedicated researcher in the field of health and wellness. Learn more about her findings on natural ways to treat depression by going to http://www.cure-depression-naturally.com.

While depression in men may not be as common when compared to women, statistics from World Health Organization have shown that men are generally more successfully in taking their own lives with higher percentage rate. It may be due to the indifference of the way they handle their problems or unwillingness to share their mental burden with anyone in fear of appearing unmanly. Whatever the cause, it’s time to get serious in taking concrete steps to overcome your depression or your loved ones.

Don’t Give Up Your Hobbies
Depression has a way of making you feel empty. Do not lose to this feeling as many people have given up hope and start dropping their favorite pastimes and hobbies in the process. This will undoubtedly only worsen the situation and create a more depressive state for you in the future as you are robbed of enjoyment and pleasure that these activities provide you. Instead, you should concentrate more of your time and energy into doing something that you love, for example go for a walk in the park, play golf and immerse yourself in hobbies that hopefully involves physical movements.

Exercise has long been proven to increase your blood flow throughout all parts of your body and will enable to you think clearly and more objectively to handle your situation besides obvious physical benefits. Also, it works as a natural anti-depressant as the activities will increase your serotonin levels and allow you to be at a more relaxed sedative state.

Watch Your Diet
One of the more overlooked leading factors in overcoming depression is the lack of a proper diet. Are you enough or at the right time? Are you eating the right kind of food that provides proper nutrition? The right diet is important as lack of nutrients will make feel you easily irritated and generally unwell. Also, eating frequent light meals is better than a few heavy ones and make sure that all the appropriate nutrients are available in your meals. Try to leave out extreme diet plans that require you to forgo all carbohydrates and focus on protein or vice versa. Furthermore, try to include brain food in your diet which uplifts your serotonin levels and helps to enhance your memory. Simply put, you are what you eat so it is vital that you eat your way back to your former happy healthy self.

Cognitive Behavioral Approach To Treat Depression In Men
One of the more effective ways of overcoming depression is by simple cognitive behavioral approach. By changing your way of thinking, even the most dire circumstances could be viewed in more positive light. It is important because positive outlooks can result in positive outcomes when you take constructive actions in helping your situation. You will find new and more realistic strategies to cope with daily challenges.

Also, the positive visualization and imagination will do you a world of good. Take 15 minutes daily and sit in a quiet corner to focus on a happy memory in your past. By doing so, you will be able to relax and handle problems in a more rationale approach and no longer immerse yourself in the destructive ‘all or nothing’ thinking that most depressed men suffer from. There is always help around the corner, you just have to reach out and accept it.

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There are natural ways to overcome depression without medication that involve a holistic mind and body approach using several different strategies to address the symptoms. The best course of action for your particular situation will depend on the nature of your symptoms. Low level depression can often be self managed effectively, while more severe depression may benefit from professional help.

To heal depression naturally it’s important to remember that mood disorders have both a physical and psychological basis. Each case is highly individual, and it may not be obvious if one aspect plays a stronger role than the other. A thorough physical checkup may be helpful to provide some feedback in establishing a personalized course of action.

A general list of some areas to look at include:

• unresolved emotional issues
• stress reduction
• diet and digestive health

Because trauma is a natural part of being human, unresolved emotional issues are often involved in depression. It’s common that skills for dealing with and resolving traumatic events are not fully developed while growing up, so sometimes we are unconsciously still carrying around the energy of unresolved emotions from earlier in life.

This situation affects all of us to varying degrees. Some researchers believe unresolved emotional issues are the root cause of most illness and disease. If you suspect that you may have unresolved trauma involving child and/or sexual abuse, the safest route would be some form of professional therapy. For less severe issues there are many self help options available to learn more effective management of emotions.

Stress management skills are an absolute necessity in today’s fast paced and quickly changing world, and even more so if you’re consistently experiencing some level of depression or anxiety.

Biofeedback, meditation and focused relaxation training can help you release stress before it builds up to harmful levels. Regular exercise is an easy and effective way to reduce your stress levels, and is especially helpful if your daily life tends to be sedentary.

Current research is revealing the important role diet and digestion play in the emotions we experience. The stomach and intestines have a very sensitive nervous system network called the enteric nervous system. Stress negatively affects this system which can result in indigestion, acid reflux or ulcers. Paying some attention to diet can be a good way to help heal depression naturally.

Highly processed foods can cause an allergic irritation in the digestive system because of the high levels of artificial additives it contains. Some improvement in depression symptoms may be noticed from simply switching from processed food to organic, natural food. Also finding and eliminating food allergens from the diet is important.

Supplements and Herbal Remedies for Depression and Anxiety

Nutritional supplements and herbal remedies are another approach that can help ease depression. Passionflower and St. John’s wort are two of the most popular herbs used for these issues, and can be very helpful if your symptoms include insomnia.

Some other supplements for depression include:

• A high quality multi-vitamin supplement
• Omega three fatty acids i.e. fish, flax or borage oil
• Amino acids
• 5-HTP
• SAMe

A natural, holistic way to overcome depression without medication involves a strategy that considers unresolved emotional issues, stress reduction and diet adjustments. For an assessment of your condition as well as guidance on a personalized course of action, a naturopathic doctor or other natural health care provider can help.

Max Wardlow writes from experience about anxiety and depression. He also helps manage a website about natural remedies where you can find out more about how to overcome depression without medication.

The results of anxiety can manifest itself differently from person to person. Some people feel panicky and have trouble breathing, may pass out, and do not want to be in public places in case an attack comes on.

Others become irritated and snappy and have a hard time controlling their emotions. Still others find themselves in a state of depression, unable to function correctly, becoming non-responsive to others, refusing to participate in real world activities, withdrawing into themselves and becoming self destructive by overeating, drinking or sleeping constantly.

Fortunately, depression & anxiety medication can help to manage the symptoms associated with anxiety produced depression.

There are many people that cannot tolerate depressed people, that is because depression is very hard to understand. Many people, most specifically those who have never experienced debilitating depression, believe that depression is a crutch and that all a person needs to do is ’snap out of it’ and make themselves feel better.

The truth, however, is that depression is a very real mental disorder that affects thousands of people; and if not for depression anxiety medication they would be unable to function in their day to day lives.

There are quite a few choices for depression anxiety medication and all of them require a prescription from a doctor in order for any depression anxiety medication to be dispensed. With the choices that are available, only a doctor will be able to determine whether or not an anxiety medication is right for you.

While you can discuss the pros and cons of different anxiety medications such as Zoloft, Paxil, Klonopin and Xanax, your doctor should ultimately decide which of these medications, or their generic counterparts as they apply, will best serve you in your current condition.

A person suffering from chronic depression should consider seeking professional help from a psychiatrist or psychologist as well. Often, speaking to a professional about how you feel and hearing them explain to you what part of your symptoms are common in depressed individuals will help you not to feel so alone.

Having a source of understanding or outlet in conjunction with your depression anxiety medication, you can find the strength to get better and lead a mentally healthier life.

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Everybody seems to be talking about the weather. Yet again in the Isle of Man, and throughout much of the UK, it has been a disappointing summer. Too little sun and far too much rain would seem to be the general consensus. I have lost count of the number of times that I have seen would-be floods upon the roads because the rain is coming down too quickly for the drains to cope. I have never been so aware of the rain before.

It’s not just the rain which has the power to dampen one’s spirits. The nights are beginning to draw in; it’s dark so much earlier in the evenings and dawn doesn’t break until 6am. If the sun doesn’t show it’s face through the clouds everything looks so grey and dull. No wonder so many people suffer from SAD. To see the brightness of the sun and to feel its warm rays upon your skin just feels so good. It’s almost impossible not to feel brighter when everything around you shimmers and twinkles in the sun.

When the sun shines endorphins are secreted at an increased rate and these provide for us a natural feel-good factor. When the sun doesn’t shine for days on end what can we do to recover from its loss? There are many things which can provide a feel good factor, ranging from eating chocolate to having sex. Some of these activities are good for us whilst others may have unwanted side effects.

If you are looking for a natural way in which to trigger the release of those happy feeling endorphins you could try listening to a hypnosis mp3 recording. Hypnosis is a natural state of relaxation in which your mind and body become beautifully relaxed and at ease. Hypnosis also unlocks the creative powers of your subconscious mind and so your imagination becomes more vivid and therefore more effective.

It has been proven in scientific research that the human brain does not know the difference between something that is real and something which is vividly imagined. You can use creative imagery whilst in hypnosis to visualize being in a beautiful and sunny place, just lapping up those warm rays and drinking in the bright wonders from all around you. Hypnosis provides you with all of the benefits of a mini holiday without any of the hassles or expense; and you can have guaranteed sunshine! You can in your imagination go any place you might want to go. The Seychelles today, Hawaii tomorrow, or perhaps a world cruise; the world is your oyster. All for the price of one hypnosis recording; that has got to be a bargain.

Roseanna Leaton, specialist in hypnosis mp3 recordings for health and well-being.

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