Research suggests that it may take at least 30 minutes of exercise a day for at least three to five days a week to significantly improve depression symptoms. But smaller amounts of activity - as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time - can improve mood in the short term. “Small bouts of exercise may be a great way to get started if it’s initially too hard to do more,” Dr. Vickers-Douglas says.

Just how exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety isn’t fully understood. Some evidence suggests that exercise raises the levels of certain mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Exercise may also boost feel-good endorphins, release muscle tension, help you sleep better, and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It also increases body temperature, which may have calming effects. All of these changes in your mind and body can improve such symptoms as sadness, anxiety, irritability, stress, fatigue, anger, self-doubt and hopelessness.

It’s obvious that poor physical fitness can lead to ill health, and ill health to depression and anxiety. If physical condition and depressive symptoms are mutually reinforcing, treating one can improve the other. But that is apparently not how exercise works in most cases. In a review of 30 trials, it made little difference how much a person exercised, how intensely, or how long. What mattered was only how long the program lasted - at least two months. Besides, in most studies, improvement in depression and anxiety is not correlated with increased strength or cardiovascular health. And aerobic exercise and strength training are usually found to be equally effective.

Other possible explanations for the mood enhancing effect of exercise include enhanced body image, social support from exercise groups, and distraction from everyday worries. Meeting the challenge of continuing exercise may heighten self-confidence. Physical activity may affect mood by altering the circulation of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and the endorphins.

Once things started to calm down, I started to crystallize a system to manage Lynn’s condition. She came off medication as soon as we could convince the doctors and psychiatrist to allow this. Panic attacks came, but we overcame them quickly. Depression threatened, but we managed it.

Panic attacks are “attacks” of extreme, overwhelming anxiety, causing the sufferer to breathe rapidly and shallowly, eventually resulting in lack of oxygen to the brain, so the person becomes sort of semi-conscious. They cannot help themselves, as their normal logical thinking process is disturbed. To overcome a panic attack, the person needs to be TOLD to BREATHE DEEPLY. They need to breathe in to their maximum lung capacity, abd then hold their breathe for 5 seconds, then blow it ALL out again. This sends lots of oxygen to the brain, and calmness returns to the person within a few minutes. They also need reassurance and a hug while they are recovering. I have helped Lynn over the phone. She feels herself getting more and more anxious, so she phones me at work for help. I tell her to breathe deeply, and I listen carefully for her to do it. Then after a minute or two I get her to breathe deeply again. And a third time. Then I reassure her. After 5 or 10 minutes she’s good enough to last till I get home in the afternoon, or longer.

Major Depression, which often brings on the panic attack syndrome, is usually because of a long drawn out time of stress, anxiety, health problems, etc etc. Lynn had problems with her second baby that drained her before the birth and after, with lack of sleep, worry about the welfare of the baby and life threating problems herself. People with major depression need the help of others, lots of sleep to build up their strength again, and if possible, removal of the “stressors” the things that are causing the stress. In extreme cases, medication will help a person to get some sleep and be calm, but it is advisable to come off the medication as soon as you can.

Once you have started recovery, you need to look for the positive things in your life - THERE ARE ALWAYS POSITIVE THINGS, EVEN IF YOU LIVE IN A SEWER AND HAVE NO FRIENDS. If you have a tongue, you can taste - this is a positive thing. Can you breathe? Wow! That’s great! It’s better than suffocating!! I know it sounds stupid, but it really helps to concentrate your mind on the positive - it trains your subconscious to do the same. Make a list of all the good and positive things in your life, and read it over and over: add to it daily - you’ll be amazed at how long that list gets!

There are some medications out there that can help you. These are very effective for some people, and less so for other people. One of the main worries with depression medications is that they can lead to undesirable side effects. If you are one of the many who are seeking an alternative you might want to look into binaural beat audios.

What Are Binaural Beats?

Binaural beats work by affecting your brainwaves. Do not worry, it is completely safe and very effective. Some people have even called this a digital drug. When you are depressed it is a response that your brain is having to either internal or external events.

When you use binaural beats you are simply changing the way that your brain is reacting. This is also called brainwave entrainment. You listen to binaural beat audios through headphones. There will be two slightly different frequencies played through each ear, which creates a beat of the desired frequency.

If you have ever heard of meditation, this is kind of like a more advanced, technical version. You might feel funny about giving it a try but these audios have helped many depressed people come out of their funk. At first you will need to listen to these binaural beat audios very frequently to treat your depression. With time you can retrain your brain and the state will be learned. You can actually cure your depression without the use of harsh medications.

Of course, you will always want to check with your doctor if you have severe depression. They will be able to give you any medicine you need, if you both decide its necessary. If you are at the point where you would prefer self treatment or want to find an alternative it is a good idea to get yourself some binaural beat audios. Some people are concerned with how the beats will affect their medication, or wonder if it is safe to do them at the same time. Since binaural beat audios are so safe it is perfectly OK to use them in conjunction with medication from your doctor.

The bottom line is that depression is incredibly serious and you need to seek treatment as soon as you can. Scientists have put a lot of time and effort into studying how the brain reacts to stimuli and why people get depressed in the first place. You can take matters into your own hands with brainwave entrainment and get rid of the short and long term effects of depression. Binaural beats are completely safe, effective and there are some great audios out there. Clear some time out of your day to sit and listen to the beats with your headphones on and you will feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

The treatment of depression should begin as soon as depression is recognized. It is important to get in to see your doctor if you believe you may be suffering from depression. Be sure to mention to your doctor that you are willing to undergo holistic treatment of depression, as doctors are used to patients that just want a pill to mask the symptoms and sad feelings. The best prognosis can be achieved with the holistic treatment of depression, combining a healthy lifestyle and medication.

Treatment of Depression With a Proper Diet

You should eat plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. These have been shown to be very beneficial in the treatment of depression. They are also associated with healthy skin and a healthy circulatory system. You can get heavy doses of omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts, fish, and flax seeds. Many plant foods such as spinach also have small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are not only helpful, but they are necessary for a healthy body and cannot be synthesized by our bodies.

You also need to make sure you are getting all of the regular nutrients your body requires. A lack of proper nutrition could trigger depression. Make sure you get plenty of B vitamins and folic acid in your diet.

Treatment of Depression With Exercise

Exercise is a proven mood enhancer, whether you are suffering from depression or just sadness. Exercise can also help your body function properly and remain in good health so that it can deal better with the effects of depression. Those who exercise regularly tend to have better mental health overall. Take your exercise outside to get the benefits of sunlight on your mood.

Treatment of Depression With Medication

There are a wide variety of medications used for the treatment of depression. These medications can help you function normally until the cause of your depression can be found and treated. Your doctor will help you find the right medications for you.

Counseling and anti-depressant medication are the principal forms of treatment, but these can become addictive and do little to boost a sufferer’s self-esteem. Furthermore, the number of clinically depressed adults is growing year by year, so scientists have spent years researching new ways to treat and combat the illness.

One on-going review of studies, stretching as far back to 1981, show that those who regularly partake in exercise are less likely to develop clinical depression. In addition, regular physical activity is correlated with the improvement in clinical depression and anxiety, and also mild to moderate depressive symptoms such as insomnia, and resilience under stress.

A study published in 2005 found that walking fast for 35 minutes a day five times a week, or 60 minutes three times a week, had a significant influence on mild to moderate depression symptoms. A follow-up study also found that the beneficial effects of exercise lasted longer than those of antidepressant medication. In addition, people who exercised regularly after completing the study were less likely to relapse into depression. Smaller amounts of activity, as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time, also proved to lift mood in the short term. However, it is not how much a person exercises, how intensely or how long. What mattered was only how long the exercise program lasted - at least two months.

To summarise, regular exercise is not only beneficial in relieving depressive symptoms, but also prevents relapses of and the onset of depression.

What is Meridia and how does it work?

Sibutramine hydrochloride - otherwise known as Meridia - is a drug designed to help the seriously overweight lose the excess pounds and keep them off. Is it highly recommended for obese people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, and when used with a low-calorie diet, it proves effective. Meridia works by boosting the levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinehprine. These chemical messengers help keep the brain functioning properly and when they are absent in the system, obesity, depression and other conditions can occur.

Is Meridia really good for depression?

Some patients who have used Meridia have reported that they get a ‘good feeling’ from it. The medication stabilizes the serotonin levels in the brain and that is why people suddenly feel good when taking the medication. Unfortunately the effect doesn’t work very long. Meridia is not approved for depression.

What are Meridia’s side effects?

Because everyone responds to medications and treatments differently, users of Meridia may not see any adverse effects when using it. Other people may react intensely to the drug. If any side effects occur, patient should seek out their doctor immediately. Side effects can include, but are not limited to:

• abdominal pain;
• anxiety;
• back pain;
• constipation;
• depression;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• insomnia;
• joint pain;
• nausea;
• rash;
• stomach-ache;
• sore throat.

One of the biggest complaints users of Meridia have had is that it actually causes depression. While depression is listed as one of the side effects, there have been other weight loss drugs of the same class that have also been used as antidepressants. Do the adverse effects outweigh the benefits for the user? That decision has to be made between the patient and their doctor and while they are taking the medication for weight loss, they should be monitored closely.

Consider your options when taking Meridia

Anyone who is taking Meridia who begins to have adverse affects from the medication should report their symptoms to their doctor. When using it, they should maintain a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and exercise. It has been shown that exercise helps stave off the symptoms and feelings of depression. Never use a prescription medicine for something it is not designed for unless it has been okayed by the doctor treating the patient.

If you are currently taking Meridia and you feel euphoric and happy after having a brush with depression, report these feelings to your doctor immediately. Never stop taking other medications the doctor has prescribed. Depression should never be treated lightly and if you are suddenly having thoughts of suicide or have attempted to hurt yourself, contact the proper authorities for help.

Why should you use herbs?

Herbal remedies are really cost effective, and with the rising prices of prescription medicine, people are always looking to save some money. It is also advisable to have different treatment options available especially considering that there is no one perfect treatment for depression. As varying as depression is, so is the treatments. Stress management and lifestyle changes all help to change the external factors people suffering from depression can control. Therapy helps with the way a sufferer thinks. Herbal remedies help improve some of the flagging biochemical processes that contribute to the emotional rollercoaster of depression.

By helping to replenish brain chemicals and cell enzymes that have been depleted or are missing from the body, and increasing important hormone levels, herbal remedies can help depression sufferers regain some balance. They are accessible from most herbal and health stores, provide fast relief, and have little to no side effects, unlike their chemical partners. Herbal remedies focus on specific causes and remedies and when used in conjunction to prescribed medication and other treatments, they provide a more rounded approach to treating the depression.

What herbs help and how?

The following list of herbs are ones that have been tested and proven to be successful in treating a variety of conditions, including depression. Before taking any herbal or vitamin supplement, patients should consult with both their doctor and pharmacist to make sure that there will be no adverse interaction with any prescription medicine they are taking.

St. John’s Wort - this herb has been clinically used in Germany for over forty years as an antidepressant, antibiotic, and antiviral supplement. While using it, patients may notice an increased sensitivity to sunlight.

SAMe - S-Adenosyl Methionine is an amino acid that helps the brain maintain healthy neurotransmitter processes. This helps increase serotonin, dopamine, and phosphatides in the system.

5HTP - This amino acid is converted to serotonin when taken. Low serotonin levels have been attributed to feeling down, changes in sleep patterns, and migraine pain. It has also been used as a successful appetite suppressant.

Fish Oil - Fish oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids and this herbal remedy helps boosts those level back up. Clinical studies have shown that people with low omega-3 fatty acids in the blood are prone to bouts of depression.

Gingko Biloba - This herbal remedy has been used for years to help improve a person’s memory. It is both an antidepressant and antioxidant and it helps the flow of blood throughout the body. It helps cardiovascular health, impotency due to arterial problems, and has even helped symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Asthma.

Siberian Ginseng - This form of ginseng is known as an adaptogen, something that helps the human body adapt to external physical stresses. It also stimulates the immune system, helps aerobic capacity, regulates blood sugar, and aids in concentration.

Never take an herbal or mineral supplement without first consulting a doctor. If it is deemed appropriate, herbal remedies in addition to a patient’s current treatment plan is another piece of the healing puzzle that will set them on the track to good health. source

Many things can lead to depression. A teenager is just learning how to handle the pressures and emotions of an adult. Only 30% of teens suffering seek help. The others just suffer through and do their best to get through. Adults have difficulty dealing with many things, asking a teenager to deal with it on their own, is not be the best option.

Learning the signs of depression for our youth can be difficult. Depressed teenagers are often just seen as being a teen. Signs of irritability, fatigue, withdrawal and changes of eating and sleeping habits, are seen as normal signs of growing up and hormone surges. They are also signs of depression. Learning the difference in your teen’s behavior may be key in getting them the help that they need.

Learning to talk to your teen may be your best investment in their mental health. Parents and adults in a teen’s life struggle with this aspect. They often want to see the teen as still a child where the teen wants to be seen as an adult. Learning to bridge this gap and communicate efficiently may be a daunting task, but can be managed.

An adult should learn to offer support when conversing with a teenager. Let them know you are there for them. Ensure them that you are available to them at any time. Show them that you can listen without being judgmental. Don’t try to talk them out of the way that they feel. Show them that you can understand and give them the help that they need to deal with how they are feeling.

Trust your own instincts. If you have a teenager that is showing signs of depression get them help. Trusting your own feelings and emotions may be what sets the teen on the road to better mental health. They may resist getting help at first. Be firm. Let them know you are there for them and willing to work with them, but insist that they find someone they can work with to help them through this difficult time in their life.

Often a teen will find it easier to speak with someone other than a parent. Consider a peer mentor for your teen. These are teens that are trained to work with others. They become a positive influence. Teen mentors can become a confidant and will be there for the teen that may be in trouble otherwise.

Teenage depression is a serious problem, but can be treated. Learn to recognize the symptoms and get help as soon as possible. Turn the teen in your life into a success story instead of a statistic. source

What are the symptoms of the mania state?

A manic episode is where the patient experiences happiness and enjoyment that can last for a week or longer. This mood lasts all day, every day during this episode and it can be characterized by three more symptoms. Increased activity and energy, euphoric moods, and increased sex drive are just some of the more positive attributes of this state. Irritability, racing thoughts out of control, the inability to concentrate, talking too dast, drug or alcohol abuse, and poor judgement are the negative side of the state. When three or more of these symptoms are present, the patient can be considered in a manic state. Hypomania is a mild to moderate episode, leaving the patient feeling good and being able to be productive. It is a dangerous and misleading state and if left untreated can send the patient suffering manic depression into a deeper depression than before.

What are the symptoms of depressive state?

On the opposite side of the coin is the depressive state of manic depression. Like the manic state, it can last from a day to more than two weeks. Five symptoms are usually present when a patient is in this state including anxiousness, feeling as if their life is empty, hopelessness, worthlessness, loss of interest in things they used to enjoy, fatigue, and more. Chronic pain with no apparent cause is another common symptom for people suffering manic depression and when it is left untreated, the patient could slip into suicidal tendencies. When this happens, immediate medical attention should be sought out.

How is manic depression diagnosed and treated?

Through a series of psychological and medical testing, a doctor can help a person determine if they are suffering from manic depression. These tests include a physical and lengthy discussion about the symptoms the patient has been experiencing. The patient may be referred to a psychological expert for more treatment and testing to help find the root of the problem and the proper treatment plan.

Manic depressives can find relief and live a productive life by working with their doctor on a treatment plan designed specifically for them. They will have to work at it for the rest of their lives as short-term treatments will not cure the disorder. Medication such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics may be prescribed. Psychotherapy will help patients learn how to change their behaviour, show them that they are not alone, and can even guide friends and family members in helping the patient and themselves understand what they are suffering. If the depression is severe enough and there is danger to the patient, the patient’s doctor may recommend a brief hospitalization. source

About half the children experiencing depression also experience anxiety. Anxiety is easy to overlook because a child may not talk about his fears, especially if he’s an adolescent. Young children tend to be much more open and at ease in sharing their fears and worries. Anxiety usually takes one of two forms:

1. A generalized anxiety disorder
2. Anxiety related to panic attacks.

Symptoms of generalized anxiety relate to feelings of restlessness, being on edge, being overwhelmed, having difficulty concentrating, and experiencing muscle tension or sleep disturbance. With generalized anxiety, there may be more fears, but they aren’t as intense as when a panic attack is involved.

The most common forms of a panic attack in children relate to school phobia or separation anxiety when a child is asked to leave the physical proximity of a parent. Children in these situations may become so anxious that they throw up, have major temper tantrums, and act defiant, even if they’re usually well behaved.

The Differences between Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety differs from depression in that an anxious child usually has more energy and doesn’t have as much negative attitude toward life. Instead, the anxious child is afraid and has fears that impede his ability to meet the demands placed on him. Anxiety can have a negative impact on his ability to attend school, engage in social activities, and simply be able to relax.

While the anxious child may avoid participating in activities, he does so for a different reason than the depressed child. The anxious child tries to avoid dealing with situations that make his nervous. The depressed child avoids dealing with a situation because he lacks the energy and frustration tolerance to deal with it. The anxious child also experiences the stress of perceived negative events more intensely.

But there’s one way in which anxiety and depression are similar. Threats regarding the negative consequences of a child’s behavior almost never produce the desired results. Instead, they’ll probably make the situation worse. Threatening an anxious child will only cause more anxiety and lead to an “Oh, on!” response. The depressed child may not react to the threat because he doesn’t have the energy or motivation to care, which results in a “So what?” response. source