How To Identify The Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder (Mania & Depression)

October 18, 2007 by HART 1-800-HART  
Filed under DEPRESSION

By Nafa Danfad

Bipolar Disorder involves problems with the emotions that can deeply affect your mental and physical health. It is a disease that can be present in anyone who develops the signs and symptoms of it.

The symptoms are sub-categorized into two components: mania and depression.

Here are the following symptoms of mania:

1. A sudden growth in self-worth and the act of being lavish.

2. Little needs to have a good sleep. Someone with this symptom would feel that he or she had rested enough even with only three hours of sleep.

3. Becomes a bigger chatterbox than usual.

4. Develops a feeling that his or her mind keeps pacing up

5. Tends to get unfocused. He or she will pay more attention to things that are less essential rather than things that he or she ought to pay more attention to.

6. A sudden growth in involvement in activities that have an aim to achieve be it in school or work.

7. Tends to get too pro-active in too many activities, probably to preoccupy his or her mind from the sorrows and pains that he or she does not wish to think about.

Here are the following symptoms of depression:

1. Being moody and less cheerful throughout almost the whole day.

2. Does not find any keen interest to take part in any activity. He or she just

wants to lay down and do nothing except to ponder on anything that is causing this depression.

3. A drastic increase or decrease in weight and appetite.

4. Will either have little sleep or too much of sleep.

5. Tends to get easily irritated.

6. Tends to get easily exhausted and less energetic.

7. Develops a feeling of low self-esteem. He or she would feel useless and feel guilty over everything that surrounds him or her, even though it is totally not his or her fault.

8. Tendency to be fickle-minded. He or she would lack of focus in whatever that needs to be done, and would not be able to make decisions well.

9. Always have the urge to commit suicide.

Bipolar Disorder is a serious illness that can affect the way you live your life, as well as your dearest ones who would constantly have to worry about your condition. It should definitely not be taken for granted. Fortunately, it is treatable. So if you notice that you develop the following symptoms, you can still do something to prevent yourself from Bipolar Disorder.

It is advisable to relate your problems and emotional roller coasters to a professional and get yourself treated as soon as possible.If you have a loved one whom you think is facing this problem, you can do your part by getting him or her to seek professional help.

Some say that emotional illnesses are much harder to handle compared to physical illnesses. But no matter what, emotional illnesses can still be cured if you make an effort to cure them. Bipolar Disorder is no exception. Problems cannot be avoided, but you can make sure that these problems do not bring you down.

So get help today and start a new and better life.

Nafa Danfad

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Battle Depression with a New Outlook on Life

April 20, 2007 by HART 1-800-HART  
Filed under DEPRESSION

By Chris Robertson

Depression is a serious condition that can affect a person in all areas of their life. About 25% of all people experience some form of depression at some time in their life. Statistics show that women are affected slightly more often than men. Depression can be caused by different contributing factors. These can include physical problems, lifestyles, behavior, and relationship problems.

Recognizing Depression

Everyday life can cause ups and down in emotional health, which are completely normal. Elation comes from good experiences and happiness from joyful events. Normal sadness and grief come from loss and disappointment. But a person who suffers from depression doesn’t just feel down for a while. It is a distressing illness that causes a person to feel lonely, trapped and incapacitated.

Many times a person does not know how to battle depression because they are not aware that they are suffering from it. The common symptoms include changes in appetite, sleeping habits, lethargy, and loss of interest, fatigue, lack of concentration, feelings of worthlessness, and maybe thoughts of death or suicide.

When you have been diagnosed with depression or recognize that you have it, you need to do something about it. Sometimes doctors will prescribe a prescription to help but the side effects and dependency may not be worth it. It may be up to you to battle depression and find a new outlook to help yourself.

Battle Depression

Besides emotional causes, physical deficiencies and bad health can also contribute to depression. If you really want to battle and overcome depression you may need to take charge of your fate. A healthy diet will improve your outlook and exercise will give you renewed confidence.

Another way to battle depression is to do something nice for someone else. This takes your mind off yourself and your problems and makes you feel better. Even if you feel unhappy you can make someone else feel happy because of your thoughtfulness. Your heart and mind will be comforted as well. As we do things for others we might see deeper into ourselves and discover things we did not know.

Staying busy is also a good way to battle depression. When you are depressed, you don’t feel like doing anything, but you should make yourself do something. You may not feel like finishing a task but it is better than being idle and having too much time to think self-defeating thoughts.

Seek Help from Others around You

Trying to figure out the answers to questions such as “who are we” and “why are we here” without help from others will not encourage healing thoughts. Sometimes we need others to shed light on our situation and to help us get through the depression. This may be a friend, spiritual mentor, or someone else. There are even self-help books to help you overcome moments of depression such as the Human Operations Manual that was written by Lyndon Allicock (distributed by NUCOM Systems).

Don’t Give in to Depression

In our modern civilization there are many ways to get help. We can do our part to bring peace and goodwill to others and help redesign civilization. If we battle depression in our lives, we may make a difference in someone else’s life or future. Find a way to be productive and have a purpose for living each day. Who knows which one of us could contribute to peace on earth and alter the fate of the world?

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Battle Depression - New Outlook or Majon’s New Age directory.

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6 Strategies for Overcoming Depression

April 7, 2007 by HART 1-800-HART  
Filed under DEPRESSION

By Foras Aje

Though not the end all be all of how to cope with the challenges of depression, the steps listed herewith should be quite helpful for helping you overcome depression.

1. Change Your Diet.

Considering that the Standard American Diet is devitalized and lifeless, it only makes sense one will be just the same. You are what you eat and what you consume does affect you health: Mentally, Spiritually and Physically.

2. Remember that You Are Not Going Crazy.

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale (The Author of the Power of Positive Thinking) once said that “We are all spirits leaving in 3 dimensional world”. Oft Times, this world is in a state of chaos and disorder, what from news about wars, floods, etc…These in themselves can aggravate many a case of depression, so realize friend that it’s not just you and no, you’re not going insane.

3. Take a break from media overload.

Most of what you hear on TV and read in the papers is not good news. The last thing you need now is hearing some sad story about what is happening elsewhere. This may not only cloud your thoughts but may very well aggravate your very own sadness, making things all the more negative.

4. Renew Your Thoughts.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your thoughts” , “Guard Your Heart for it’s the wellspring of your life” , “As a man Thinks in his heart so is he” . These are all verses from the Good Book and should make it clear that what you think off is ultimately what will happen.

5. Dwell on the Positive and Count your blessings.

We have so many things to be thankful for; however, we often take them for granted. With an attitude of gratitude, depression cannot thrive. Fill your mind with these factors so traces of sadness can be overcome with gladness.

6. Move, move, move!

This exercises the motor centers of the brain, making the blood flow away from the emotional activity center; consequently one becomes more receptive to positive thoughts. One standout is to Dance. Play your favorite tunes and get moving.

Though not the end all be all of how to cope with the challenges of depression, the steps listed herewith should be quite helpful for helping you overcome depression.

In Friendship,

Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. He invites you to visit his blog for more tips on Depression Treatment and Self-Help Today.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Foras_Aje

               

Using Exercise To Battle Depression

April 3, 2007 by HART 1-800-HART  
Filed under DEPRESSION

By: Andrew Bicknell

The last thing most people who suffer from depression want to do is exercise. The dark hole of depression can make even getting out of bed everyday a seemingly impossible task. If you suffer from depression it is imperative that you see your doctor or a therapist first, but don’t be surprised if they prescribe some sort of exercise regimen for you to follow in addition to some of the more normal treatments for depression.

Now as hard as it may seem to get out and start exercising when you are depressed there are some real benefits to be had.

1. Improves your confidence. As you get in better shape you will gain more confidence in yourself and your ability to meet your goals.

2. Increases your self-esteem. Exercise will improve your appearance and your sense of self worth. It will also improve your health and vitality.

3. A distraction. Having a set schedule for your exercise routine, no matter what it is, gives you something to look forward to and can help take your mind off of your problems.

4. Stress relief. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and frustration.

5. Getting out. Exercising allows you to get out and interact with other people, whether at the gym or just greeting people during your nightly walk.

6. Good coping strategy. Exercise is beneficial to anyone who does it. It is a positive way to deal with depression, anxiety or stress because you will benefit in the long run from it.

An important thing to remember is that as hard as it may seem to start exercising when you are depressed is that if you can get started the benefits will far outweigh any negative thoughts you may have about doing it. And once you get going don’t give up. Once you’ve decided to start exercising make sure you don’t over do it. Because nothing will cause you to loose all interest more than a sore and broken body.

Here are some general guidelines to consider before you start your exercise program.

1. Talk to your doctor or therapist first. They can help guide you and refer you to someone who can help you set up an exercise program that’s right for you.

2. Set simple goals. Exercise should be fun and make you feel good. Don’t approach it like you are training for the Olympics. Start easy and build from there.

3. Go with what you enjoy. If you have worked out in the past and enjoyed what you were doing start with that again. For some people just simply going for a walk is enjoyable for them.

4. Find a workout buddy. Exercising with a friend is great for helping lift your mood. It gives you someone to talk to and enjoy your work-out with.

5. Go outside. Getting out in the fresh air and sun is always a good way to improve your mood. Even if you work-out in a gym, take the time to go for a walks a couple of times a week.

6. Don’t let set backs get you down. Some days you may not be able to get in your exercise. Don’t let that bother you, it happens to everyone. Keep at it and you will see your growth.

Using exercise as a treatment for depression is a growing trend. But you should always consult your doctor or therapist if you are feeling depressed or exhibit the symptoms of depression. Embarking on an exercise program on your own is not the right thing to do. It should be used in conjunction with other treatments such as medication and therapy. Taken together with these other therapies, exercise can be a great way to help battle your depression.

Article Source

Andrew Bicknell is a writer and owner of Depression and You.com. Visit his website for more information about depression during menopause and other depression disorders by clicking here .

               

NOTE: The contents in this blog are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or a substitute for professional care. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before making changes to any existing treatment or program. Some of the information presented in this blog may already be out of date.