Simple Health Cures

   Although depression is an extremely  common condition suffered by a large part of our population, sufferers try to shrug it off as simply a minor ailment. Many of us would like to minimize our exposure to the multitude of magic drugs on the market today. We feel that the residual effect are simply too great to warrent their use. When considering alternative options, many people today are turning to naturally occurring products for the healing of their physical and mental ailments. In general it is believed that natural cures have very few ( if any) side effects and that they interact naturally with the body functions.

   Many turn to Yoga as a Natural Cure for Depression. Centuries of trail and error by old world cultures have developed natural cures that have proven highly beneficial in the struggle to cure depression. Although these treatment have been tested over time as with any medical treatment you should consult with a doctor or medical professional before beginning any self treatment programs. In order to trest any condition effectively you must know precisely what that condition is. There are as many as six types of depression known to the modern science, and each one of them has their own particular characteristics and recommanded treatment.

   For hundred of years, yoga has been considered an effective natural cure for depression. This is a very old Eastern world treatment, which incorporates body-stretching exercise with specific breathing exercises. The Yoga postures and breathing techniques massage the body organs conditioning them so that they function as intended. When practiced regularly yoga has the power to not only relieve depression, but also slow or even reverse the aging process.

   Experts in  the maintain that  in order to ensure that yoga works as a natural cure for depression, you must follow the rules of this ancient wisdom. That demands that you practices the exercises only at day break of dawn facing the rising sun and preferably in a open space. You are then free to combine the physcial exercise with meditation, and experience the pleasant natural relief experienced by ancient civilizations.

Three Types of Insomnia:

   Transient Insomnia;  Causes occasional occurrences of insomnia among normal sleepers. It can last up to several nights and generally is triggered by situations that are stressful or exciting. A fight with a co- worker, a new hot love flame,  jet leg,  an important exam,  or a spat with a spouse can temporarily interfer with getting some shut-eye.

   Short-Term Insomnia:  This type can last for three or four weeks. A death,  serious illness,  job loss,  divorce or  just ongoing stress at home ccan be at the root of this type of  insomnia.

   Chronic Insomnia: This type can go on for many months or  years. It is a complex disorder with no obvious explanation. This type of insomnia may be linked to an organic illness or a symptom of a long term emotional problem. Chronic use of some medications, excessive alcohol intake, breathing disorders, restlesslegs syndrome, sleep apnea andleg cramps can all be associated with chronic insomnia.

Guidelines for a Good Night Sleep

   1. Avoid caffeine, tea sodathey are stimulants. They act on the body 2-4 hours after consumed.

   2. Avoid smoking- nicotine is a stimulant

   3. Avoid taking naps during the day.

   4. Avoid strenuous exercise right before bedtime.

   5. Establish a schedule where you go to sleep and wake up  at the same time every day.

   6. Don’t go to bed angry.

   7. Go to bed only when you are ready to sleep.

   8.  Avoid sleeping pills. they are effective only for a few weeks.

   9. Avoid alcohol 4-6 hours before bedtime.

  10. Other medications- watch out for over the counterdiet pills, they contain PPA, Beta blockers, and depression medications can also interfere with sleep. 

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   Sometimes depression appears at an unexpected moment. This condition is usually triggered by traumatic or negative life events. Unwelcome or unexpected change of some sort overwhelms our defenses and we spiral into a major depressive episode. But in the case of postpartum depression ( PPD), the trigger is rarely unexpected and usually welcomed. The birth of a baby follows nine months of intimate nurturing in the womb and represents a new beginning of life. However, some women find themselves struggling with postpartum depression.

   The symptoms are very similar to clinical depression. They include restlessness, anxiety and sadness. Feelings of guilt, a lack of motivation and energy, and an overwhelming sense of worthlessness are common. Symptoms can be so severe that some mothers find it difficult to care for or bond with their new baby.

   Sometimes postpartum depression is not immediately diagnosed because it has many symptoms in common with pregnancy. New mothers are typically fatigued, don’t sleep welland sufferfrom lack of enegy whether they are depressed or not. It’s important to determine whether additional symptoms of depression are present as well.

   Postpartum depression is also easily confused with what many call the “baby blues”. This is a short period of low mood that many women experience after childbirth. The differenceis that these feelings go away after a few weeks. If symptoms worsen or persist longer than a couple of weeks, a doctor should be consulted.

   Postpum depression is caused by radical changes in hormone levels. During pregnancy, levels of estrogen and progesterone are greatly increased. After childbirth (as well as miscarriage and stillbirth), these hormone levels quickly return to normal levels–often in as little as 24 hours. This rapid dropcan trigger depression. In a few cases, thyroidhormones drop after childbirth as well. Low thyroidhormone levels can also cause symptomsof depression. This can be determined with a blood test and treated with medication.

   This condition responds well to treatment. Like other types of depression, it is treated with a combination of counseling and antidepressants. If you are  breast-feeding, make sure your doctor takes this into account when prescribing. Meanwhile, make sure to get as much rest as possible, exercise a little every day and eat well. Support from friends and family will help too.

   It’s important to keep in mind that postpartum depression is not your fault. The feelings that it brings don’t make you a bad mother. But severe cases can affect your ability to give your child the best care possible. So don’t  delay seeking treatment. Get the  help you need and you will quickly return to enjoying life and enjoying your new baby.

   Bipolar disorderis technically a type of depression, but is quite different thanthe mental image you may have of typical depressive symptoms. Bipolar depression, as the name suggests, consists of two opposite behaviors that  somehow co-exist in the same person. There is treatment. It will require management throughout a person’s life, much like heart disease or diabetes.

   The key feature of bipolar disorder is severe mood swings from deep depressionto mania. The lows experienced are very similar to major depression. Depressive episodes commonly last about 14 days. A quick upward shift in mood marks the beginning of a manic episode . Along with this improvement in mood comes increased energy, decreased need for sleep and a burst of productivity. This may be accompanied by a feeling of euphoria. Sufferers of  bipolar  disorder rarely seek treatment during manic episodes.

   However, while the patient may sense productivity and energetic activity, others  view it as being dangerous and out of control. Manic episodes usually include becaming very talkative, extremely excitable and active to the point of exhaustion. There is also a tendency to engage in risky behaviors.

   Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that is remarkably difficult to diagnose. People often endure this condition for years before being properly diagnosed. Although the cause is relatedto brain chemistry, the disorder tends to run in families,indicating a genetic link. The disorder is recurrent-meaning that once a person experiences a manic episode, there’s a 90percent chance they will experience another one.

   The  primary treatment for bipolar is medication. A combination of medications seems to be the most effective treatment. Antidepressants, anti-psychotics, mood stabilizing agents and  anti-convulsants are commonly prescribed  to stop the wide mood swings that characterize this disorder. During a lifetime of treatment, it is expected that medications will need to be adjusted or changed altogether. One single prescription is unlikely to work the same way all the time. Psychotherapy is used in some cases, but is rarely effective without medication.

   If left untreated, bipolar disorder can be paticularly dangerous. From 15 to 17 percent of untreated cases end in suicide (compared to about 10 percent of untreated major depression sufferers.)

   Like most forms of depression, there is nothing that the individual sufferer did to deserve or cause bipolar disorder. There should be no stigma or embarrassment attached to having the condition. The most important thing is to seek treatment and begin managing the disorder as soon as possible.

   Teen Depression (or adolescent depression) is a surprisingly common mental health disorder. Although it mirrors the symptoms of major depressive episodes, teen depression is often less visible and may go unnoticed by parents and peers. However, it can have serious consequences, leading to negative outcomes like teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, school dropout and even suicide.

   Depression among adolescents continues to increase each year. Factors that increase the likelihood of depression include chronic or long-term illness,a history of abuse or neglect, or some sort of recent trauma (like loss of a lovedone). Teenage girls are more likely to became depressed than boys.

   Symptoms of teenage depression are very similar to those experienced by adults. Loss of interest or reduced pleasure in activities, an irritable mood, changes in appetite, unintenttional weight loss or weight gain, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much and difficulty concentrating and making decisions are all associated with teenage depression. Like adult depression,if any of these symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, you should seek medical assistance.

   A health care provider will probablybegin by ruling out any medical causes for the symptoms that have been observed. They may wish to also screen for substance abuse. Diagnosis of teenage depression would depend on the result of a thorough psychiatric screening and evaluation.

   The teen years are usually a period of signnificant change. Self-identity is changing, sexuality is emerging and many life-altering decisions are made. Adolescent  depression often exists side-by-side with other mental health issues, like eating disorders, substance abuse, disruptive behavior and anxiety. If  left untreated, adolescent depression can have tragic, irreversible consequences.

   Treatment for teen depression is not quite as clear-cut as major depression in adults. Many of  the most successful antidepressant medications for adults have not been as successful in treating teen depression. In fact, some antidepressants have been linked to increased chances of suicide in adolescents.

   One of the most promising avenues of trestment for adolescents with depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The idea behind CBT is that teen depression results from a distorted view of  reality. CBT helps teens change their view of themselves, the world, and their future.

   Low moods are very common during the teenage years. Mainaining open communication with adolescents is the best way to help them negotiate these difficult years and has the best chance of preventing a major depressive episoda.

   There are several different types of depression. Two of the most common types are major depression (also called major depressive disorder) and dysthymic disorder. Other types of depression include manic depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

   Major depression is a collection of symptoms that interferes with the ability to handle daily life. Also known as clinical depression, this is what most people think of when the subject of depression comes up. The symptoms of major depression are severe-sufferers may find it nearly impossible to even get out of bed in the morning.

   Dysthmia is a depression that lasts for two years or more, but with somewhat milder symptoms than major depression. Dysthymia is sometimes referred to as chronic depression. It does not disable to the extent that major depression does, but still prevents sufferers from functioning normally or working at their best. In addition, people with dysthymic disorder may also suffer episodes of major depression.

   Specific symptoms of dysthmic disorder include sleeo difficulties ( sleeping too much or too little), lack of energy or fagigue, a feeling of hopelessness, lowered self-esteem and difficuly making decisions or concentrating.

   Because dysthymia is milder and may only involve a few symptoms, it is much more likely to go diagnosed and untreated. The symptoms of dysthymia tend to be more enduring and are more resistent to treatment.

   Manic depression (or bipolar disorder) is characterized by cycles of mania and depression. Mania refers to periods of excitement, overactivity, delusions and extreme responses. It may include violence. Manic episodes normally last for at least week. It also includes an elevated self-esteem, less need for sleep and excessive movement. People in the midst of mania may became involved in risky, but pleasurable behavior.

   They are easily distracted and more talkative than usual. In some cases, the symptoms are so severe that hospitalization is required to pervent harm to self or to others.

   Postpartum depression (PPD) occurs among new mothers a few months after they give birth. It is more serious and intense than the normal ”Baby Blues” that occur in the first weeks after delivery. PPD is thought to be caused by hormone changes, but is more likely to occur in difficult situations ( low partner support, a colicky baby or history of depression.)

   Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is another form of depression. It is coonected to seasonal changes, usually occuring every fall or winter. The cause of SAD is not completely understood, but it seem to be related to changes in the amount of sunlight available. Lack of  sun light may affect rhythms or the balance of chemicals in the brain. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between seasonal affective disorder and depression. Light therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for some people, but others require antidepressant medications.