Treating #Depression

When you have a physical ailment you know exactly what to do.The situation changes radically when we enter the realm of mental afflictions.They leave us jittery & perplexed.

Let us talk about depression here.It's onset is slow & insidious.There is a lot of stress,something happens to shatter your equilibrium,you become anxious,worries give way to fears & this goes on for weeks,you lose interest in activities which used to enthuse you,your daily routine takes a beating,your sleep & appetite are disturbed,the future seems dim,your facial expressions denote unhappiness & then you decide you have to do something about it.But what?

Let us first decide whether you are depressed or just sad.You can take the help of this site to find out.If it turns out that you are depressed & if you are the lucky owner of certain warm,dependable relationships, you can pour your heart out & seek advice.This alone will restore your cheer to some extent.But what if this option does not exist or it does not suffice? Seek a counselor?Many of us avoid doing that.Time passes & the gloom refuses to lift.Should you see a psychiatrist?Again,no one wants to be labeled a nut--however wrong this stigma may be!!Besides, ill effects of psychiatric medicines are a major deterrent.There is also the fear that they are habituating.Above all there is this reluctance to see a psychiatrist & be viewed as a mental patient.

Major Depression
So what should you do?Let me state at the outset that major depression with or without suicidal thoughts requires prompt medical attention.A  family doctor will refer you to a psychiatrist if he sees the need.The psychiatrist will prescribe you medicines but along with this, psychotherapy & some other changes too will be required.The stressful situation which triggered the onset needs to be rectified. 
If you believe in Homeopathy then you can see a Homeopath.The homeopaths say that mental disorders can be cured if early help is sought.Either way,treatment is essential.

Mild or Moderate Depression
These cases are relatively easier to treat through self help incorporating life style changes.This approach is preferable to medication because the arena of antidepressants is fraught with ambiguity & unpredictability.All patients do not respond in the same way to a particular drug & the same person may react differently at different times.The patient may show improvement with one medicine but not with other medicines of the same category.Ill effects of a drug too vary from person to person.On the whole careful monitoring is needed to zero in upon the best line of treatment.

The Myth of Overmedication
As many as 50% of cases of depression will lift over time with no treatment, according to some studies — a fact that contributes to the persistent perception that antidepressants are overprescribed. Such data suggests that it makes sense to start with non-drug therapies like exercise and psychotherapy, at least to treat people with first-time mild or moderate depression and especially those whose sadness is directly caused by a recent setback or personal loss.Read more: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1991841,00.html#ixzz2T8exp300

Shift to the method of self help through life style changes--there is a marked decrease in negative repercussions & the thought that you do not require medicines is very reassuring.You have nothing to lose.Admittedly,it is demanding for a depressed person to get out of bed and start a physical routine but the rewards are gratifying.The first time you attempt this during a depressive bout, you may find it very taxing to leave your bed, but as you continue,your stamina will increase,sadness will subside & you will soon begin to appreciate it's benefits.

The support of family is very important in extricating the patient out of his trough.These are some measures i would suggest:---

Non Drug Supportive Measures
*1)  Get a physical check up to rule out any disease.

*2) Consult a psychotherapist,counselor or psychologist.

*3) Talk to family or friends.

*4) Try to work out a viable solution to the problem which is       
       intimidating you.

*5) Take a break from stressful occupations when depression is 
       overpowering.

*6) Chart out a program of physical fitness,it will aid the secretion
       of dopamin & serotonin.

*7) Stick to a normal daily routine,don't let lassitude overtake you.

*8)Take part in group activities or hobby classes to meet like-
      minded persons.

*9) Take a healthy diet.Abstain from alcohol or substance abuse. 

*10)Have a good sleep,do not take tea or coffee before bed time.

*11)Set small achievable targets for yourself.

*12)Celebrate your successes with gusto.

*13)Learn a new skill to augment your confidence.

*14)Take sufficient rest.

*15)Take the support of spirituality if it works for you.

*16)If all these efforts do not give desired results,go for C B T.

It is worthwhile to shake off depression through these life changes.But if you feel yourself worsening then please see a doctor.In case you are put upon medication, give regular feedback to him about how the medicine is affecting you.Those who have taken psychiatric medicines for a length of time but want to discontinue them for some reason,should do it under a doctor's guidance.Immediate cessation can be harmful.

If you like this post you may also like to read the following"
http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2013/05/depression-ease-burden.html
http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2012/02/anxiety-and-stress-terrible-twins.html
http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2010/10/beat-blues.html

Both pics & excerpt courtesy google.

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#Depression--Ease The Burden

Depression is spreading it's tentacles far and wide.According to WHO it has become the leading cause of disability worldwide & 350 million people suffer from it.Less than half of them receive treatment & around one million commit suicide every year.It is definitely something which requires careful attention because it virtually blots out all other joys,affecting not only the patient but also his kith & kin.A depressive person is unable to function or relate properly & falls prey to many health problems .

An interplay of psychological,social & biological factors causes depression.While we may not be able to change some of them,there are many which can be controlled.The most glaring villain here is our  own thought process.By modifying our thoughts we can reach better levels of adjustment.

*When depression results from unfortunate life events or  circumstances beyond our control it leaves us with no other alternative but to bear it stoically.We cannot put back the clock or undo death,disease or loss of job or relationships.The only thing we can do is,allow time to heal the wound & find a substitute to fill the vacuum.

*So many times it happens that we are faced with a difficult situation but have little to guide us regarding the best course of action to be adopted.We use our discretion to choose an option,things go haywire & we are plunged into remorse .Or maybe in a fit of anger or retaliation,we purposely hit out against someone but later on we are overtaken by regrets.At such junctures it is best to be kind to our own selves just as we would be to someone else & close the chapter.Why add guilt pangs to an already smoldering state of mind? 

*Poor performance despite our best efforts, can be very demoralizing.Why this happens & how we can get rid of it is a subject for another discussion.But dejection & despair are certainly not the answers;they erode our efficiency still further.It is vital to remember that a vast majority of mankind is average.There is very little room at the top & all cannot fit there.Aspire & strive,but don't let mediocrity depress you.

*It is simply not possible to rise higher & higher all the time.Our knowledge,our way of thinking & working, become outdated;we become less sharp,more forgetful,fall sick & grow old.Certainly reinventing oneself is desirable & it shows results too,but there comes a time when we reach a plateau and at that point it is better to admit that old has to give way to new.What goes up must come down.Why not accept this fact & settle comfortably at the backseat?This has nothing to do with our mental acumen or efficiency;it is simply an ageing process.

*The all pervasive preoccupation with good looks & linking them with success & happiness is responsible for many woes.We are so obsessed with a slim figure,a toned up body,perfect features & a good height; that any perceived flaw is enough to send us into throes of distress.This site has given a very neat description of such a tendency.When carried to the extreme,it can morph into Body Dysmorphic Disorder  which makes life miserable for the person.Therefore it is best to accept yourself in totality.Observe people around you & you will find that it is only in magazines & movies that perfect beauty exists & that beauty is not natural at all.

*Rejection from any quarter is unsettling--a presentation gone awry,a missed promotion,a lost job opportunity or a failed exam--these setbacks are saddening for all.But why allow them to depress you for long?There will be other opportunities &  dreams will be fulfilled too, just wait for the right time.
One rejection which is hard to accept is a breakup with a loved one.In such cases it is best to realize that what is over,is over.Those days will not come back.Who knows, someone better may be waiting to enter your life! 

*How many of us are satisfied with our personalities? Difficult to say-but there are lots & lots who are utterly unhappy with themselves.There is always some grouse or the other plying at the back of their minds--'I wish I could laugh & joke like Bobby','why can't I make hordes of friends like Ritu does?',' Rita is so poised,wish I was like her','I should go out more often & enjoy partying like Rina'--you can add any number of lamentations to this list.
It is not easy to break out of the mold we have been cast in.Our genes,our rearing,our environment & myriad experiences have combined to make us what we are.Instead of aping others & losing our individuality;it is much more beneficial to make an inventory of our positive characteristics & take pride in them.

* We all crave recognition,approval & appreciation,and we are disappointed when anyone dislikes us.In our quest for popularity we often say 'yes'when we actually want to say 'no';thus taking extra load on our shoulders and adding to our stress.If we go about trying to please everyone we will end up feeling used or exploited.Such relationships do not last long.Just as we cannot please everyone so also we can't expect everyone to like us.Adjusting to & relating to a close coterie of friends & family is much more rewarding.With the rest-maintain cordial terms but don't be distressed if someone ignores you.

I certainly do not advocate accepting the status quo and lazing in your comfort zone.Evolve & shine for all you are worth but your targets & ambitions must be grounded in reality because there is a thin line which demarcates where your potentialities end & limitations begin.Your attempts to cross this line are bound to fail.

Life is never perfect for anybody.Savor the beautiful moments as they come.Enjoy what you have & forget what you lost.This is the best way to stave off depression.Because depression,when it comes,will not go away without taking a toll.Watch the video below  to know what i mean.

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Video courtesy YouTube.

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Zodiac Sign Sagittarius

A Sagittarian is like a free bird flying high without any restrictions or limitations,looking for independence & expansion.The latter could relate to any field--physical environment,mental interests like knowledge & learning,or spiritual pursuits.He has a  sharp intellect & a colorful personality brimming with enthusiasm & confidence.Frank,honest,generous,jovial,just & likable;he is also plain speaking to the point of being blunt or tactless.He goes straight to the point like the archer,& dislikes devious,underhand beings.He is a good friend but only till you do not interfere in his life or begin to give him directions, because he knows what to do! The upside is that he too,will not meddle in your affairs. 

A Sagittarian's penchant for independence can cause problems where close relations are concerned because such relationships naturally entail restrictions & obligations which can suffocate a free spirit.All will be well if he meets the right partner but teaming with a suspicious or possessive spouse could result in separation.For this very reason some of those who value their freedom above all, may not marry at all;but if they do,this tendency requires monitoring.

Overconfidence & misplaced optimism is another pitfall which the Sagittarian needs to watch out for.It can foil his prospects.His hot impulsive nature could further complicate matters.

As the Sagittarian lives by his own set of rules,some may consider him as being superficial & irresponsible.This impression is further reinforced by his inclination to not take things seriously.If he gets bored in a given set-up,he just moves on.

The image on left encapsulates many attributes of a Sagittarian.It goes without saying that personal horoscopes make a lot of difference.This is best used as a reference point.On the whole, Sagittarians are lucky people.After all their ruling planet is none less than Jupiter.

In matters of health sciatica,rheumatic pains & liver problems are the areas that need watching.

Text courtesy Richard Sterling.

Pics courtesy google.

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Pluto

Pluto was considered the ninth planet till the year 2006,when it was brought down to the category of a dwarf planet.It is only two thirds the size of our moon,although it has five known moons of it's own.It is a dark icy entity having a faint atmosphere of nitrogen,carbon monoxide & methane.Beneath the atmosphere is a layer of frozen gases followed by a layer of water ice which envelopes a rocky  core. The temperature on Pluto ranges from -378*F to -396*F depending upon it's distance from sun.

Like Uranus,Pluto also rotates on it's axis so that one quarter of it's surface is in continuous daylight while another quarter is continuously dark.

Pluto has a very elliptical orbit which sometimes takes it inside Neptune's orbit;when it becomes the eighth planet.It completes one orbit of sun in 248 yrs,while it's day consists of 16.39 earth days.It is so far out in space that while sunlight reaches earth in nine minutes,it takes five hours to reach Pluto.The sun would be a mere speck of light from there.

Pluto is the ruling planet of Scorpio & is generally known as God of the underworld.But in Hindu mythology it is also referred to as Yama or guardian of hell.It governs business,wealth,mining,surgery & espionage.

If you liked this post you may also like to read the following
* http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-sun.html
*http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2012/12/our-home-planet-earth.html
*http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2012/12/planet-mercury.html
*http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2012/12/planet-venus.html
*http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2012/12/mars-red-planet.html
*http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2013/01/jupiter-king-of-planets.html
*http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2013/02/beautiful-planet-satuen.html
*http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2013/03/uranus-pale-green-beauty-of-solar-system.html

Images courtesy google.
Text courtesy Robin Kerrod & web.

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Using #Memories to Heal Hurts

Yesterday I was in a very foul mood.I felt neglected & uncared for.By whom?By my BH of course--who else?I was literally smoldering with anger & my thoughts went like--he is so inconsiderate,selfish & stubborn ,blah blah blah.I was annoyed with him for not participating in activities which appealed to me.I felt as if my whole life had gone by without any fun or amusement.These thoughts were going on in my mind like a chainsaw.I had painted a very black picture of him in my head & I was in no mood to exit this state of mind.

Just then the phone rang.Now who was this,to add to my woes,I thought.It was Sweety,a dear friend,now removed in space,but not  far from my heart.So we began yapping as if we had never parted.She was feeling very nostalgic about the good times we had shared-she,her husband & we two-all four of us.She recounted many instances when we had enjoyed ourselves to the hilt.Past memories came flooding my mind.As soon as she had rung off I began to ponder.

Did we really experience those joyous times?Yes we did.It meant that BH was not so selfish,staid or dull as I had just now decided he was.Ah,what a realization!I felt as if a whole new chapter had opened in front of me.How wrong & unkind I had been to him in my thoughts.

A new picture began to take shape in my mind.He was not so bad after all.Maybe he did not feel energetic enough to go gallivanting along with me.The pall of gloom lifted.I realized that it was I who was being unreasonable & selfish.

I vowed henceforth to not give in to my vile temper at the drop of a hat.If irked by someone's behavior,i would first look back to judge  if it was the norm or an exception on part of that person.So often we jump to conclusions & take offence without sufficient grounds.Then we go on to pass judgments like'You always do this','You never cooperate' etc. etc.At such times a recapitulation of the other person's past behavior can introduce an element of sanity to an otherwise volatile situation.

If that person has been a habitual offender we can just say Good Bye and walk away;but if not,then this pause gives us an opportunity to cool down.As we recollect how helpful,friendly,positive or kind s/he has been to us in the days gone by,we cannot but come down a rung or two & upload a sincere smile to show that there is no bitterness in our hearts.This will avert a nasty conflagration,sustain the relationship & save us unnecessary rancor as well as heart-ache.

If handled correctly, our memories help to build bridges and heal hurts.I add this caveat because going back to my own experience;I could also have gone into depression, complaining how drastically BH had changed.Then I would have begun to speculate at the reason behind this transformation,did he not love me any more? 

It all depends upon how we use our memories.When an aged couple flips through the photographs of it's kids who have long flown the nest;it can either feel grateful for the precious times they spent together,or it can lament why they had to move away.If we are given to negative thinking then even mementoes of love & affection can sadden us.

Like Haruki Murakami said:
"Memories warm you up from the inside.But they also tear you apart."
Picture from google.

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