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DEPRESSION
Description
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. It presents with persistent lowering of mood, despondent loss of interest in usual activities, lowered self esteem and a feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness and guilt. Globally depression has a high social and economic cost
Statistical studies
show the following:
One in four women and one in 10
men develop depression during their lifetime. Globally, depression affects people of all social classes or cultural settings, and is among the leading cause of disability. Statistically most who suffer from depression can be effectively treated, or have their symptoms greatly abated.
Types and Symptoms
There are a number of types of depression
including the following: major depressive
disorder, bipolar depressive disorder,
psychotic depressive disorder, dysthymia
(chief feature is lack of enjoyment or
pleasure) postpartum depression, and
seasonal affective disorder, among others.
Symptoms include:
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Significant weight
loss or weight gain due to change in
appetite
•
Feeling helpless and
hopeless and worthless.
•
Changes in sleep
pattern – either inability to sleep or
oversleeping
•
Feeling of fatigue
and loss of energy
•
Memory lapses, poor
concentration and focus
•
Overwhelming feeling
of despair and sadness
•
Physical symptoms
that tend to worsen such as headaches,
stomachaches, and intestinal upset.
•
Suicidal ideations
(at this stage immediate medical attention
must be sought)
Questions to ask the
expert
•
How many years
experience have you had treating this
disorder
•
Which type of depression do you specialize in
•
What is your
success rate
•
Certificates and
Licenses
•
References
General Tips
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Set a realistic schedule of your activities
of daily living since depression saps your
motivation to function.
•
Do not make significant decisions until you
have controlled your depression
•
Since stress aggravates depression, it is
important to follow a stress management
program (cross reference to GTTE stress)
•
Exercise regularly – aerobic exercise boosts
self confidence and improves emotional
health.(cross reference to GTTE aerobic
exercise)
•
Eat a well balance diet which includes omega
3 rich fish.
•
Check the side effects of the medications
you take – many over the counter medications
as well as prescription drugs have side
effects that contribute to depression. It is
advisable to eliminate medications such as
antihistamines, narcotics, sleeping aids,
and tranquilizers that exacerbate
depression.
•
Do not consume alcohol or caffeine.
•
Go to the expert to explore treatment
options such as cognitive behavioral therapy
or grief therapy
List of Products &
Services
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St. John's Wort Herbal Tea - 20 Tea Bags
They tonify the nervous system, ease anxiety and depression, support the immune system and help maintain normal functions of the stomach, kidney, liver and heart, thus ideal for general well-being and vitality.
•
SAMe, Nervous System Support, 400 mg - 30
tabs, Now Foods
Now Foods, SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine),a compound native to the body,is a critical component of many biochemical reactions, including those that affect brain biochemistry and joint health. Numerous studies indicated that SAMe can help to temporarily alleviate aches and pains resulting from overecertion or stress.
•
Super Fisol 70% EPA / DHA - Fish Oil
Supplement Nature's Way - 90 Enteric Coated
Softgells
Scientific research confirms the important role of Omega-3 essential fatty acids in maintaining healthy blood triglyceride levels, as well as supporting the heart, skin and joints. Fish Oil contains an abundance of two-key Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA. It is well documented that cultures with a diet rich in fish oil have healthier cardiovascular systems.
•
Folic Acid (Vitamin B 9) 100% Natural,
Nature's Way 800mcg - 100 Caps
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Vitamin B6 / Pyridoxine, 100mg - 100 Caps
Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is converted in the body to the main coenzyme responsible for amino acid and protein metabolism. The central nervous system also relies heavily on pyridoxine to assist in the production of serotonin, a critical neurotransmitter.
Books and
Publications
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The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression: A Step-by-step
Program (Workbook)
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The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness
(purchase includes audio CD narrated by Jon Kabat-Zinn) (Paperback)
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What To Do When Someone You Love Is Depressed : A Practical, Compassionate, and
Helpful Guide (Paperback)
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GOOD NEWS ABOUT SAD VIEWS tm - DEPRESSION WORK TAPE
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DEPRESSION, What You Must Know
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