Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Anxiety And Depression-Stress and Depression Connected

This article shows the reader how stress and depression connected in everyone...

Stressful Life and Depression
by: Aldwin Pet


Baby boomers want it all. They have seen success, for the most part, but at what cost? In the United States and around the world, depression is the most common disability. It is often found in baby boomers. It is unfortunate that it is often mis-diagnosed and not treated.

Why is it that boomers have a better chance of having major depression? The answer is that in the daily quest for success and wealth, as well as in the effort of raising healthy children, a stressful situation can be created. Baby boomers show higher rates of depression than do previous generations. Studies show that stress is a major reason for this.

Although baby boomers often feel that chronic fatigue is simply a fact of life, if it is left untreated it may lead not only to depression, but also to potential thyroid disease or sleep apnea. Excessive fatigue should not be seen as normal and thus shouldn't be left untreated.

Women are more likely to be depressed than men. Females have cyclical and hormonal changes that often add to the depression. Menopause, perimenopause, and PMS all contribute to depression. The hormonal changes after childbirth can also lead to a major depressive episode.

It's a shame that depression is frequently misdiagnosed and not treated. Research shows that in may suicide cases involving adults, these people have visited their doctor shortly beforehand. In fact, as many as 20 percent had been to their doctor the same day, double this number within a week, and as much as 70 percent had seen their doctor in the last month.

So where does one go for help? First of all, to your primary care doctor. Hypertension and depression are the two biggest reasons for medical visits. That said, you must be honest about your problem. Otherwise, your doctor cannot be blamed for a bad diagnosis. You should make sure your doctor understands the extent and severity of your depression. You are not the only one with this problem, remember. There is little social stigma anymore over depression and most mental illnesses. If you're asked whether you've had suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of harming others, make sure to be up-front about it. That will be the first step of the treatment and might save your life.

Most doctors make use of medications that will raise serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These neurotransmitters help nerve cells communicate within the brain. One common medication used to treat depression is Prozac, a drug that does not have as many side-effects as its predecessors. Remember that some medications will not work for some people, while others will. Keep trying until you find the right one.

There are times when medication is insufficient to get someone out of a bout of depression. In those cases, the doctor often will recommend psychotherapy to get at the root causes of the problem. Many boomers will cringe at the thought of trying to fit in yet another thing every week. They feel like relying solely on their medication to help them. But for a majority of people, this kind of stressful, busy lifestyle exacerbated the depression from the start.

Don’t underestimate the benefits of therapy. You can learn relaxation and breathing techniques, and your therapist can help you organize your life. They can also help you look at the specific reasons for your depression. It's typical to see improvement between six and eight weeks after therapy begins. It might take longer than this for childhood trauma survivors.

Depression can be a lonely illness, and people affected by it often suffer silently. You have the option to treat it. First recognize the problem and get help. Depression can cause many problems, and even ruin your personal and family life. Learn all you can about it, and get a good therapist to help you get your life back on track. Some people have been depressed for years without knowing it. A good therapist can help figure out at what point the depression began.

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About The Author
Aldwin Pet owns http://tedsworld.org and http://golfidea.org.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Anxiety Disorders-Do You Suffer from Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety Disorders affect about 40 million American adults age 18 years and older (about 18%) in a given year, causing them to be filled with fearfulness and uncertainty. Unlike the relatively mild, brief anxiety caused by a stressful event (such as speaking in public or a first date), anxiety disorders last at least 6 months and can get worse if they are not treated. Anxiety disorders commonly occur along with other mental or physical illnesses, including alcohol or substance abuse, which may mask anxiety symptoms or make them worse. In some cases, these other illnesses need to be treated before a person will respond to treatment for the anxiety disorder.

Effective therapies for anxiety disorders are available, and research is uncovering new treatments that can help most people with anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives. If you think you have an anxiety disorder, you should seek information and treatment right away.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Anxiety Disorders Cure-Natural Cures for Anxiety

Different Herbs for Anxiety Treatment
by: Greg Frost

Anxiety disorders are a common problem, affecting approximately 20 million adults and children in America. Anxiety is a common emotion consisting of uncertainty and worry faced by many, whilst anxiety disorders are when such fears are experienced irrationally. There are many treatments available, ranging from medication to therapy and alternative treatments. One treatment is through using natural herbal supplements.

Natural herbs are less costly than medication, and consist of herbs, vitamins and botanicals. They can be taken individually, or with other supplements, but it is best to first consult your doctor before deciding on natural herbs as a treatment for anxiety disorders. They also have the advantage of having no side effects, as compared to medications which can result in side effects such as nausea. Below are some common herbs used in anxiety disorders treatment.

1. Passion Flower

This is a natural plant that is used to treat anxiety, amongst other ailments. Its has unique calming properties, and can also reduce body tremors from fear. It promotes better sleep, and can act as a painkiller. It also contains anti depressants, and is used for high blood pressure and epilepsy.

2. Lavender

This is a more popular alternative than the passion flower, and is also known for its calming properties. It is also one of the more effective treatments for panic attacks, and is a tonic for the nervous system.

3. Lemon Balm

This is used to calm the digestive and nervous system, and also reduces blood pressure. It is uncertain if used alone, lemon balm is effective for treating anxiety attacks. It is usually taken with Valerian, Chamomile or Passion flower.

4. Kava

It is an effective tranquilizer, and whilst it is not an addictive substance, research suggests that it may be linked to liver problems.

5. Valerian

This is another natural plant used for treating anxiety. It also promotes better sleep, allowing for the body to rest and recuperate.

6. Chamomile

Chamomile flower leaves are used to make tea, and is a natural alternative for treating anxiety. It also reduces fever, encourages sleep and enhances the body’s metabolism.

7. Dandelion

The roots and leaves are used to treat the body’s internal systems, and through it, provide relief for some of the symptoms of anxiety. It is commonly used in salads and tea, and can also be used as a substitute for coffee.

There are many natural treatments available, and herbs have been used for treating illnesses for centuries. However, do keep in mind that it is not a quick fix, and can only alleviate the symptoms of anxiety attacks. It is advisable to seek out behavioral or cognitive therapy so as to eliminate the root of the problem causing anxiety attacks.


About The Author
Greg Frost is an authority figure in the Anxiety Treatment field and director of http://www.AttackAnxiety.org, a company that provides a variety of Anxiety Attacks information to assist people in treatment.