Depression Anxiety Sleep Disorder Treatment: Five Ways Of Dealing With The Condition
Wednesday October 07th 2009, 12:49 pm
Filed under: sleeping problems

Depression anxiety sleep disorder treatment usually involves a trip to a psychiatrist and a daily dose of sleeping pills and/or anti-anxiety medications. However, there are alternative means available to you to face this disorder without resorting much to medications. If you have the will power, patience and courage to fight depression, you can succeed using these alternative means.

Sleep disorder goes hand in hand with depression and anxiety.

It has been documented by psychiatrists that nearly all of those who are suffering from depression and anxiety have sleep disorder. The reason for this is said to be physiological in nature.

Whenever a person is depressed and anxious, his body is in what doctors call a “fight or flight” mode. This means that the body is full of epinephrine. Fight or flight response occurs naturally in a person whenever he faces a difficult situation that threatens his being. It is a natural or instinctive survival response of humans to adversities.

For instance, when there’s a fire, the body will produce epinephrine to be able to move quickly, be more alert, have heightened senses and save strength. So, if an anxious person is in a fight or flight mode, he would have difficulty sleeping. With less sleep, this also means that the hormonal imbalance will continue to disrupt the normal processes of the body.

With these, it means the best depression anxiety sleep disorder treatment is something that confronts anxiety. And thus, the alternative mode of treatment for this disorder shall focus on attacking anxiety.

1. Get vitamin E and B complex supplements.

Vitamin B complex is known to calm the nerves. This is best taken at night. But do you know that Vitamin E can also help you sleep at night? These two wonder vitamins are the best alternative to depression anxiety sleep disorder treatments and medications. They naturally help the body to relax and be ready to sleep.

2. Avoid sugar and caffeine.

Sugar and caffeine perk a person up, which is why pancakes and coffees are best taken during early mornings. However, since your anxiety has increased your levels of epinephrine, you don’t need anymore of those things that will perk you up. Avoid sugar and caffeine at all cost. As an alternative to coffee, try chamomile tea. This is caffeine free and soothes the nerves, too.

3. Learn how to meditate.

You don’t need to be a guru to learn how to meditate. Just attend a couple of yoga sessions that will teach you the basics on correct breathing and meditation techniques. Meditation will slow down your heart rate and will calm your mind. If you can, continue what you have started with yoga. It will do you good.

4. Get counseling.

Counseling is important for your speedy recovery. Even without medications you can hire the services of a therapist to help you manage your illness and give you a chance to voice out your feelings and emotions to help you deal with your anxiety and depression without fear.

A therapist can give you more recommendations as to what other alternative means of depression anxiety sleep disorder treatment is available to you. And if you are already into alternative treatment, you can ask your therapist if you are on the right track and share with him your progress.

5. Tire yourself with exercise.

Instead of spending your time thinking, tire yourself with exercise. Release that excess epinephrine through working out. Walk, run the treadmill, swim, jog — these are some of the many cardiovascular exercises that can help you release that excess energy. Do this at night, three hours before your scheduled sleeping time. This way, after a tiring exercise session, your body is ready to relax and sleep to recharge for the next day.

These are just a few of the many alternative depression anxiety sleep disorder treatments that you can choose from. If you find any of these alternative treatments to be sound and helpful for your condition, discuss with your therapist how you can incorporate them in your program towards being well.

Flor Serquina
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/depression-anxiety-sleep-disorder-treatment-five-ways-of-dealing-with-the-condition-278485.html





Teen Depression
Sunday October 04th 2009, 11:33 am
Filed under: sleeping problems

 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 loved one). Teenage girls are more likely to become 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, unintentional 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 probably begin 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 results of a thorough psychiatric screening and evaluation.

The teen years are usually a period of significant 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 treatment 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. Maintaining 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 episode.

 

 

Jan Howard
http://www.articlesbase.com/stress-management-articles/teen-depression-456999.html





How to fall asleep with an overly troubled mind, stress, and with out over the counter sleep aids.?
Sunday October 04th 2009, 4:17 am
Filed under: insomnia cure

I have a hard time falling asleep at night, because My mind is overly troubled, I have to deal with alot of stress, And Over-the-counter Sleep aids never work for me.. I don’t drink much caffeine, And I am limited on my exercise by my Asthma.. And I have Dust and cat allergies… which there is alot of both here.. Any Ideas? Please help me out!

I, too, had this problem; I work 16 hour night shifts and I had difficulties shutting off my head and leaving my work behind. I actually found an OTC sleep aid that worked and didn’t cause any problems with my asthma, residual grogginess or other side effects. It’s generic name is doxylamine succinate and it’s an antihistamine, found at Wal-Mart for only a few dollars a box. I urge you to try this before you totally give up.
Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and comfortable. Don’t read or watch tv in bed, anything you do in bed besides what’s supposed to be done can trick your brain into thinking that it needs to focus on something else than sleep at that particular time. Other than that, sit in a quiet room and read a book. It may also help if you take a warm bath, listen to music or drink a soothing, warm drink of your choice. Don’t watch tv or surf the net until you’re sleepy, it’s too consuming. Make sure that everything is done for the day and the only thing left is for you to go to bed. Read until you can barely hold your eyes open and then go to bed!
I found this to be the only thing to shut my brain off when I needed to sleep-the stress of work and the hours that I work shifted my focus from sleeping.
I hope I’ve helped and that you find relief soon, God bless.





Depression Causes and Treatment - are you Depressed
Thursday October 01st 2009, 1:29 pm
Filed under: sleeping problems

Depression is one of the most serious medical and psychological problems. It is caused by different factors from physical to emotional to intellectual and spiritual aspects of being; and it could also result to various circumstances like suicide and mental abnormalities. Depression is the feeling of being low, sad and down for a long period of time.

Causes of Depression

Teens and young professionals are the age brackets most susceptible to depression. With teenagers it is usually caused by personality and identity crises. As they search for the meaning of life and the purpose of their actions, they are sometimes caught into too many questions they all try to seek answer for at the same time. Many of these circumstances tangle especially when they encounter philosophical issues that shake their beliefs and stands.

Still other teenagers especially those victims of physical abuse and brokenness in the family suffer from depression. These situations appear to them like there are no other options and no other way out than to be with them, lock inside their rooms and encourage depression to eat them out.

To young professionals, it is usually known as the quarter life crisis depression. It is the time when they feel unaccomplished in their lives. Their nostalgia of still being in school also causes them depression. They opt to become responsible to themselves and to their families but on the other hand the idea of enjoying life with their new earned freedom keeps them from doing so. Depression to them is the feeling of discontentment to what is happening in their careers and love life.

To other people, depression is caused by a loss of love one, financial and economic incapacity, emotional stress, tiredness from work and worrying among others.

Signs and Symptoms

There are various signs and symptoms of depression and it varies from one person to another. The most common of course is the persistent feeling of sadness and anxiety, hopelessness, helplessness and unworthiness.

Other signs include the loss of interest in normal daily activities. You may seem to be doing something but are not accomplishing anything. You are thinking of doing something at a certain time but just can not get yourself started. You could also have sleeping disturbances like waking up in the middle of the night with heavy feeling, inability to sleep or too much sleeping. You may also have difficulty concentrating with your supposed work and you delve too much in thinking about your problems.

Sometimes other people are not aware that changes in weight like becoming heavier and lighter is also a sign of depression. You may have the appetite in eating but what you eat is not reflected in your body in terms of your weight and complexion. Other symptoms include easy fatigue ability, irritation and restlessness, low self esteem, pessimism and thoughts of dying.

Treatments of Depression

More than a medical condition, depression is actually more of a psychological one. Treatment for depression really goes to a therapy. Taking anti-depressant medicines are good and could give a little room for change but consulting professional psychologist or guidance counselors are better.

There are also self-motivated treatments like going back to a hobby and enjoying it until a change in the mood happens. This can clear the mind and gives an opportunity for you to think logical steps you could take to move out from depression. Moreover, unloading the difficult feelings to a friend also helps.

Results of Depression

As said, untreated depression can lead to different results. The most common is suicide. This is the result of hopelessness and pessimism and according to study, men have higher rate of suicide than women. Other results include, drug dependence, alcoholism and other mental imbalances.

In societal perspective, depression result to broken families and compromised relationships with friends and other people. Not only a cause but also a result that depressed people loss their jobs and sense of responsibility.

Dr John
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/depression-causes-and-treatment-are-you-depressed-289190.html





I have a real tough time sleeping. I sleep 3 hours. Is possible for over counter sleep aid unisom, sleepzz?
Thursday October 01st 2009, 8:19 am
Filed under: insomnia cure

Is it possible that these aids work? Help me with your experience THANKS

Melatonin 3 or 5 mg. You can get it at Walmart, KMart, any drug store or health food/vitamin store.