What Causes Depression? September 1, 2008
Posted by janey in : depression self help , comments closedThere are many more causes of depression than people may think. In addition to the standard ones that everyone is aware of like hormone deficiencies, a diet heavy in omega-3 acids, seasonal changes in sunlight or ups and downs of bipolar disorder there are many other things that can cause a person to suffer from depression.
Bad experiences early in life can linger with a person for the rest of their days. Depending on how bad these events were they could cause a deep depression. These poor early experiences can include loss of a parent at an early age, sexual, physical or emotional abuse, neglect or even chronic illness as a child. Those who suffer such trying times in their early lives often have a battle with depression as the age. These same people, or others in society, may find that in their adult lives they have other demons to fight. Depression can also be caused by divorce; death of a child, partner, parent or close friend especially of this death was not an easy one. Loosing ones job, have a gambling, drug or alcohol problem can also cause a depressive period. Loneliness can be a terrible problem and definitely can cause a depressive episode. Sometimes the workplace is not a good one and the stress from that or of looking for a new job can be a depression trigger.
There are some medical conditions that by their terrible toll on the person’s physical condition can cause depression. Usually these are serious illnesses like cancer, hepatitis, or brain damage to name just a few. Often it is dealing with a serious medical condition that causes the depressing but it can sometimes be a side effect of the medications needed to combat them. Some medications that a person requires daily can be a trigger. This includes a very common medication that is taken by women the world over, birth control pills. A serious injury can also be a reason for a person to become depressed.
Alcohol finds itself in an odd place when it comes to discussing its place in a depressive episode. Researchers are not certain if the use of alcohol causes the depression or is it the depression that causes the use of alcohol. This goes for the use of tranquilizers, sleeping pills and illicit drugs as well. It remains unclear what the use of these mood enhancers is. Do they help the problem or cause the problem? Those suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, also called PTSD, suffer because of some event or events that have occurred in their lives that they are unable to deal with. This disorder is often accompanied by feelings of depression.
Sadly, one trigger of a depressive episode is living with someone who is a depressive. The day to day anxiety, high maintenance care and daily disruption to a normal life has been known to cause the caregiver to become so overburdened, so stressed at the lack of normalcy that they too suffer an period of depression.
Depression is only one of many mental health problems that you can suffer.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder GAD Information September 1, 2008
Posted by janey in : depression self help , comments closedIt is normal to feel worried or anxious sometimes. In fact, moderate amounts of anxiety can be good and is sometimes called eustress. Anxiety can help people respond to real danger in appropriate ways., and it can help motivate to excel at work, sports, or social situations.
Feeling anxious without reason and or when worries disrupt everyday life can be a symptom of having generalized anxiety disorder [uc]GAD[/uc]. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes excessive or unrealistic anxiety and worry — well beyond what’s appropriate for a situation.
Living with generalized anxiety disorder is difficult and takes the joy out of life. Treatment are available. Both medications and psychotherapy can help to ease symptoms. Learning healthy coping skills and life skill can help to manage generalized anxiety disorder, so that you can take back your life.
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder [uc]GAD[/uc] can vary in combination or severity. However, many of the generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include the following:
* Restlessness
* Feeling of being keyed up or on edge
* Feeling a lump in your throat
* Difficulty concentrating
* Fatigue
* Irritability
* Impatience
* Being easily distracted
* Muscle tension
* Trouble falling or staying asleep
* Excessive sweating
* Shortness of breath
* Stomachache
* Diarrhea
* Headache
Many effective treatments are available for anxiety disorders, and more research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives.
