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Your Diet Affects the Development of Depression

Your Diet Affects the Development of Depression

By Hector Milla

Having depression can be quite… well… depressing. Pardon the lack of an appropriate expression, but the main thing is that we all know that depression can be pretty devastating. It is a hindrance to our social advancement as well as to our personal happiness.

There are some cases that people find a relief for depression by eating food or diet supplements that boost up the level of tryptophan. Tryptophan is a kind of amino acid that is responsible in producing serotonin.

There is also a study that proves that carbohydrates is an anti depression supplements. It lessens the premenstrual syndrome for about three hours.

Simply by eating a high density of carbohydrates can diminished the effect of depression in the body. Carbohydrates repair the imbalance in the ration of the specific fatty acid. Imbalances of fatty acids can affect the risk of depression.

There is also a study that shows an association between moderate consumption of caffeine drinks which lower the symptoms of depression; any excess can heighten the risk. Proper diet also helps to lower the tendency of committing suicide, in which depression is one of the primary causes. In this study, the doctors have formulated that by drinking coffee or tea, you can reduce the effect of depression.

There are also certain habits that contain harmful substances that may trigger the symptoms of depression, like drinking alcoholic beverages, too much cigarette smoking, and drug overdose.

Vitamins and other food nutrients such as Vitamin B, Iodine, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Amino complex have been associated with some protection against depression.

Niacin is also a very important in the production of tryptophan that helps promotes Vitamin B3 and it has been found out that it regulates blood flow in order to avoid mental depression.

Vitamin B12 and calcium ingredients may help in depression that take place during the monthly menstrual period. In the year 2001, there was a study that proves that this vitamin can prevent postpartum depression.

Those kinds of food supplements and vitamins may enhance the effectiveness of SSRI and other antidepressant.

In order to avoid depression you must choose your food wisely and have a proper diet.

Article written by Hector Milla, editor of www.mydepressionsymptoms.com/, a website about :: physical symptoms of depression :: , plus you may learn about Eliminate Stress and Anxiety at www.mydepressionsymptoms.com/eliminate-stress-anxiety/, You are allowed to publish this article in your website or ezine keeping a live link.

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How To Use Common Sense To Help Alleviate Anxiety In Your Child

How To Use Common Sense To Help Alleviate Anxiety In Your Child

By Kitty Barker

We all live in an extremely competitive and fast paced society; where we start on the education rollercoaster, move quickly on to our careers, to purchasing cars and our dream homes. Some people start a family before, in between or after all of these pursuits, but no matter what time in life you have children, no matter what challenges you are facing when the first one comes along, you must be prepared to spend quality time in caring for and developing a close and wonderful relationship with your child.

It could be that you may feel some form of anxiety from performing the daily balancing act of juggling work, children, relationships and other commitments but in most cases, your children will be experiencing some form of anxiety too that you are unaware of. Whether your child is facing their first day at school, their first year 12 examination, or their first year of University, they may all be feeling some form of anxiety, and at these times, often the effort that their parent’s have put in into developing a close relationship with their child, really does pay off. A close relationship with your child lets them know they can come to you in times of trouble, that they can express what they are feeling to you more easily, and most of all it lets them know that you love them and are there for them despite how they are feeling, or what they are going through.

Try and remember that your child would rather have a close relationship with you (their mother or father), than be driven around in the latest model car. The time you spend in chasing up car payments, is time lost with your child. The time you spend working for material ideals, could be better spent on developing your child’s confidence and self-esteem and their confidence in you as their parent which is essential in helping them deal with anxiety. When your child develops a confidence in you, they will feel more comfortable in talking about their experiences at school with you, how they are feeling and what problems they are facing. However, if you don’t spend quality time with your child it’s very difficult for both the child and parent to develop a deep confidence and relationship with each other. All children need a strong relationship with their parents to receive the positive affirmation they need to grow confident in themselves and their abilities and there are no better role models than a child’s parents to demonstrate perseverance through difficult times, or to provide them with the security they need in a structured home.

Your child maybe feeling circumstantial anxiety, people these days are living in less stable family situations, and often children find reasons to blame themselves for their parents separation and divorce. All children should be reassured that the situation has nothing to do with them or their sister/brother that it is between mum and dad. It is important for parents to be interested in their children, to be aware of clues they may be trying to give you about how they are feeling. If they are moody, maybe something is wrong, maybe they are feeling anxious about something. When you are spending time with your children, remember to ask them how they are feeling today, and importantly, remember to tell them that you love them.

Some ideas to help alleviate Anxiety in your Child:

* Build a strong and loving bond with your child. Spend time each day with your children and create special family times that encourage communication between you and your children such as playing board games, family sports and cooking instead of playing computer games. These activities improve your child’s self-confidence, and their problem solving abilities.

* Spend time on your child’s other talents, let them discover and develop a broad range of skills, and find what they are interested in. Too much pressure on one particular area such as, sports or maths can cause anxiety in your child.

* Coach your child on how to deal with bullying and peer pressure at school, be open and share your own experiences, explain to them who they can go to for help at school, and let them know that they can be open with you.

* When your child is facing exam week at school, it is important for you to try and understand how they are feeling, encourage a healthy and positive approach to studying and exam preparation, and if necessary to reduce the amount of chores they have to complete during that time. Also, introduce breaks and relaxation activities such as walking and swimming.

* Frequently involve extended family and friends in social activities together, this acts as a support group for your children and increases their self-confidence.

* Important: Often peer pressure that can cause anxiety in children does not only occur in the school grounds, it can also be displayed through the media, so be careful about what your children are watching on television, the magazines they are reading and what music they are listening to.

* Reward your child’s achievements, completion of their homework, reward perseverance, and reward your child for trying their best no matter what the outcome.

* Importantly, use your gut instinct, if you feel there is something wrong, ask your child how they are feeling, and try to encourage them. If your child is experiencing anxiety often, it is a good idea to take them to see a counsellor or you yourself can see a counsellor to begin with, to learn some tools on how to alleviate anxiety in your child.

Author: Kitty Barker – Kitty often writes for and with Depression-Assistance. You can also see more information on this subject at Anxiety In Child – should this link be inactive, you can paste this link to your browser – anxiety-depression-assistance.com

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Beating the “What-If” Blues

Beating the “What-If” Blues

By Deanne Repich

Do you find that a lot of your negative thoughts begin with the words “What-if?” Does one anxious thought lead to another and another – only to become a negative spiral of worry? When this happens, you’re probably using what-if thinking.

WHAT IS “WHAT-IF” THINKING?

What-if thinking occurs when you make negative predictions about the future, usually starting with the words “What if?” Most of us can relate to Juan’s story of what-if thinking. Juan is running a few minutes late to work. The first thought that pops into his head is: “What if I’m late for my nine o’ clock meeting?”

But his thoughts don’t stop there.

His negative thoughts start snowballing. “What if I walk in late and everyone looks at me? What if I get nervous, start sweating, and feel embarrassed? What if my boss notices I can’t handle it and I lose my job? What if I can’t afford to feed my family?”

His body responds with a host of symptoms – his heart races, it’s tough to breathe, and there’s a knot in his stomach the size of Texas.

As you can see, when you use what-if thinking, one negative prediction usually leads to another, and another, and another. This negative chain has a snowball effect that leads to intense feelings of anxiety, loss of control, and physical symptoms.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Studies show that you have the power to change your thoughts. When you change your thoughts, you create biochemical changes in your brain that affect how your body and mind feel and react. In other words, change your thoughts and you change your reality!

How do you change your what-if thoughts? You do this by using the three “R”s – Recognize, Replace, and Reinforce.

1) RECOGNIZE. Keep a small notepad with you. Each time you notice yourself thinking a what-if thought, write it down. Writing things down helps you to slow down and expose habitual negative thoughts to the light of day. If you don’t take the time to write down your what-if thoughts, it’s easy to miss them because you are so used to them.

The Onion Technique.
The following technique can help you peel off layer after layer of negative thoughts and reach the core negative belief. I call it the Onion Technique because it’s like peeling off layer after layer of an onion until you reach the core. Here’s how it works. When you are in a fairly relaxed mood, take out your notepad and open it up to the first what-if thought. Read the thought and then ask yourself: “And what if that did happen? Then what would happen?” Write down your answer. Repeat this process of digging deeper several times, each time asking “And what if that did happen? Then what would happen?” and writing down your answer.

After several layers you will reach your core belief – the belief that is at the root of your fears. In Juan’s case he might reach this core belief: “If I can’t feed my family, my wife and kids will be disappointed in me. They’ll leave me and I’ll be all alone.” His real fear – what is driving his what-if thoughts – is his fear of being rejected, unloved, and all alone if he disappoints the people he loves. That’s the belief that Juan needs to replace in order to beat the what-if blues. His worry about arriving a few minutes late to the meeting will fade once he addresses this core issue.

2) REPLACE. Once you’ve pinpointed the core negative belief, decide what your new belief will be. Adjust the old belief so that it promotes your well being and reflects the reality you want to create. When creating your new belief, make sure to:

— use the present tense

— use “I statements”

— focus on what you want (not what you don’t want)

In Juan’s case, here are several new beliefs he may want to use to replace the unhealthy belief:

— “I am worthy of love, even when I disappoint others.”

— “I am loved for who I am, not how much I earn. I love my family and we will get through life’s challenges together.”

— “Since I am human, I will disappoint the people I love occasionally. I can be imperfect and still receive love.”

When you notice yourself using a what-if thought, stop it in its tracks. It may help to visualize the word “No” or “Stop” in big red letters in your mind. This action interrupts the thought. Then immediately change your focus by replacing the what-if thought with the new, healthier thought you created.

3) REINFORCE. Once you have chosen your new belief, reinforce it several times a day. Say the new belief with feeling. Believe that it is true, even if only for a moment. Think it. Say it aloud. Write it down. You can even record yourself saying the belief for several minutes and then play it back every night just as you’re drifting off to sleep. Just like any other habit, the more you practice, the sooner it will become second nature to you.

Making the new belief a part of your life takes time and consistent practice, but the results are worth it. You chase away the what-if blues and the physical symptoms that go along with it. And even better, you change the way you look at life!

Deanne Repich, founder and director of the National Institute of Anxiety and Stress, Inc., is an internationally known anxiety educator, teacher, author, and former sufferer. Tens of thousands of anxiety sufferers have sought her expertise to help them reclaim their lives from anxiety, stress, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, anxiety attacks and social anxiety. She is the creator of the Conquer Anxiety Success Program, author of more than fifty articles, and publishes the Anxiety-Free Living printed Newsletter for anxiety sufferers. She has an a free e-book Anxiety Tips: Seven Keys to Overcoming Anxiety you can download immediately when you visit her website www.ConquerAnxiety.com.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deanne_Repich

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10 Tips for Keeping Stress in Perspective

By Susan R Meyer

1. Set realistic goals and do not expect to be perfect.

In order to set realistic goals, you first have to create our own vision about life. Become aware of your priorities in life Take time to think about what makes you happy, what gives you joy and satisfaction in life.

2. Schedule time for yourself and keep the appointment.

Find at least 10 or 15 minutes every day to be alone with your thoughts. Insulate yourself from telephone calls, beepers, computers or other stress producing equipment and replenish yourself. Do meditation, visualization, self-massage, or relaxation exercises.

3. Free yourself from anger.

Anger is one of main sources of stress. It is a very anxiety-provoking feeling and difficult to get rid of. You think that if you forget, whatever or whoever made you angry is going to make you angry again.

4. Develop and maintain a network of caring people.

You need to feel connected with other people in life – people with whom you develop the kind of understanding that only comes from a deep sharing of experiences. This means people with whom you can break your silence about certain emotional issues in your life, people who helps you uncover your hidden fears. These relationships help you define who you really are and more important, they give true meaning to your life.

5. Approach problems as challenges.

The following steps may help you:
* Define your challenge.
* Make a list of the individuals or situations associated with the situation.
* Make a list of the decisions you could make to face the challenge.
* Think of the resources or people that may help you face the challenge.
* Develop a strategy and put it into action. Remember, do not give up until a solution is reached!

6. Interrupt the stress through time-outs.

Mini-breaks can make all the difference. Even a trip to the rest room is enough to break the stress cycle.

7. Organize yourself and learn to manage your time.

Make a regular schedule of activities you enjoy. It is good to organize yourself, but make plans for fun along the way. Decide what makes you happy and make time to do it. Do not answer the telephone during meals. Learn to say no.

8. Get rid of people or things you do not love or like.

Clutter causes chaos; chaos leads to stress. When you cannot find things, your stress level can begin to rise. Think of all the time you lose trying to remember where you put something. Similarly, too many people in your life demanding attention creates a kind of chaos and limits the amount of quality time you can spend with those you love.

9. Look for alternate interpretations.

Don’t jump to conclusions and decide everything and everyone is against you. What else could be true?

10. Do not neglect your spiritual growth.

Seek meaning and purpose in life. Create some quiet time for meditation or prayer. Experiment with soothing music. Nurture hobbies that help you express yourself and renew your spirit.

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Susan R. Meyer, Ed. D., IAC-CC, is a Life Coach and consultant specializing in clearing self-imposed barriers in life and at work. Her work includes executive and personal coaching, empowerment programs and life-planning programs for women at midlife. Please visit her at www.life-workcoach.com for information about teleclasses (free and fee), workshops and newsletters. You can contact her at dr.susan@life-workcoach.com

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_R_Meyer

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All You Need To Know About Work-Related Stress

All You Need To Know About Work-Related Stress

By Carole Spiers

November 2004’s publication of the Health and Safety Executive’s new Management Standards for work-related stress has focused the minds of many organisations on this increasingly serious workplace hazard. But what are the differences between pressure and stress? What are the telltale signs and symptoms? What’s the current legal position? And what role should managers be playing in helping to combat work-related stress?

Pressure or stress?

Many people are confused about what stress is, and in particular the difference between pressure and stress:

• Pressure is the stimulation and challenge we need to achieve job satisfaction and self-esteem.

• Stress is a reaction to continued excessive pressure or responsibility when we feel inadequate and unable to cope.

Ever since prehistoric times, the ‘stress response’ has been a mechanism that our bodies have used to help us cope with danger. As soon as we’re aware that something is threatening us, our brain sends messages to our nervous system to either get ready to stand and fight, or run away. Unfortunately, whereas in Stone Age times we would usually have time to recover from the life or death encounters that triggered the response, in the modern world we’re confronted with a continuous stream of ‘stressors’ that our bodies perceive as threats, and react to accordingly.

Today, these could include financial pressures, fear of redundancy, overwork, deadline pressures or an important business presentation. The constant, ongoing pressure resulting from these stressors is different to the more immediate dangers that our stress response was designed to cope with. And it’s at the point at which our bodies cannot recover from these pressures that we can begin to experience stress.

The scale of the problem

According to the latest figures from the HSE:

• about half a million people in the UK experience work-related stress at a level they believe is making them ill

• up to 5 million people in the UK feel ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ stressed by their work

• work-related stress costs society about £3.7 billion every year (1995/6 prices)

Telltale signs and symptoms

Depending on the individual, stress can manifest itself in many different ways. The table provides a summary some of the most common physical, psychological and behavioural reactions.

Typical Stress Reactions

Physical Psychological Behavioural

Palpitations, awareness of heart beating, chest pains Mood swings Susceptibility to accidents

Diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence Panic attacks Changes in eating habits

Indigestion Morbid thoughts Increased smoking

Loss of libido Low self-esteem Restlessness, hyperactivity, foot tapping

Muscle tension Irritability Over-dependence on drugs and/or alcohol

Menstrual problems Feeling of helplessness Changes in sleep patterns

Tiredness Impatience Out of character behaviour

Breathlessness Anxiety Voluntary withdrawal from supportive relationships

Sweating Crying Disregard for personal appearance

Tightness in the chest Cynicism Loss of confidence

Skin and scalp irritation, eczema and psoriasis Withdrawal into daydreams Sullen attitude

Increased susceptibility to allergies Intrusive thoughts or images Clenched fists

Frequent colds, flu or other infections Nightmares Obsessive mannerisms

Rapid weight gain or loss Suicidal feelings Increased absence from work

Backache, neck pain Paranoid thinking Aggressiveness

Migraines and tension headaches Guilt Poor time management

The current legal position

As well as acting as an unnecessary drain on the economy, workplace stress is also the subject of increasing government legislation:

• Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act (1974) lays out the broad principles of an employer’s ‘duty of care’ to ensure, as far as reasonably possible, the health (including mental health), safety and welfare of all employees whilst at work, and to create safe and healthy working systems. This general duty of care includes pre-emptive action to prevent and control work-related stress.

• Many employers do not realise that since the publication of the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations (1999), all organisations with five or more employees have also had a legal duty to conduct regular risk assessments of workplace hazards, including psychosocial hazards such as stress. These assessments should then be used to identify and either avoid or reduce such hazards.

• On 3 November 2004, the HSE published its new Management Standards for work-related stress – designed to help ensure that organisations address key aspects of workplace stress (or ‘risk factors’) including demands, control, support, relationships, role and change.

• While the Standards themselves do not impose a legal duty on organisations, breach of the applicable regulations could lead to criminal prosecution, or claims for compensation through the civil courts.

So what can managers do?

The Management Standards are all about highlighting potential areas of stress, and encouraging employers to take action to reduce these – with the goal of matching the performance of the top 20% of organisations that are already doing this. If you think your organisation may be experiencing problems due to workplace stress, it will therefore need to take a proactive approach to tackling it:

• Many organisations face deadline pressures or sudden changes in work demands, and employees need the necessary training and experience to meet the ever-increasing demands made on them. Examples include training in resilience, time management, communication skills, and – for managers in particular – stress awareness enabling them to recognise the early warning signs of stress in themselves and others.

• Where employees have been forced to take time away from work as a result of stress, their rehabilitation back to work needs to be carefully managed.

• For those employees who require specialist support, Employee Assistance Programmes and counselling services are a vital component in employee wellbeing.

• Training in communication (and particularly active listening) skills is essential to help ensure that managers are aware of their team members’ problems and in a position to offer early interventions to resolve these.

Ultimately, reducing workplace stress is largely a matter of common sense and good management practice, and simply requires employers and employees to work together for the common good. Both share a joint responsibility for reducing stress – which, when this is successful, can help employees to enjoy their work more, and businesses to thrive as a result.

Carole Spiers Group

International Stress Management & Employee Wellbeing Consultancy

Gordon House, 83-85 Gordon Ave, Stanmore, Middlesex. HA7 3QR. UK

Tel: +44(0) 20 8954 1593 Fax: +44(0) 20 8907 9290

Email: info@carolespiersgroup.com www.carolespiersgroup.com

If you would like to book Carole as a keynote speaker or conference chair at your next conference – check out www.carolespiersgroup.com/mediaenquirysheet.php

About The Author

Carole Spiers MIHE MISMA Carole Spiers combines three roles of Broadcaster, Journalist and Corporate Manager in the challenging field of stress management and employee wellbeing. Over the past 20 years, she has built up her corporate stress consultancy Carole Spiers Group (CSG), with prestige clients such as Sainsbury’s, Rolls Royce and the Bank of England. Carole is frequently called upon by the national and international media and provides keynote presentations on stress-related issues. Carole was instrumental in establishing National Stress Awareness Day™.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carole_Spiers

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Stressed Out? It Might Be Your Job

By Kent Johnson

“I’m stressed out.”

If you find yourself thinking–or saying–this to yourself on a regular basis, you might have a real problem on your hands. Job and career related stress has been on the rise in recent years, as occupations become more complex, and workers are taking on more and more responsibility. In fact,workplace stress is now considered an occupational illness. Many employees undergo stress as a normal part of their jobs, but some experience it more severely than others, to the point that they need time away from work.

According to a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, extreme occupational stress is classified as a “neurotic reaction to stress.” There were more than 3,500 such illness cases reported in 2003. The median absence from work for these cases was 23 days, more than four times the level of all nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses. And more than two-fifths of the cases resulted in 31 or more lost workdays, compared to one-fifth for all injury and illness cases.

Not surprisingly, the level of workplace stress seems to be tied directly to the worker’s occupation. In fact, just four industries accounted for the bulk of occupational stress cases: Services (35 percent), manufacturing (21 percent), retail trade (14 percent), and finance, insurance,and real estate (12 percent).

In general, white-collar occupations had a higher proportion of stress cases than both blue-collar and service occupations combined. Managerial and professional occupations, with 16 percent of the cases, and technical, sales, and administrative support occupations with 48 percent, had the highest proportions of occupational stress cases.

And there appears to be a correlation between stress and a worker’s sex. For each stress-related illness involving a female, two cases involved a male.

If you’re stressed out, you need to look at ways to reduce that stress before it has a negative effect on your health. High levels of stress, over time, can lead to sleeping disorders, high blood pressure, and other physical problems.

If you think your work environment is too stressful, bring the subject up with your boss or employer. See if there isn’t some way of reducing your workload, or taking away a few responsibilities so that you don’t feel overwhelmed on the job. If you feel yourself getting stressed out at work, try relaxing and breathing slowly and deeply for a few minutes and see if this doesn’t calm you down.

Away from work, exercise is a great stress reducer. For many people, a brisk walk in the evening is enough to unwind them after a tough day on the job. I’ve found that yoga works wonders for me after a tense work day. After a half an hour doing yoga poses and breathing exercises, I feel refreshed, and I sleep much better at night. Other people relax by playing sports, or socializing with friends,or playing with their kids.

No matter how you relieve stress, just do it. You’ll feel a lot better, both physically and mentally. And if you can’t find a way to manage your stress levels at work, you might need to think about finding another job.

About The Author
Kent Johnson – author, publisher, career coach “Helping people realize their dreams one career at a time.” Searching for your dream career? Visit the popular www.your-dream-career.com for more info.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Johnson

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Nicole Kidman visits children’s hospital

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Nicole Kidman visited a children’s hospital ward with her son and daughter shortly after they arrived in Sydney for her widely anticipated wedding to Keith Urban.

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They spent about two hours visiting the oncology, hematology and neurology wards, chatting with patients and officials.

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Kidman has reportedly asked guests to make donations to charity instead of buying wedding gifts. She and Urban, a 38-year-old country music star based in Nashville, Tenn., are expected to wed in a lavish ceremony Sunday night.

SOURCE: Press-Telegram – Kidman visits children’s hospital

Good Stuff! If you can afford NOT to ask for gifts … requesting donations to your favorite Cancer or other society is a great idea!

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Family Wins Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A Hinds County jury has awarded a local family more than four million dollars in a wrongful death suit. 66 year old Ersel Allen died in 2001 after she was diagnosed with cancer and sent to Hospice Ministries, Inc. In Ridgeland. Her family was told she only had six months to live. She died in five weeks, but an autopsy showed she did not have cancer. One of her doctors is serving time in Louisiana for molesting a 13 year old boy…..

“She was not terminal. Certified to be terminal, placed in a hospice, overdosed on painkillers. It’s just as clear as day.”

MORE: WLBT 3 – Jackson, MS: Family Wins Wrongful Death Lawsuit

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New Views on Weight After Cancer

Nutrition Notes: New Views on Weight After Cancer
By Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN – Weight loss used to be a great cause for worry after someone was diagnosed with cancer, but researchers now say that excessive weight gain

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Washington, D.C. – American Institute for Cancer Research – infoZine – Many people who develop a common cancer like breast or colon cancer tend to gain weight. Unfortunately, a study within the Nurses’ Health Study of more than 5,000 women showed that normal weight women who gained weight after diagnosis of their breast cancer were less likely to survive. Women who gained only a moderate amount – on average about six pounds – were 35 percent more likely to die from cancer than those who maintained their weight. Women who gained larger amounts – averaging about 17 pounds – were 64 percent more likely to die from cancer. This same study also confirmed the well-documented connection between overweight nonsmokers and a risk of breast cancer after menopause.

MORE: Kansas City infoZine News – Nutrition Notes: New Views on Weight After Cancer – USA

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Drug approved to prevent seasonal affective disorder

Longtime sufferers of seasonal depression may now have a way to stop the winter blues before they start. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Monday that it has approved the prescription medication Wellbutrin XL to prevent major depressive episodes caused by seasonal affective disorder. The antidepressant is the first drug approved to treat the condition, which is estimated to affect as many as 10 million Americans each year.

In these people, low levels of sunlight during autumn and winter can trigger a depression that may last as long as six months. Common symptoms include fatigue, oversleeping, impaired social functioning, and weight gain. Doctors often use antidepressant medications and light therapy to treat seasonal affective disorder; now, GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Wellbutrin XL, will be able to market the drug expressly as a preventive measure that can be taken in the fall to head off symptoms.

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MORE: USNews.com: Health: In Brief: Mental Health: Drug approved to prevent seasonal affective disorder

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Depression and Diabetes: Which Comes First?

Whether depression tends to cause type 2 diabetes or diabetes causes depression has been a chicken vs. egg issue for centuries.

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By ADA, The use of antidepressant drugs was associated with a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in people who were already at greater risk of the disease – and this effect was not seen in those taking the drug metformin, according to a report presented here today at the American Diabetes Association’s 66th Annual Scientific Sessions. Other studies yielded conflicting reports on the role of depression in the risk for diabetes. Researchers concurred, however, that those who have diabetes and depression need better management for the latter, which can interfere with their ability to provide self care for their diabetes.

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MORE: Depression and Diabetes: Which Comes First?

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MALONEY PLAYS DOWN HARRISON REPORTS

Frank Maloney has played down a report that his troubled boxer Scott Harrison is defying a World Boxing Organisation ban on him drinking alcohol.

The WBO featherweight champion is currently battling depression and alcohol problems which caused him to pull out of his title defence against Gairy St Clair in Belfast on May 20 at just five days notice.

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MORE:
MALONEY PLAYS DOWN HARRISON REPORTS: Sporting Life – Boxing | Amir Khan, Danny Williams, Scott Harrison, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe, Floyd Mayweather, News, Pound-For-Pound Rankings, Updates, Tips, Odds, Previews and Results

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Foods that Help Relieve Anxiety, Panic and Depression Symptoms

Foods that Help Relieve Anxiety, Panic and Depression Symptoms

By Karla Jones

Did you know that by making some modifications to your diet, you could alleviate many symptoms related to anxiety, panic and depression? Take a look at some simple ways to use your diet to improve your mental health today.

The B Vitamin Group

This group of vitamins can contribute significantly to your overall mental and physical health. Specifically, the following vitamins from the B group can help:

Niacin (B3) – Niacin is a very important vitamin for energy production. Two unique forms of vitamin B3 are required for the body to convert proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into usable energy. Niacin is also used to synthesize starch that can be stored in the body’s muscles and liver for eventual use as an energy source. Deficiencies in vitamin B3 are thought to be linked to depression and anxiety, as B3 helps to support the neurotransmission system of the brain. For this same reason, adequate levels of Niacin are also thought to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Foods rich in Niacin include chicken, tuna, salmon and mushrooms.

Thiamin (B1) – Thiamin rich foods help your body by providing energy, coordinating the activity of nerves and muscles and supporting proper heart function. Low levels of thiamin in the body can cause restless nerves and irritability, like that seen by patients suffering from panic and anxiety disorders. While it is not believed that a lack of thiamin actually causes these disorders, recommended levels of thiamin in the body can help improve how a person with panic or anxiety disorder feels.

Foods rich in thiamin include tuna, sunflower seeds, black beans, and yellow corn.

Vitamin B6 – B6 is one of the best vitamins for supporting the nervous system, so it can help support the body in warding off all sorts of feelings like sadness, depression, anxiety and panic. It is also helpful in the breakdown of sugars and starches in the blood, supporting proper insulin function, which helps provide energy and prevent fatigue.

Foods rich in Vitamin B6 include bell peppers, spinach, bananas and tuna.

Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12 is a critical nutrient in supporting the production of red blood cells, preventing anemia. In addition, it promotes proper development of nerve cells and helps your cells metabolize protein, carbohydrate and fat. Clinical depression and memory loss can sometimes be linked to a Vitamin B12 deficiency. In addition, heart palpitations and fatigue, just as often seen in anxiety patients, are side effects of being deficient in B12.

Foods rich in B12 include baked snapper, venison, scallops and yogurt.

In addition to these B vitamins, it is recommended that you ensure that your levels of Biotin, Folic Acid, Riboflavin, and Pantothenic acid, all B vitamin derivatives, is adequate, to support overall physical and mental health.

Foods such as Calf’s liver, beans and sunflower seeds are all good choices to provide a wide variety of B vitamins.

Is that All You Can Do?

Making sure you eat all these foods rich in the B vitamins is not all you can do. There are two important natural substances found in certain foods that can help you boost your mood while relaxing your nerves and muscles – inducing a peaceful sleep. Visit the following site to learn about these key foods you don’t want to miss and start feeling better today, www.feelyourselfagain.com/foods_that_help_anxiety_panic.html

Article written by Karla Jones. For more information on key foods for anxiety, panic and depression visit: www.feelyourselfagain.com/foods_that_help_anxiety_panic.html

To learn more about anxiety and depression as well as treatment options visit: www.feelyourselfagain.com

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Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression

By Andrew Bicknell

Postpartum depression or peripartum depression occurs after a woman gives birth. Within a few hours of giving birth the amount of the two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, return to their pre pregnancy levels. Many researchers feel that this drop in hormone levels, much like the smaller changes in hormone levels can affect a womans mood just before her menstrual cycle, is one of the causes of postpartum depression.

In some women the levels of thyroid hormones decrease as well. This decrease in these hormones can lead to symptoms of depression too. Some of these symptoms include a depressed mood, a loss of interest in daily things, problems sleeping and fatigue, irritability and weight gain.

Another factor that can lead to postpartum depression is genetics. This type of depression can be passed down from mother to daughter. There is also a correlation between postpartum depression and women who suffer from severe premenstrual syndrome.

Postpartum depression is also known as the baby blues and one in ten new mothers suffer from this to one degree or another. In addition to the drastic changes in hormone levels, the presence of a new baby in the house is also a major factor in postpartum depression. A new baby can be a major stress on a new mom and this can factor into becoming depressed. Some of these factors include:

Having less free time then before the baby was born and an inability to control the time needed to get things done. The baby demands all the mothers’ attention, leaving little time for herself.

Going through labor is extremely stressful and tiring for a new mom. A new mom does not have time to regain her strength post delivery because of the demands and needs of the new baby. Just getting a good nights sleep is nearly impossible with late night feedings and diaper changes.

Many new mothers question their own ability to be a good mom. They become overwhelmed with the care the new baby needs and start to worry that they aren’t providing the care their baby needs.

For new moms, postpartum depression can occur with a feeling that they are no longer who they used to be. Their old schedule and ways of doing things have been replaced by the needs of their new baby. They can also feel like they have to do it all and try to take care of the new baby while doing all the things they used to do. This can be very overwhelming because chances are the care of the new baby will not allow them to accomplish all that they think they should.

New moms can also become disconnected from their partner and family. They find that their time is limited and they just don’t have time to spend with the rest of their family.

For most women the “baby blues” will usually go away as their hormone levels get back to normal. But for some women the depression associated with a new baby does not go away and can steadily get worse. It is very important that women who experience any kind of depression after child birth talk to their doctor right away. Most cases of postpartum depression can be dealt with medication and some counseling.

Andrew Bicknell is a writer and owner of depression.worfdog.com. Visit his website for more information about postpartum depression and depression disorders.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell

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Stem Cells Found In Adult Skin Can Be Transplanted And Function In Mouse Models Of Disease

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Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the University of Calgary have found that stem cells derived from adult skin can create neural cell types that can be transplanted into and function in mouse models of disease. This research is reported in the June 14, 2006 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.

SickKids researchers previously discovered what type of cells can be made from these stem cells (called skin-derived precursors, or SKPs) based on the role played by neural-crest stem cells during embryogenesis. In addition to generating the peripheral nervous system, neural crest stem cells generate other tissues such as bone, cartilage, some types of muscle, and even part of the heart.

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In The Journal of Neuroscience paper, the research team found that SKPs can efficiently generate a type of glial cell, called Schwann cells, that can myelinate demyelinated axons (part of a neuron), and that have been shown to provide a good growth environment for injured central nervous system axons. These types of axons normally do not regenerate.

“Schwann cells have been proposed as a cell type for treatment of nerve injuries, demyelination disorders such as multiple sclerosis, and even spinal cord injury,” said Dr. Freda Miller, the study’s principal investigator, a senior scientist in Developmental Biology in the SickKids Research Institute, a professor of Molecular and Medical Genetics, and Physiology at the University of Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Developmental Neurobiology. “Our finding that we can efficiently generate and isolate these Schwann cells from SKPs raises the possibility that we could treat humans with Schwann cells derived from human skin stem cells, and perhaps even use the patient’s own skin to generate Schwann cells for treatment.”

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MORE: Stem Cells Found In Adult Skin Can Be Transplanted And Function In Mouse Models Of Disease

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Warning: Diabetes is hidden, growing disease

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The percentage of U.S. adults age 20 and older with diabetes rose from 5.1 to 6.5 percent between two time periods studied by federal health officials: 1988-1994 and 1999-2002, according to recent research from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention.

About one-third of those people do not know they have the disease. The reason why, said Rameshkumar Raman, an endocrinologist with Trinity, is that symptoms often do not appear until the disease is quite advanced.

That is why he encourages people who are at risk to ask their family doctor for a screening.

“At-risk” factors include: being 45 years old or older, having a family history of diabetes, being overweight, having an inactive lifestyle, being a

minority, having high blood pressure, having a low level of “good” cholesterol or having had pregnancy-induced diabetes.

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Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose that is caused by problems with insulin production or action, a definition from the National Institutes of Health says. It is the most common cause of blindness, kidney failure and amputations in adults, as well as a major cause of heart disease and stroke.

The researchers also found ….

MORE: QCTimes.com – The Quad-City Times Newspaper News

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TOPIC OF THE DAY: Battling addiction

Increase funds for treatment

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-New Jersey fully supports Parent to Parent’s “Just A Nickel a Gallon” campaign to dedicate $10 million from Gov. Corzine’s expected $15 million increase in alcohol tax revenue to the Alcohol Education Rehabilitation and Enforcement Fund. This fund disburses $11 million annually to counties for addiction prevention and treatment and drunken driving enforcement efforts. This amount has not changed since 1992.

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Consumers of beer, wine and liquor would experience a very slight increase as a result of Corzine’s proposal, paying 11 cents more per case of beer and pennies more per liter of wine or liquor. This amounts to $5.85 more per year for the beer drinker who consumes a case of beer per week and $5.20 more per year for individuals who consume a gallon of wine or liquor per week.

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$5.85 more PER YEAR for the beer drinker who consumes a CASE A BEER PER WEEK? Hmmmm..

SOURCE

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Provocative newspaper ads aim to raise $10M for ROH

The Royal Ottawa Hospital will launch a provocative new ad campaign today that is designed to draw people inside a mind battling mental illness, in a bid to raise empathy, awareness and financial support.

The first phase of the eight-week campaign includes a full-page newspaper ad addressing the bleak “hopeless” feeling of living with depression, with other ads focusing on schizophrenia, addiction and anxiety. The second phase will take a lighter approach, with arrows pointing to the regions of the brain that would motivate someone to donate money, based upon the empathy inspired by the first, more jarring, round of publicity.

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MORE: Provocative newspaper ads aim to raise $10M for ROH

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Drugging Children: A Cruel Sign of the Times

Would I allow Ritalin or other similar drugs to be prescribed to my children because they fidgeted, squirmed in their seat or were inattentive? Hell would freeze over a thousand times before I’d submit to such idiocy. But today an estimated five million Canadian and U.S. children are prescribed medication for this condition.

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CANDIDATES FOR RITALIN? Five million Canadian and United States children are already taking Ritalin for a diagnosis of hyperactivity.

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Others, such as Dr. Peter R. Breggin, a renowned researcher in this field, say doctors have become “oblivious to the fact these drugs cause manic and schizophrenic-like disorders.” He cites a Canadian study in which a staggering nine percent of children on this medication developed psychotic symptoms.

He argues that when children on ADHD medication become paranoid and have delusions, they’re diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Rather than weaning them off the drug they are prescribed more drugs to treat these problems.

MORE: The Epoch Times | Drugging Children: A Cruel Sign of the Times

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Price dispute blocks costly cancer drug in Canada

One of the world’s most costly cancer drugs will not be marketed in Canada because of a price dispute between the drug’s distributor and the federal government.

The colorectal cancer drug Erbitux, which was approved by Health Canada nine months ago, will not be launched after distributor Bristol Myers Squibb Canada could not agree on a price with the federal Patented Medicine Prices Review Board., The Globe and Mail reports.

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While Erbitux has not yet been proven to extend the lives of colorectal cancer patients, it does shrink tumours in some patients and delay tumour growth, especially when used as a combination treatment.

MORE: CTV.ca | Price dispute blocks costly cancer drug in Canada

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