According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “in any given 1-year period, 9.5 percent of the population, or about 20.9 million American adults, suffer from a depressive illness”.

Dealing with this mental illness can cause a person to hit rock bottom and perform drastic acts that can greatly hurt their lives. If the signs of depression are found early on in the illness, a person can recover and become a better individual because of their ordeal.

Knowing the signs of this mental illness can help a person seek treatment early. One of the first indication of this illness is a persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood. This constant state of mood can lead to feelings of hopelessness or pessimism and this is another one of the warning for this illness.

Other indications of this mental illness may include loss of interest in things that make that person happy, decreased levels of energy, constant fatigue, and even certain persistent physical signs such as a headache that will not go away or digestive disorders that become chronic.

Of course, several other signs are common, and not every person will experience the same signs. Some may only feel a few signs and others may experience all.

Just as different signs of depression exist, different types of depressive disorders also exist. With manic depression, also known as bipolar depression, the signs can be different than when dealing with “normal” clinical depression.

With mania, a person has tremendous highs and lows that bring on severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include unusual irritability, poor judgment, racing thoughts, and inappropriate social and sexual behavior. These symptoms require seeing a doctor as soon as possible.

No matter if a person is dealing with clinical or manic mental illness, the signs of depression are very evident if a person is paying attention. Dealing with this mental illness not only includes the person with the illness, but also the family and friends that surround that individual.

Depression can annihilate a family as well as the person that is sick. However, treatment is available if someone will only take the first step in admitting something is wrong.

Mental illnesses are real illnesses and the person that has one is just as sick as if they had a physical ailment such as cancer. Knowing the signs of this mental illness can help a person to get better with the aide of trained professionals.

Learn more about depression at: signs-of-depression.org

Woman and Depression – It’s Not Just For Women

Depression can affect anyone, it does not matter the type of people. It has no rules for those of a certain age, race, sex, or social class. But, when it comes to sex, women are twice as likely to become affected than men. Men are affected by depression, but most stats say that women experience depression and the worst parts of depression far more often than men.

Woman and Depression – Its Prevalence Among Us

One of four women, or 25% of the female population, will be declared as clinically depressed. That is a lot of women when you consider the population of our country or the world. Most of the time, women will feel depression around their menstrual cycle. This is because of a change in hormones. Most of the time a woman will not even notice a change in themselves until someone points it out.

Woman and Depression – Triggers Often Bring It On

Many women suffer from depression because of a certain trigger, which we will define as an event in their lives. Some of the most obvious triggers would be things like miscarriages or being pregnant. Women will end up being depressed over these things because their bodies are going through such a major change.

Other triggers that may cause depression are changes in life. Changes in jobs or living environment, changes in relationships or even changes in the weather. All of these external changes can cause a woman to experience depression.

Woman and Depression - How To Handle Depression

Women should know that the way they handle their depression is different. Not every woman will deal with her troubles the same way. One woman may be able to recover from her depression by seeking comfort in a friendship. Another woman may also find her solution to her depression by going to therapy and talking out her issues. Still another woman may find that none of these things help her and that she has to seek out professional medial help. Medication with a combination of therapy has been able to cause many people to get over their depression.

If a woman feels uncomfortable seeking medical or professional help she may want to ask a friend or family member to go with her so that she can get comfortable with the idea of therapy and with the therapist. She can then ease yourself into the sessions or into the idea of getting medicated. When she goes with a friend or family member that she is near to, she may find that it is easier to reach out for help. The bottom line is that everyone is unique and the treatment that they need may be very different than someone else’s.

If you or someone you know is a Woman And Depression is an issue, help is on the way. Click here to find out how to conquer depression and live a happy, healthy life. Follow this link TODAY, http://www.squidoo.com/WomanAndDepression/

Author: Rob Richards

But what if you have been feeling down and generally out of sorts for a while now? If this is the case then it is quite possible that you may be thinking you are suffering with depression. Below are some signs of depression, of course what you are experiencing may not fit the signs of depression below. If you are feeling so down that you feel you need to do something to help yourself then it is incredibly important that you really should seek help.

Most of the time the signs of depression are very varied and due to this fact, it may be very hard to pinpoint just one of the signs and diagnose the problem straight away.

This is a list of the most common signs of depression that where reported by those patients that where diagnosed with clinical depression.

* Fatigue, feeling exhausted and drained all the time, even when you have just woken from a long sleep

* A sleep pattern that is disrupted, in some instances caused by disturbing dreams

* Waking up too early and then having difficulty getting back to sleep

* Lessening interest in activities normally found to be very enjoyable

* A Problem concentrating, in particular during the day

* An improvement in energy as the day progresses

* Anxiousness, worrying and invasive thoughts

* Being upset emotionally without any specific reason

* Having a short fuse and irritability

When you are assessing yourself and trying to see the signs of depression above, then it is important to take into account the fact that not everybody may experience all of these symptoms and some could show different signs of depression. If however you can recognize some of these symptoms in yourself then it is possible that you are depressed.

When you diagnose depression, it is the separate signs of the condition that is what you are feeling that are the important factors. Psychiatrists will only use the signs of depression above as the more common things to seek, but at the end of the day, what is most important is how you feel. It can be very easy to understand the reason why there is so much confusion when it comes to diagnosing depression as the signs that are being looked for a usually common emotions and feelings.

Health practitioners are the only people that are truly qualified to diagnose depression. The tests that are used are varied, but all of them have a similar structure. For example, an individual can be diagnosed with clinical depression if they suffer from five or more signs of depression shown above during a 2 week period.

Signs of depression may also show themselves physically in ways, for example:

* A notable loss of weight when not dieting

* Or weight gain (more than 5% increase in body weight in a month)

* Or an increase/decreased in appetite almost every day

* Extreme tiredness almost every day

Not only are the signs of depression determined, but the following factors are also used for diagnosing the condition:

* Important areas of functioning such as occupation and social are caused significant distress or impairment.

* That the direct physiological effects of a medical condition or substance are not the root cause.

Clinical Depression Treatment is you free resource for depression and depression related information.

Visit Clinical Depression Treatment to find out more.

Author: Henry Anderson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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When you are first diagnosed with depression, many doctors on the first visit will skip prescribing one of the many antidepressants and will often suggest that you to see a counselor. Often seeking depression help from a counselor maybe all you need to cure your depression, and the use a antidepressants may not be necessary. Furthermore, even if you are not clinically depressed, seeking the aid of a counselor or support group can get you back on your feet without the use of drugs. Understanding depression and the many types and treatments available should be the first step you take when seeking depression help.

By understanding depression you will realize that you are not alone and there are many good resourses that will help you get the depression help you need. There are many different types of depression, here are just a few and some basic descriptions of each.

Bipolar Depression

Bipolar actually used to be called “manic-depression”. It is recognized for its erratic mood swings. The sufferer usually swings from great highs with wild ideas to extreme lows where they can become at risk of “suicide”.

Major Depression

Major depression also known as Clinical Depression or Unipolar Depression is considered the most serious type of depression in terms of symptoms and severity.

Dysthymic Disorder

Dysthymic Disorder is less severe in symptoms then major depression but its duration is usually diagnosed after experiencing two or more of the following symptoms for more than 2 years.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is considered much more sever then Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) for its characteristics of deep depression and irritability usually a week or two prior or during menstruation.

If you are a teen and need depression help a good online resourse can be found at: http://teenadvice.about.com/od/depressionhelp/

The most important thing for people to know is that even in your hardest times, there is more to life than nothing at all. Life is a worthy challenge one must always meet.

Understanding depression and getting depression help is sometimes only a click or a phone call away.

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Author: DM Driscoll
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Women and men who suffer from these illnesses may have to overcome deeper issues ranging from poor self-esteem to childhood abuse. Effective therapy can help improve their professional and family lives as well.

Therapy for anorexia and bulimia

Anorexia, bulimia, and eating disorders are a way of coping when stress and anxiety seem unbearable.

With the encouragement of a therapist, an anorexic or bulimic client can learn to face the sources of her stress or anxiety, and find healthier means of reacting to stressful situations.

One woman who had overcome eating disorders several years earlier consulted a psychotherapist in Austin when her problems recurred. This woman had recently moved into Austin, and she was without the support of family and friends while working at a new job. She had reverted to her old methods of coping with stress, namely food. Food is a form of self-treatment for many people, as it was in this woman’s case.

Her therapist helped her to see her need for developing new relationships, and she also participated in group therapy to meet people.

By the end of therapy, she made new friends and was excelling in her new job. Her eating disorder no longer affected her.

Eating disorders and treating depression

Depression can be another cause of eating disorders too. Of course, eating disorders can cause someone to be depressed, so determining cause from effect is difficult.

A depressed person may overeat, or not eat enough, and so either gain or lose a lot of weight. This will affect their physical health. A therapist will help her concentrate on her strengths and regain her sense of balance.

One woman in Houston was depressed because her husband had had an affair and left her. She blamed herself and her recent weight gain for this, but was not able to lose weight. She tried everything she could but the weight remained. Therapy helped her see several other contributors to her depression. She explored some of the events in her past that were causing her a great deal of distress.

She was able to take responsibility for her eating habits, and find a warm and supportive relationship.

Eating disorders, PTSD and victims of sexual abuse

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder may happen because of one-time traumas likes being the victim of an accident or a crime, and also because of long-term abuse like childhood sexual or physical abuse.

PTSD often goes hand in hand with eating disorders.

Victims of childhood abuse sometimes keep the abuse secret, and the therapist may be the first person they confide in. Sometimes when childhood abuse has been blocked out, a reaction may be triggered in adult life by seemingly unrelated events. And lots of times, bulemia or overeating is a symptom. One therapist in Denver helped her client work her way through traumatic memories by giving her art and journaling exercises. These gave the victim a sense of perspective and she was able to stop blaming herself. She also became better connected with others emotionally. Her eating disorder markedly improved.

Eating disorders and counseling for couples

Eating disorders may affect someone who is married or in a committed relationship.

Counseling can benefit married, engaged, or lesbian and gay couples, if one has an eating disorder. The partner with the eating disorder may feel guilty for what he thinks he is causing his partner to feel. And the partner may feel guilty for feelings of resentment towards the partner with the disorder.

That is why couples therapy helps so much.

The most common problems that bring partners into therapy are poor communication, or upheavals like illness, death of a family member, or an affair. Any of these can plunge partners into depression and conflict and often make the eating disorder worse.

Therapy can find the cause of the dissatisfaction, and a solution both partners are happy with while preserving the relationship. It helped one lesbian couple in Austin to come to terms with each other’s families of origin. They were able to work out ways to achieve both their goals without sabotaging their relationship. Even though one partner remained quite overweight, the couple achieved a peaceful resolution and enjoyed a much better relationship.

If you want more information on eating disorders, depression and anxiety, and how they go hand-in-hand, visit the Capitalcounselors.com website [http://www.capitalcounselors.com] You can find a psychotherapist in your neighborhood [http://capitalcounselors.com/location/list] and set up an appointment. Your first visit to any therapist on this site will not be charged.

Author: Richard Geller
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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While not identical in every person, depression warning signs that may be experienced can include any of these:

1. Difficulty sleeping or other disruptions of sleep patterns

2. Overwhelming feelings of anxiety and/or sorrow at inappropriate times

3. Loss of interest in pastimes formerly enjoyed

4. A sensation of hopelessness, lack of self esteem and feelings of guilt

5. Fatigue and overall lower energy levels

6. Loss of appetite or abnormally large appetite, leading to weight loss or gain

7. Suicidal thoughts and recurring thoughts about death

8. Irritability, restlessness and short temper

9. Memory lapses and an inability to concentrate

10. Difficulty in maintaining close or romantic relationships

Depression warning signs have increased in frequency in western industrialized societies, especially among those born after 1930. Some have concluded that pollution and its attendant harmful effects on the human body are to blame for some of the increase in depressive disorders and has ramped up the number of persons suffering from depression signs.

Experiencing one or more of the signs of depression and other mood disorders has to do with levels of neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine along with changes in the neural pathways of the brain. Imbalances between the neurotransmitters appear to be a cause of depression in many cases where depression signs are manifested.

Depression warning signs can derail careers and relationships, cause school work to go downhill and lower quality of life. The feelings of despair, sadness and frustration can make it impossible to function normally and relate to others. In many cases, depression goes undiagnosed due to the stigma borne by mental illness or failure of medical professionals to correctly diagnose or treat the problem.

Those who suffer from this condition often choose to self-medicate rather than go through the side effects of prescription medications. These people may use alcohol, caffeine or street drugs in an effort to feel better, which never works in the long run. Many of those who commit suicide happen to have symptoms of depression.

An additional problem faced by those suffering from depressive disorders is the stigma which is attached to the ailment. People who have depression signs are sometimes seen as crazy, unpredictable, even dangerous! In short, they are often avoided because of their disorder which only adds to their feelings of isolation and despair.

The stigma associated with depression warning signs can be devastating to those afflicted with depression. Teachers, co-workers, neighbors and employers will tend to treat them differently because of the disorder. It can be difficult to hide in many situations, for instance, when trying to get a new job. While it is not legal to ask a prospective employee about medical conditions they may have, one does not necessarily want to withhold the truth from an interviewer.

At the same time, it might be a long shot to actually land that job if your interviewer is aware of your depression. This is a case whether or not your depressive disorder would affect the quality of your work. In the case of students, teachers may treat them differently and the student could suffer from low expectations on the part of teachers.

There is also a lot of misinformation about persons with mental illness of any sort, with many making the assumption that all such persons are potentially violent and feared as a possible danger. Again, this leads people to isolate the sufferer, making their life even even worse.

Health insurance plans offered by employers often will involve higher premiums from the employer if a new hire has health problems, including depression signs. The employers fear is that their premiums will go through the roof if they are to take on a new employee with any sort of preexisting medical issues. This is true! Those who suffer from depression signs and disorders hardly get a fair shake from insurance companies.

The feelings of worthlessness and isolation that are felt by those who suffer from a depressive disorder are made worse by the stigma attached to the condition among the general public. This leaves the patient feeling even worse, their sensation of inadequacy and guilt compounded by the way that society treats them.

Society as a whole must learn to treat those with depression and other mental illnesses like the human beings that they really are. They are simply human beings with an illness, no different than a physical illness, merely different symptoms.

Read more about the more commonly experienced symptoms of anxiety – David Lee Buster is one of the webmasters of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com – visit the website for more articles on natural health living.

Author: David Buster
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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I have personally witnessed on numerous diverse social media websites the grossly inaccurate information posted on them. I myself has been subject to ridicule and harassment. As a result, I am relaying and translating the societal and cultural nuances so that diverse laypeople all understand the key symptoms of depression and suicide. I am translating these symptoms for the African American community because I am African American and many people have come to me wondering if there is a way to identify these symptoms. Disturbingly, they may have lost a loved one to suicide and they wonder if there was anything more they could do to stop it. While reviewing top health websites for depression symptoms, I found there was a lack of cultural competency in explaining these symptoms. While it is clear that not ALL of these symptoms are seen in every case of depression or suicide, the key symptoms outlined in major online health websites do NOT translate with “any culturally nuanced depression symptoms”.

At this time, I will not be listing what to do on how to manage these symptoms. I organized this “Translation Navigator” so that everyone is “on same page”. I mean no disrespect to those who understand this information, but seriously, looking at the mental health disparities, something MUST be done for the lack of cultural competence described in my symptom review. Anyone using this information is for entertainment purposes only and cannot be used as a diagnostic. Moreover, it can complement a professionally licensed health care provider’s directive, but it does not supplant or supersede any treatment plan by a licensed provider. Nor does it counteract against the written referenced material.

The Translator/Navigator

Culturally Competent Telltale Signs for Depression in the African Americans

• The inability to concentrate often resembles forgetfulness This symptom occurs almost everyday and people who are depressed often forget important tasks, like missing due dates for bills, or forgetting to call key people like doctors. It is not the casual forgetfulness of losing keys or dementia like getting lost, or even Alzheimer’s, which is VERY different! This forgetfulness is after a profound conversation/argument with the depressed person, and s/he STILL forgets to pay the cable bill!
• Being fatigued or decreased energy If the depressed person goes to church Sunday at 11:00 AM, and then stops suddenly, to which s/he complains of fatigue or “I’m tired”, when they did nothing physically strenuous, then it probably a depression. It is the dramatic shift in routine over a month.
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness These symptoms lack articulation by diverse depressed individuals. Moreover men do not discuss these feeling freely. If men say anything, it resembles blame on any perceivable target-usually the caregiver! Depressed women complain, whine, and then blame. Shortly, I will explain later how that resembles in diverse communities.
• Hopelessness and/or pessimism Depressed individuals often have “sarcastic commentary” that teenagers are more than happy to provide whenever anybody makes comments. For example, when the caregiver says, “Let’s go to the Beach, it is a nice sunny day!”, a depressed individual would retort, “Why? To get burned by the sun!!!”
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping: I have not noticed diverse depressed individuals to be unable to sleep unless they have an anxiety/PTSD or a mania, but I have seen sleeping all day for several days without being sick, or having that dark room, because light hurts. Depressed individuals often choose that darkened room during a sunny day rather than enjoying the outdoors–an active choice that is made.
• Irritability or restlessness: Irritability often looks like whining and snapping at whatever is said. A caregiver could just say “BOO” and the depressed person combined with the feeling of guilt would bite the caregiver’s head off for saying it. The restlessness is often combined with the forgetfulness. Watch when they cook. Request the depressed person to make lemonade from powder and s/he will get flustered by making a simple recipe. And remember, the behavior is not random; it is consistent over a month or two.
• Lost of interest in activities once pleasurable, includes sex: This symptom is combined with the forgetfulness, fatigue, guilt, pessimism and excessive sleepiness symptoms. It could be any activity that the depressed person enjoys often as a tradition or ritual, and for some unknown reasons it is suddenly dropped! An example is, with the “holidays approaching” the depressed loved one for no reason, refuses to participate in an activity once thoroughly enjoyed. It is not because s/he has a new life situation, but the excuse is that s/he does not want to do it and is likely to berates it. Remember, the behavior is consistent over a few weeks and is not completely random!
• Changes in eating behavior: What a depressed individual does is overeat a lot of carbohydrates (carbs, sugars, etc.): breads, cakes, chocolates, candies and sugar! Apparently, the medical aspects of depression feeds off of glucose in the brain, the full mechanism is unknown. Moreover, the meal is one time of day–all day and does not stop until sleep! Alternatively, what a depressed person looks like when his/her appetite is lost, s/he has failed to shop for grocery and all that is left is something indistinguishable, often the depressed person is living off of something bizarre like gum or rationalizes vitamin supplements as nutrition. Most of the symptoms mesh with each other, so this one is combined with forgetfulness, inability making decisions, helplessness and hopelessness. Moreover starvation through dieting can cause the insomnia…
• Persistent malaise: A depressed person complains all the time about physical issues and when s/he chooses to see a primary care physician, only the immediate aches and pains are treated with drugs rather than the psychotropic medications due to health treatment limitations and standards of care. Meaning, if there is no adherence to these drugs, why force the patient to take them? Laboratory tests and manifestations cannot convince the depressed person of his/her ailment is depression. Remember this is another symptom that meshes itself with other symptoms, so if this one symptom is seen, then it is likely that others will be seen…
• Persistent negative thoughts: A depressed person says as a complaint or whine that “nobody likes them” or any absolute statements: NEVER, ALWAYS, and NOBODY. Often seen as a judgment with accusations: i.e. “You should’s” and “You must’s” and “everybody’s”. The empty feelings look like a comatose person-especially when asked a simple question like “How are you going today”? The depressed person will respond with a shrug or say “I don’t know” on a consistent basis. Remember, this type of symptom is meshed with the other ones. This symptom is a “trigger” symptom or a “red flag” symptom, meaning when you start hearing them frequently, more than 3 times overall, this is the time when the caregiver’s antenna needs to be raised and attempt to get professionally licensed help!!!
• Thoughts of suicide: I cannot emphasize this statement any stronger: when this comment is made, it needs to be taken seriously! Whether or not there is a plan: DO NOT TAKE THIS COMMENT LIGHTLY! DO NOT DISCOUNT IT! By the time, the depressed person vocalizes it, s/he has actually intensely rationalized it and has given serious thoughts about it, and now they are beginning to venture out really to get help on it! PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO UNDERSTAND THIS SYMPTOM OR TALK THEM OUT OF IT! PLEASE GET THEM TO PSYCHIATRIC CARE!!! This key symptom is the neurophysiological course of the depression disease. Literally, the brain is damaging itself due to the aforementioned symptoms. It is thought that all the symptoms meshed together overload the system and crashes the “logic centers” of the brain–somewhat like a computer hard drive crashing. But in this case the other organs actually attempting to save the body at the same time: such as the heart, the muscles, the stomach, the liver and the kidneys, plus many more. The organs try to override this “cerebral self-destruct” button. Remember, this behavior is not always night and day, or random, but it does not lessen the impact, please watch this behavior closely.

So please permit me to use some creative license and combine some of the warning signs to suicide that I have translated into culturally competent text from major online health websites:

There are some key symptoms that caregivers MUST watch and be vigilant with someone suffering from depression, especially as it relates to suicide! I cannot stress this enough the depressed individual is NOT about him/her being crazy or funny, this is about him/her suffering from a major medical neurophysiological disease like any other illness and requires professionally licensed care and treatment. Moreover, these are the telltale signs: These are the signs used when one does NOT want to say “if I could have done anything differently…” The way to think about this is the splinter in the tiger. The tiger by itself is a man eating animal, but when there is a splinter in the paw, the tiger writhes in pain and while you might think “it is not a big deal”, because it is a man-eating tiger and usually it will kill itself or gnaw off its paw off to minimize the pain. If someone removes the splinter, it is thought the tiger is grateful and remembers that person always. Loving a depressed individual, like that splintered tiger, is perilous and as a caregiver it takes a team to support that individual, which a licensed provider must be consulted. Unfortunately, hospitalization cannot be enforced upon any unwilling mentally ill person who has not committed a crime or threat. However, a caregiver, can learn about the basic suicide symptoms described below:

• Suddenly switching from very sad (depressed) to calm/appearing happy or tranquil: While obviously stated, this symptom often this looks like the depressed person has found “resolution” to his/her problem. Unfortunately it is committing suicide… Like a wrong answer game show buzzer–EHHHN–this inaccurate conclusion erroneously looks like a calm in the suicidal ideation depressed individual. One way to confirm one’s thoughts are to ASK what his/her wants are. This is a question of autonomy, because it determines if a definitive decision has been made. If s/he has a formal plan with times and dates, get professionally licensed help immediately or call 9-1-1!
• Always talking and writing about death: Listed as dressing in “Gothic paraphernalia”, like always wearing black like a vampire… Seriously, this is probably the most egregious example of culturally incompetence I have seen in regards to understanding suicidal ideation and symptoms. To make this symptom culturally competent for African Americans, this often resembles when young people attempt to look like or live like “gangsters” or “thugs”, with the guns, paraphernalia, and listening to “profane gangsta rap” or “thuggish” music and actually believing the lyrics are real. And the discussion looks like dark and dreary kinds of lifestyle, such as robbing people, misogyny, prostitution, and prison life, etc. This symptom meshes with another symptom as described later.
• Having a “death wish”–taking unnecessary risks: such as running red lights… This symptom is another egregious example of missing the social determinants of health and the mental health disparity in diverse communities. In the African American community, especially for young men, running red lights is deadly in the United States, so that would not be something we would see often. The risk factors taken would probably be carrying a gun into a club as to protect oneself as an “unnecessary risk”. The death wishes we have is getting involved in very dangerous activities known to ruin one’s life and are self-destructive–which leads us to our next symptom
• Substance abuse: Alcohol is a depressant, and some illegal substances, like marijuana and methamphetamine make irrational thoughts worse. Many people in our community abuse substances to self-medicate for their depression. It is a self-destructive habit. This is probably one of the single elements that is seen more in the African American community than others. The symptom looks over and beyond the normal consumption of these substances–a functional alcoholic or smoker, etc. And substance abuse treatment differs from depression treatment, while the two are intertwined inexplicably, first the addiction is treated then the mental health issue. More often than not most substance abusers RARELY get treated for their mental health issues.
• Acting impulsively: Acting impulsively is doing something without thinking about it and letting the chips fall where they land–meaning if the depressed person dies, that will be where the chips landed… The depression symptoms are meshed with this suicide warning sign, such as guilt and hopelessness. It is reckless. One possibility is once they get that gun, what more will they do–such as robbery, going along with the violent crowd, rioting, killing people. The mentality is the suicidal person with erroneously thing that they have to see the end of this bad course of action.
• Poor performance in school and work: Young people often have failing grades and it is known they are able to do the work. For adults, it accounts for massive sick days and absenteeism from work, lack of follow through on projects and missed deadlines. There may be some hostilities between the depressed loved one and co-workers. The depression symptoms seen meshed with this suicide warning sign are lack of concentration, fatigue and excessive sleeping.There may be others.
• Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, writing/changing a will, giving away prized possessions: So many depressed African Americans feel they do not have anything, so changing wills is infrequent occurrence. This suicide warning sign resembles vandalism or destruction of property. The depressed person’s thinking is “Since I have nothing to lose (hopelessness) and everyone thinks I am worthless (guilt, worthlessness), I will vandalize this property by graffiti or I will destroy this property by stealing/thievery of key items”. What makes this illogical thinking occur in a depressed person is putting the affairs in order or tying up loose ends… This a suicidal warning sign shows the welcomed risk of arrest! As usual, this symptom travels with other depression symptoms as well as other suicidal warning signs like substance abuse or a death wish.
• Feeling strong anger or rage: It has been told to me that depression is anger turned in on one’s self. The anger people have is due to unresolved hurts and pains or experiencing what is perceived as a traumatic event. Some people casually say, “This is what is called life, deal with it”! Saying this statement to a depressed person is an abusive, insensitive, destructive and harmful comment, because it will tip them over from thinking about suicide to actually committing suicide. The heartless comment often is misconstrued by a depressed person who is already having inaccurate absolute conclusions and this comment causes the person who cannot articulate in his/her feelings to verify his/her self-worth through the “depression and suicidal lenses”. What is seen is either the first suicidal warning sign of “listlessness” or “empty” feelings or an anger/rage unloading, often with crying. What causes this anger? I have a blog on anger as it is written from my bipolar POV at Crazy Black Woman

Remember, it should be noted that some people who commit suicide do not show ANY warning signs. So, loved ones may still feel, “I knew s/he was crazy, but…” And if caregiver’s actively see these symptoms and want to help him/her, judgment does not help them either! What is optimal is professionally licensed care and treatment! A few pastors have qualifications for mental health care treatment. If a pastor says that ONLY prayer or telling one to just be saved cures mental health, that is HOLY UNETHICAL!

Many professionally licensed providers lack cultural sensitivity and could look “crazy” to you! Finding the what works for you is a personal choice. The key is to ask MANY DIRECT QUESTIONS, learn to navigate the mental health care system, and implement mental health and wellness goals! If that is of interest to you as a “diverse woman”, please feel free to join us at SistahMentalHealth dot com and start your PQ Interest Questionnaire TODAY!

Dr. Gina L. Moore-Sanders holds a PhD in molecular genetics and have published 5 papers in cardiovascular, diabetes and aging disorders. I am African American woman who has had the plight of unconscionable culturally incompetent mental health care system, and through a series of graded steps, I found my recovery, I survive and I thrive! I love my new life and now I want to share it with you with my training as a Health and Wellness Coach. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband who is a veterinarian.

Author: Dr. Gina Moore-Sanders, Ph.D.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Depression can result from a number of sources. It’s not a matter of a day or two of confusion or sadness, this disease is much more. Depression can be a matter of months and even years. The worst effects of depression can be physical illness and even suicide. Remorse is often a feeling associated with the early stages. It can take from you the enjoyment that you once used to receive from your favorite activities. Loneliness and despair are common. You may feel like a failure at life and cannot see where the future is going to get any better. Your entire personality can change as time passes. You will feel the affects at work, at school and at home. Expect insomnia and increased anxiety.

There are many causes of depression. Stress is one of them. Stress caused by the loss of a loved one or from a serious illness that you have been diagnosed with. Genetics are important. Suffering abuse can bring on stress. Even something as simple as reading the financial news can create it. There is so much stress in the world today to compete and satisfy those in our society. Don’t forget that it’s a serious condition. But for people who look for it there is help. Only about 4.5 million of the 15 million Americans who suffer from depression each year will admit the problem and seek help. A loved one or you have to look for the help.

Getting the help you need plays a big role in relieving the stress of depression and keeping it away. On your own, it can be difficult to maintain perspective and sustain the effort required to beat the disorder. But the very nature of this debilitating situation makes it difficult to reach out for help. However, isolation and loneliness make depression even worse, so maintaining your close relationships and social activities are important.

The thought of reaching out to even close family members and friends can seem overwhelming. You may feel ashamed, too exhausted to talk, or guilty for neglecting the relationship. Remind yourself that this is the depression talking. Those who love you are there for you.

* Turn to trusted friends and family members. Share what you’re going through with the people you love and trust. Ask for the help and support you need. You may have retreated from your most treasured relationships, but they can get you through this tough time.

* Try to keep up with social activities even if you don’t feel like it. When you’re depressed, it feels more comfortable to retreat into your shell. But being around other people will make you feel less depressed.

* Join a support group for depression. Being with others who are dealing with depression can go a long way in reducing your sense of isolation. You can also encourage each other, give and receive advice on how to cope, and share your experiences. To locate a depression support group in your area, use the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance’s

Another self-help tip: Take care of yourself, Dogonit!

For you to overcome, you have to nurture yourself. This includes making time for things you enjoy, asking for help from others, setting limits on what you’re able to do, adopting healthy habits, and scheduling fun activities into your day.

Do things you enjoy (or used to)

While you can’t force yourself to have fun or experience pleasure, you can choose to do things that you used to enjoy. Pick up a former hobby or a sport you used to like. Express yourself creatively through music, art, or writing. Go out with friends. Take a day trip to a museum, the mountains, or the ballpark.
Develop a wellness toolbox

Draw up some ideas of things that you can do for a quick mood boost. Include any strategies, activities, or skills that you know you have. The more “tools” for coping with depression, the better. Try and implement a few of these ideas each day, even if you’re feeling good.

* Set realistic goals and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.

* Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.

* Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.

* Participate in activities that may make you feel better.

* Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.

* Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.

* It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition–change jobs, get married or divorced–discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.

* People rarely “snap out of” a depression. But they can feel a little better day by day.

* Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.

* Let your family and friends help you.

The most productive way to assist a depressed person, is to help him or her get appropriate treatment. This may involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until the symptoms begin to get better (several weeks), or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs. On occasion, it may require making an appointment and accompanying the depressed person to appointments with the psychologist. It may also mean monitoring whether the depressed person is taking medication, if prescribed.

The second most important way to help is to offer emotional support. This involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Do not disparage feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer hope. Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Always report them to the depressed person’s psychologist. One of the main problems to overcome with depression is admitting to others that one has it. Many people will not seek help until they find they cannot go on without it. There is a fear that they will be regarded as mentally weak, that it will jeopardize employment prospects, career advancement, life insurance, etc.

Medication can be a tremendous help in beginning the healing if you’re so much in the pits that you don’t have the energy for anything else. It can make a huge difference and really get you rolling. But it’s important to see a psychiatrist or physician who’s familiar enough with the latest anti-depressants – there is quite an array, and chances are something will help that won’t cause too many side effects for your system. But you need somebody who knows this stuff, and most internists or GP’s don’t. Often people are under- or over-medicated, or don’t wait long enough to let the stuff work. Once you’re rolling and begin doing some of the other things on this list, you can probably start reducing your dosage. Get yourself up in the morning and avoid sleeping in, even though, it’s true, if you’re depressed, you won’t feel much like it. Getting up and moving around helps fight depression; sleeping late feeds it.

You need to reduce your intake of carbs, and especially sugar, while consuming more protein. If you’re depressed you’re going to want that quick charge of energy that sugar and simple carbs provide; but that very same jolt of sugar floods the bloodstream, spikes, and then causes a crash, leaving you more depressed than ever. The same is true for caffeine and alcohol. If you can get yourself moving, then exercise! Don’t forget, depression is blocked or dead-ended energy, and you can get it moving again by literally moving more. (And, yes, if you’re depressed, you won’t feel like it, but it will make you feel palpably better afterward.)

The most common form of treatment for depression is ‘talk therapy’ and ‘anti-depressants’ such as Prozac. But medications often have side effects, including causing more depression, as well as they can be expensive as can a psychiatrist or psychologist. Natural alternatives exist that contain hyperforin, known to work as well as anti-depressant medicines. Another effective treatment for this terrible disease is the support of others who suffer it. Whether you want it or someone pushes you to it, there is help around for depression.

RockinJay gathers information for a variety of helpful sites. Learn more about depression and how you can help yourself @ RelieveDepressionToday.com
RockinJay@creativeheadspace.com

Author: Jay Wyshak
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Panic attack disorder is caused by depression, stress and worry. Prolonged agony and fear of certain situations which you haven’t encountered before can also trigger panic and anxiety attacks. During this time, you feel emotional disturbance that tends to paralyze your senses and your ability to think straight.

Depression and stress takes a long time to build inside you. You may not be aware of it but your daily activities and battle over your work is slowly eating you alive. These negative attributes will continue to build up inside you until they will dominate your emotions and take charge of your positive side. When this happens, you become vulnerable and start to experience anxiety attack symptoms.

Anxiety and depression treatment can be achieved through self help and relaxation techniques. If you’re in the advance stage, medical treatment as well as counseling can be done. Not all panic attacks are severe and not all require medical treatment. During the early stage, you can help yourself by learning how to calm your mind and instill strong emotions.

Anxiety attack symptom such as those that indicate physical incapacity are more advanced than those who can still contain their fears and worries inside. While all symptoms start with determining your emotional status, it becomes worse when you show physical signs of panic anxiety attack.

There are several natural anxiety attack treatments that you can start practicing to avoid panic attack disorder. They include the following:

Know the cause of your panic attacks. If you can help it, avoid situations that will expose you to such emotional confusion. Free yourself from fear and worry by walking away from the incident.
Practice facing your fears and avoid tolerating such attack. If you know you fear being on a certain situation, do not let your mind think that you are scared at all. Face your fear bravely and never allow it to get to you.
Go out more and fill your mind with likable ideas. Do not let yourself dwell on something that only makes you feel bad or think negatively of your self.

Panic attack is a common disorder and not something you have to be scared of. It can be treated effectively especially if you seek the advice of your health care provider once you start experiencing its symptoms.

Understanding the Anxiety Attack Symptom signs and cure anxiety forever.

Find out the simple way to defeat depression, overcome anxiety, and sharpen your mind. Visit, Anxiety and Depression Treatment.

Author: Annette H. Cabra