DEPRESSION

The diagnosis of depression can have an impact on quality of life. Today it is considered an illness based in the brain that can have genetic correlations. That is, it can be passed on through generations. It isn't unusual that if one person suffers from this illness, there may also be others that have had it down the family tree. In my family there is a long line of sufferers.

Keeping things simple here I should say that the brain communicates both electrically and chemically. If this communication is disrupted, or disturbed, depression can result. Those that have this illness describe many symptoms such as an inability to feel anything, long bouts of fear and crying, sleeplessness OR sleeping constantly, or loss of appetite. Some even mention physical difficulties such as numbness in hands and arms, headaches etc

Those that have a "bio chemically" based depression can be treated with anti depressant medications. These "meds" are not made to "numb" or "sedate" the person. They are not like addictive drugs most people think of. These medicines actually have an effect on the way the brain communicates. It usually takes 2 weeks to a month for the patient to start feeling any benefit. Consequently, you do not take an anti depressant drug on a "per need" basis. These medications need to be taken consistently for a certain length of time before they are affective.

There is also environmentally based depression. For example, the loss of a loved one, a history of being abused, and traumatic injury and loss. Lastly, sometimes depression is based on the combination of the brain and environment. I urge anyone who has this illness to seek competent medical help. REMEMBER, this is a REAL illness. It isn't always someone who is "weak and feeling sorry for themselves."

Many things can effect mood. The season, the weather (Lack of sun.), poor self esteem, poor sleep, bad eating habits etc. It really makes a difference to "take charge", and face this illness and force yourself to integrate methods of help along with medication and/or therapy. Long nature walks, exercise, gardening, positive media such as books, film and music, can all be helpful. Being around trusted friends can also be of great help. Don't forget to notice that beauty surrounds us. Even when on an emotional level we feel empty or depressed, you must take charge. When you see something beautiful say aloud to yourself that "there is beauty within that picture, painting, child's smile etc." This helps create positive energy, AND, helps in reclaiming your life. If you have a spiritual relationship, your relationship with God can be very helpful. Remember that God is patient, forgiving, and completely accepting. God gives you permission to NOT beat yourself up.

HONESTY IS THE EASIEST POLICY

When you feel depressed you need to be honest with yourself. You don't want to put on a happy smile, and pretend that everything is OK. Lying takes a lot of energy. On the other hand, you don't want to just spend hours feeling blue. A combination of the two is a good approach. You admit to yourself or a trusted friend or therapist, how you really feel. Perhaps you can also write in a journal. You want to explore this area in order to get to know yourself better. BUT, it can be counter productive to spend hours and hours recycling your issues. Find a practical approach.

It is good to declare ownership of your mood in order to get to know yourself and your pathology better. After a certain period of time however, it is time to rest. Talking to someone and exploring your depression can let some air out of the balloon, and perhaps relieve pressure. But there seems to be an invisible line you can cross. When you talk about it continually, it can stop being a cathartic release, and turn into a negative energy that can actually create more depression. Find that healthy boundary for yourself.

Many do not believe in God and that is fine. However, I think if you believe in "order", then you probably believe in God. Reasons why there is love, or God

Art, Music, Children, Pets, sugar, friends, order, science, freedom, laughter, Wine (Limited amounts), Food, tears, intuition, selfless acts, Nature, Gardens, Will, nobility, Rain, Sun, Moon, Planets, Gravity, Apollo 13 and many more. What one word reasons for the existence of God do you have?

Paul Adams has a music label w/ 9 releases. Six are his, and three by his friend David Hoffman who tours the world with Ray Charles. Paul also builds instruments,Writes, and works in the mental health field.

His web site is Here

David's Website is Here