How to Beat the "Black Dog" of Depression and Have Better Sleep
by: Wendy Owen
Almost 10% of the US population suffer from depression at any one time. Similar statistics would be expected from other developed countries.
Depression can affect our sleep in many ways. Some of us sleep longer and others find themselves waking up in the early hours of the morning, unable to go back to sleep.
Insomnia can be one of the many symptoms of depression, so it?s best to treat the depression itself and usually the sleep problems will resolve themselves.
Depression can affect not only the sufferer but also family and friends who are often at a loss as to how they can help. We should let them and not try to shoulder the burden ourselves.
We have to be careful whom we chose to confide in though as some people still have the mistaken belief that depression is a "malingerers" complaint. The last thing we need when depressed is someone telling us to, "Snap out of it" or "Pull yourself together"!
Depression is a clinical complaint and a genuine illness. Symptoms of depression can include fatigue, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, irritability and even physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive upsets.
Depression can be severe (major depression) which can completely disable the sufferer, or moderate (dysthymia) in which sufferers can function from day to day but never really feel content or happy.
Then there is bipolar disorder which is less common. Those afflicted with bipolar disorder can swing from a high (manic) state to a low (depressed) state seemingly without cause.
What causes depression? It could be several things. Depression may run in the family, or start after a chronic illness. It can also be caused by hormonal imbalance which is why so many women fall victim. A person's thinking pattern may be prone to depression, for example those with poor self esteem.
"Cures" for depression are many and some more effective than others. There is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) while sounding like something from the torture chambers of the inquisition, is an effective aid for severe depression.
Prescribed medications like lithium can be effective but can also have side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, constipation and more?
Herbal remedies are a viable option and have many less side effects while being remarkably effective and cheaper. Recommended are St John's Wort and Passiflora.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet are also important. Make sure there are plenty of B vitamins in the food you eat or take a supplement. Include foods which help raise serotonin levels (Oats, milk turkey and pasta) This will have a beneficial effect on your sleep too.
Cognitive or behavioural therapy can greatly assist by changing behaviour and thought patterns that may have led to the illness.
To summarise -
Share your problems with a trusted friend or paid counsellor, watch your diet, exercise regularly, take appropriate medication or enrol in behavioural therapy. Help yourself defeat the "black dog" of depression.
Copyright 2006 Wendy Owen
About The Author
Wendy Owen is a health researcher and author. Want to know how to cure insomnia and achieve healthy sleep? Visit http://www.insomnia-connection.com your resource for good sleep advice and articles. Sign on for our newsletter and receive 2 books absolutely free!
|
Depression - Finding The "Write" Solution!
Depression - Finding The "Write" Solution!
by: Dr. Isaac Schumann
Most of us feel depressed or "down" at sometime in our lives but, fortunately, it`s usually short lived. Some people, however, are unable to shake off their feeling of depression and are diagnosed as "Clinically Depressed". Many types of pills and drugs are prescribed but they often lead to addiction in addition to depression, thus creating a never ending downward spiral. Thousands, and possibly millions, of patients are convinced they`ll never recover which only adds to their sense of low-self esteem. Today, people suffering from depression seek alternative remedies such as acupuncture and various therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most popular as it encourages people to view their problems from a different perspective. It is one of the most successful therapies but not always available on a continuos basis which is essential if the patient is to benefit. People...
Depression - Finding The "Write" Solution!
Depression > Depression - Finding The "Write" Solution!
Addiction to Spirituality
Addiction to Spirituality
by: Margaret Paul, Ph.D.
Lian had been meditating for many years before consulting with me for his depression. He had been part of a spiritual community that encouraged their members to turn to God through prayer and meditation whenever they were feeling any difficult or painful feelings such as anger, hurt, anxiety, or depression. He had been taught that Spirit would transmute his feelings for him and bring him the peace he sought.
Yet Lian was depressed. ?I have faithfully practiced what I?ve had been taught, so why am I still depressed? What am I doing wrong??
Lian was suffering from what is called ?spiritual bypass.?
Spiritual bypass occurs when people use their spiritual practice as a way to avoid dealing with and taking responsibility for their feelings. Anything that is used to avoid feeling and taking responsibility for feelings becomes an addiction ? whether it is alcohol, drugs, food, TV, work...
Addiction to Spirituality
Depression > Addiction to Spirituality
Overcoming Depression Through Faith
Overcoming Depression Through Faith
by: Foras Aje
Let?s face it, we all get depressed at times, it is only being human. However, as with all things, when it becomes excessive, depression, characterized by erratic mood swings, loss of interest in hobbies and a generally sad demeanor is very detrimental to our overall health.
As damaging as it is to our general well being, it is quite alarming that most of us do suffer from this ailment and it is even more frightening that many people have been diagnosed as being clinically depressed. Is there hope? Most of us might ask.
Yes, there is.
It is summed up in one word; Faith.
And what is Faith?
Well, According to Heb 11. 1; "It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen", in lay man's terms, it is believing in what you can't necessarily see, feel or touch but knowing that it is there and will be beneficial for you.
Take for example; remember...
Overcoming Depression Through Faith
Depression > Overcoming Depression Through Faith
Depression In Recovery
Depression In Recovery
by: James Sterling
I've suffered from depression for years in and out of recovery, I didn't know what it was though. I just thought I was some kind of loser who would never get things right, I didn't know I was a human being and would never get everything right.
I read an article in an A.A. grapevine once where Bill Wilson said he was in a depression for 15 years, I think it was the first 15 years of his sobriety, I can't remember but I'm sure that's what it was.
Depression is a fact of life for a lot of us addicts/alcoholics, mine comes and goes, this time I've been in one for a couple years. I've learned to live with it though and I trudge on in life almost never satisfied with where I'm at but getting better none the less.
I've thought about going on medication for it and I might eventually go that route, I don't know at this point. I see some people in early recovery go that route and I think it's a huge...
Depression In Recovery
Depression > Depression In Recovery
Fighting Depression by Restoring Your Routines
Fighting Depression by Restoring Your Routines
by: Allan Cowley
When we have depression, one of the things we drop from our lives is a routine. Most humans need routine as it adds structure to our lives. During bouts of depression we find it hard to go about our daily lives with a sense of purpose and direction. Restoring your routines will help to counteract this problem.
Even the simplest things can appear to be beyond us and therefore get put aside. When this happens, we are in fact, only moving further away from a "normal" life.
To reclaim a normal life, return to doing normal things.
A major effect of depression is a feeling of losing control over ones life. We start to feel that everything is happening "to us" rather than through the choices we are able to make. By reinstating your routines you can begin to regain more control.
Start by writing a list of the day-to-day activities that you may no longer participate in...
Fighting Depression by Restoring Your Routines
Depression > Fighting Depression by Restoring Your Routines
Depression - Finding The "Write" Solution!
Depression - Finding The "Write" Solution!
by: Dr. Isaac Schumann
Most of us feel depressed or "down" at sometime in our lives but, fortunately, it`s usually short lived. Some people, however, are unable to shake off their feeling of depression and are diagnosed as "Clinically Depressed". Many types of pills and drugs are prescribed but they often lead to addiction in addition to depression, thus creating a never ending downward spiral. Thousands, and possibly millions, of patients are convinced they`ll never recover which only adds to their sense of low-self esteem. Today, people suffering from depression seek alternative remedies such as acupuncture and various therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most popular as it encourages people to view their problems from a different perspective. It is one of the most successful therapies but not always available on a continuos basis which is essential if the patient is to benefit. People...
Depression - Finding The "Write" Solution!
Depression > Depression - Finding The "Write" Solution!