Bipolar Disorder and Sleep
Wednesday November 25th 2009, 9:30 pm
Filed under: sleeping problems

Excerpt
The following is an excerpt from the book Bipolar II
by Ronald R. Fieve, M.D.
Published by Rodale; October 2006;$22.95US/$29.95CAN; 1-59486-224-9
Copyright © 2006 Ronald R. Fieve, M.D.

Bipolar Disorder and Sleep

“How many hours do you sleep on average at night, and what is the quality of your sleep?” are two of the first questions I ask every patient on the initial interview and all subsequent follow-up visits. While the hypomanic usually gloats over how little sleep he needs, getting by on 3 to 4 hours a night, the lack of quality sleep can wreak havoc on his mood and decision-making abilities. Sleep deprivation results in feelings of malaise, poor concentration, and moodiness, and even accidental deaths.

In a revealing sleep study published in the September 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, Judith Owens, MD, and her team of researchers from Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, followed 34 pediatric residents from Brown University over the course of 2 years to compare post-call performance to performance after drinking alcohol. During this time, the residents were tested under light call (1 month of daytime duty with no overnight shift, or about 44 hours of work per week) and heavy call (overnight duty every fourth night with an average of 90 hours of work a week). The residents performed computer tasks to gauge their attention and judgment after their light call (after consuming alcohol) and heavy call shifts (with placebo). The residents who were on heavy call and had not ingested alcohol performed worse on the computer tests than those doctors who had taken alcohol and were on light call. Dr. Owens concluded that the residents were so sleep-deprived that they didn’t recognize that their own judgment was impaired.

Drugs, stressful situations, and even excessive noise can affect daily body rhythms and moods. Once a Bipolar II mood disorder with disturbed rhythms has begun, it tends to be self-perpetuating, since depression and anxiety are likely to disrupt 24-hour rhythms further. An irregular living schedule can aggravate mood disorders. The old-fashioned sanitarium rest cure was effective with the “nervous” because it put the patient on a regular schedule of sleep, activity, and meals.

Insomnia

How is your sleep? Do you have difficulty falling asleep? Or do you toss and turn most of the night until you fall into a deep sleep just hours before the alarm goes off? A person suffering from insomnia has difficulty initiating or maintaining normal sleep, which can result in non-restorative sleep and impairment of daytime functioning. Insomnia includes sleeping too little, difficulty falling asleep, awakening frequently during the night, or waking up early and being unable to get back to sleep. It is characteristic of many mental and physical disorders. Those with depression, for example, may experience overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt, all of which can interrupt sleep. Hypomanics, on the other hand, can be so aroused that getting quality sleep is virtually impossible without medication. In a study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, Allison G. Harvey, PhD, and colleagues in the department of experimental psychology determined that even between acute episodes of bipolar disorder, sleep problems were still documented in 70 percent of those who were experiencing a normal (euthymic) mood at the time. These normal-mood patients with bipolar disorder expressed dysfunctional beliefs and behaviors regarding sleep that were similar to those suffering from insomnia, such as high levels of anxiety, fear about poor sleep, low daytime activity level, and a tendency to misperceive sleep. Dr. Harvey concluded that even when the bipolar patients were not in a depressive, hypomanic, or manic mood state, they still had difficulty maintaining good sleep.

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome

This is the most common circadian-rhythm sleep disorder that results in insomnia and daytime sleepiness, or somnolence. A short circuit between a person’s biological clock and the 24-hour day causes this sleep disorder. It is commonly found in those with mild or major depression. In addition, certain medications used to treat bipolar disorder may disrupt the sleep-wake cycle. I often recommend chronotherapy to patients. This therapy — an attempt to move bedtime and rising time later and later each day until both times reach the desired goal — is often used to adjust delayed sleep phase syndrome. To adjust the delayed sleep phase problem, sleep specialists might also use bright light therapy or the natural hormone melatonin, particularly in depressed patients.

REM Sleep Abnormalities

REM sleep abnormalities have been implicated by doctors in a variety of psychiatric disorders, including depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, some forms of schizophrenia, and other disorders in which psychosis occurs. Special tests, called sleep electroencephalograms, record the electrical activity of the brain and the quality of sleep. From these tests, we know that in people who are depressed, NREM sleep is reduced and REM sleep is increased. Most antidepressant medications suppress REM sleep, leading some researchers to believe that REM sleep deprivation relates to an improvement in depressive symptoms. Yet Wellbutrin XL, a common antidepressant, and some older medications used to treat depression do not suppress REM sleep. Researchers are therefore still trying to determine the connection between the REM sleep mechanism and depression.

Irregular Sleep-Wake Schedule

This sleep disorder is yet another problem that many with Bipolar II experience and in large part results from a lack of lifestyle scheduling. The reverse sleep-wake cycle is usually experienced by bipolar drug abusers and/or alcoholics who stay awake all night searching for similar addicts and engaging in drug-seeking behavior, which results in sleeping the next day. This sleep disruption and irregularity make it much more difficult for the bipolar patient’s physician to treat him or her with conventional medications and adjunctive cognitive therapy. In most cases, the patient needs to acknowledge the drug-seeking behavior and get involved in a recovery program such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, or other group. Talk therapy with a psychologist is beneficial to many patients as they seek to change destructive lifestyle habits and learn new behaviors that will help them adhere to a more normal sleep-wake schedule.

Reprinted from: Bipolar II: Enhance Your Highs, Boost Your Creativity, and Escape the Cycles of Recurrent Depression — The Essential Guide to Recognize and Treat the Mood Swings of This Increasingly Common Disorder by Ronald R. Fieve, M.D. © 2006 Ronald R. Fieve, M.D. Permission granted by Rodale, Inc., Emmaus, PA 18098. Available wherever books are sold or directly from the publisher by calling at (800) 848-4735.

Author
Ronald R. Fieve, MD, has published more than 300 scientific papers in the field of bipolar and depression research. His work has been published in such prestigious publications as The Lancet, Nature, The American Journal of Psychiatry, Archives of General Psychiatry, The Journal of the American Medical Association, L’Encephale, and Lithium. Dr. Fieve has also written two widely acclaimed books on mental health, Moodswing and Prozac (translated into five languages). He is professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and principal investigator, Fieve Clinical Services, Inc. He maintains a private practice in New York City.

Ronald R. Fieve, Md
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/bipolar-disorder-and-sleep-63714.html





Over the counter sleep aids?? PLEASE!?
Tuesday November 24th 2009, 11:11 pm
Filed under: insomnia cure

looking for something , i can go to to the local pharmacy , & get over the counter no hassle, something that will knock me out@ night time, cause I seriously cannot fall asleep, & I can’t take it, please don’t tell me to go to doctors & anything to that extent, cause I already have plenty of times, I just want something that will put me out @ night so I can sleep the whole nite no troubles ??

It is so frustrating to not be able to get the healing sleep your body needs, but do you want something that knocks you out or do you want something that works naturally with your body instead of against it? If you want the former then I can’t help you, but if you want the latter you can go to your local pharmacy and buy something called Melatonin. It generally comes in 3mg and 5mg doses. You should take 3mg to 6mg to start, then an additional 3mg to 5mg per hour until sleep is achieved. A study has been done where 500mg was taken daily for five years with no adverse side effects, and while I do not recommend taking this amount, you should be fine if you need to go up to 50mg or so.
In addition to Melatonin, you can drink Chamomile tea. Your local grocery store should carry Celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time Tea, or Sleepy Time Extra. You can safely drink this in addition to the Melatonin with good results. Sweeten with local honey and lemon to taste, and *no* table sugar.
As with any medication, you need to exercise caution when using these products. Do not drive, operate machinery, or make potentially life-altering decisions until you know how your body will be affected.
You also need to make sure you are eating good, whole foods, fresh veggies, and reduce your fat intake. Get good exercise daily. Find natural ways to relieve your stress, and when you want to sleep, do so in a dark room rather than falling asleep with the t.v. or other light source on.
If the sleeplessness is temporary, these changes should do the trick. If it lasts more than two weeks then you probably need to see a holistic doctor for further diagnosis.
You can also go to www.naturalnews.com and search insomnia. You will find a wealth of reliable information there.
Good luck and sweet dreams.





Snoring Cure – Therapy Through Herbal Solutions
Sunday November 22nd 2009, 9:56 am
Filed under: sleeping problems

 

If your partner or spouse has snoring problems, a snoring cure should be applied before this can complicate matters in your relationship. Constantly waking up at night due to the noise can be unhealthy and can deprive you of good rest. In the long run, it can hurt your marriage or relationship.

If your spouse is a snorer, consider sleeping ahead of him. Or else, you will end up listening to his snores as you twist and turn in bed having difficulty catching a good sleep. For some, even if they sleep earlier than their spouse, it remains useless as the heavy snores will wake them up in the middle of an otherwise peaceful sleep.

If this happens daily among many couples, it can signal a broken relationship. However, there are ways to remedy snoring problems. These depend on how severe the snores are. There are several remedies that are readily available over-the-counter. Although not all were proven to work, some may actually show to be effective. Most of these solutions are not expensive and they effectiveness is based upon tendency to open nasal passageways for normal breathing during a sleep, reducing congestion and lubricating throat, tongue and uvula. For those who want a natural snoring cure, herbal remedies are an option.

Snore M.D. is one among many other herbal remedies. Its formula consists of natural enzymes and herbs proven by researches to treat snoring symptoms. This is an all-natural product that has a high safety profile and does not have unpleasant side effects.

Various herbal snoring cures are available in the market and online. Here are some of them;

1. Goodnight Stop Snore Spray

This is made up of a mixture of 4 natural oils and vitamins E, C and B 6. Its effectiveness is proven many times and a lot of people are recommending it to individuals who are encountering problems about snoring.

2. Snoreless

This is a popular brand for snoring cure. It is made up of almond oil, olive oil, sunflower oil and eucalyptus oil. Other components are vitamins B 6, C and E.

3. Snore Calm Herbal Spray

Its active ingredient, Euphrasia prevents the palate from vibrating and creating sounds. It is also used for treatment of certain eye problems. Therefore, using it would be like catching 2 birds with just one stone.

4. Herb China 2000

This company specializes in providing combination of frequently used herbs for specific health condition. Every order includes detail description of each ingredient mixed for suggested recipe and preparation instruction.

Herbal remedies may prove to be promising treatments for snoring problems. Although not all people may respond to them, such snoring cure may create significant improvement to some extent.

 

Diana Mortenson
http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/snoring-cure-therapy-through-herbal-solutions-746397.html





Learn About Both Anxiety and Depression
Thursday November 19th 2009, 2:40 am
Filed under: sleeping problems

Anxiety and depression are familiar conditions to us, but are also among the most serious illnesses in the world.

There are times when we feel anxious and moody. So what? We all go through the same things from time to time, don’t we? Anxiety and depression are normal part of life. Who has not studied for an exam without having test anxiety, and then scored much higher for it? Anxiety can keep us alert. Depression, on the other hand, can slow us down, giving us time to reflect and recollect ourselves. In other words, anxiety and depression express moods that are familiar to everybody.

But, when anxiety and depression seem to come from nowhere, last for weeks without relief, and get in the way of everyday activities, then we are not talking ordinary moods anymore; they are now illnesses. Anxiety and depressions are one of the most common mental illnesses in the world today.

People with anxiety disorder may have several physical symptoms, like trembling, sweating, muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, palpitation, dry mouth, cold and clammy hands. Emotionally, they are apprehensive, irritable; they have the feeling of impending doom, and they are self-conscious- feeling like being watched and criticized, etc. Obviously, people with anxiety disorder are often left immobilized. Anxiety keeps them house-bound, away from people, not able to do normal and simple for fear of this or that. People experiencing anxiety symptoms should know that it is a common disorder and is very curable. The anxiety symptoms that you may experience include:

Palpitations

Increased sweating

Shaking

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Nausea or stomach discomfort

Feeling of light-headedness

A feeling of unreality

Feeling of being detached from oneself

Fear of losing control or going crazy

Fear of dying

Feeling of impending doom

Depression, on the other hand, is a serious medical condition that affects the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, one’s self concept, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as passing blue mood. It is not an indication of personal weakness or a state that can be willed or wished away. A person with depressive disorder usually can’t pull themselves together and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks to years. The treatment involves medications and/or temporary psychotherapy, which can be more helpful with depression sufferer. The symptoms of depressions may include:

Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood

Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

Guilty feelings, worthlessness, helplessness

Decreased energy, fatigue

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

Appetite and/or weight changes

Trouble sleeping or oversleeping, early morning awakening

Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Restlessness and irritability

Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain that does not respond to routine treatment.

Anxiety and depression are two different conditions, but they are the same in the sense of the intensity of how serious these conditions can be. They are among the most common and most treatable mental illnesses in the world.

Jocelyn Snider
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/learn-about-both-anxiety-and-depression-752298.html





Improve your Memory and Mental Aquity
Friday November 13th 2009, 2:45 pm
Filed under: sleeping problems

TRENDS: POOR NUTRITION AND HIGH STRESS = POOR MEMORY

Today, memory decline and mental insufficiency has become a standard complaint with all age groups. Parents are concerned and frustrated wondering how to help their childrenâ??s noticeable brain fatigue. Poor retention goes beyond lack of sleep or boredom.

The majority of difficulty lies with our short term memory, whereas the long term memory tends to remain stable.

Maintaining brainpower is largely due to quality nutrition and managing stress levels throughout ones life. Whether the effects are sudden as seen following a stroke or associated with a gradual erosion of ones mental capabilities, dietary supplementation has shown to lessen deterioration while proving extremely beneficial. A malnourished, overworked brain will eventually become fatigued and short out.

â??PICKING UPâ? DEFICIENCIES IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION

Nutritional deficiencies have been identified as a possible factor with many patients from adolescentâ??s selective memory to Alzheimerâ??s disease. The symptoms of poor brain function are improved through diet alterations, extra nutrients and other remedies. Abnormally low levels of folic acid, B12 and zinc have been recognized as a contributing factor. A diet rich in antioxidants is best; for instance garlic, blueberries, fruits, vegetables, variety of fresh greens, green tea, nutritional flaked yeast, nuts, seeds and raw food whenever possible.

KEY NUTRIENTS FOR A SHARP MIND

Omega 3 fatty acids (EFAâ??s) are important for maintaining a sharp, clear mind. These essential fats are often low in the North American diet. Good sources include krill, sea vegetables, seeds, eggs, whole grains, fish oils, flax seed oil, evening primrose and borage oil.

Lecithin is a multipurpose supplement; a rich source of choline which is necessary for brain functions and has the ability to transport fat out of the body. Lecithin will retain its effectiveness when heated or may be consumed as a supplement. This soy based product is available in some grocery or health food stores in fresh granules, liquid or capsules.

MEDICINAL HERBAL TRENDS OUT OF EUROPE

Herbs that feed the Brain

The following suggestions and recipes will boost brainpower and improve memory.

Many pharmaceuticals have originated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs. Huperzine A, for example is derived from the herb Huperzia serrata, is used to treat senile dementia.

Ginkgo biloba extract or GBE is the most frequently used phytomedicine in Europe. Germany has approved GBE for the treatment of dementia related memory deficits, concentration problems and depression; and for vertigo, tinnitus and compromised blood flow. Ginkgo has unique flavonoids with chemical properties similar to vitamin P, which are found nowhere else in nature. The whole leaf extract has many active components shown to have pharmacological actions including free radical destruction, reduction of lipids and reduced blood platelet aggregation.

Daily dosage: 120mg to 240mg. * Gingko can affect blood clotting if blood thinners such as Coumadin or warfarin are also used.

STUDIES VALIDATE THE BENEFITS OF GINSENG

Long valued in Asia as an adaptogenic herb, Ginseng has become one of the top three herbal products in the United States. All varieties of ginseng are recognized as brain rejuvenators and enhancers. Thousands of studies have been done with beneficial effects on fatigue, weakness, exhaustion, loss of concentration, neurological disorders, impotence and immune boosting.

Dosage: 200 to 600 milligrams of extract or 0.5 to 2 grams of dry ginseng root daily.

OTHER KEY HERBS OF EASTERN TRADITIONS

In Ayurvedic medicine, the herb Gotu kola is one of the most regarded herbs for brain function. In China, gotu kola is used extensively to aid the brain in coping with huge amounts of stress, intense mental activity and for memory.

Dosage: 3 capsules twice a day or ½ to 1 teaspoon of tincture/extract two times a day.

Ashwagandha has a reputation for enhancing the thyroid. In addition, this herb has key amino acids that boost the brain, while calming the nervous system, clearing the mind and inducing deep sleep. Dosage: 450mg to 900mg daily.

RECIPES: BRAIN BALLS AND SEASONING SPRINKLE = BRAIN POWER

Rosemary Gladstarâ??s herbal brainpower recipes are an excellent supplement for younger and older generations alike. (Director of Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Centre and author of the best seller Herbal Healing for Women)

Brain Balls

A delicious treat that you will remember to take each day.

â?¢ Tahini or other nut butter

â?¢ Honey

â?¢ 2 parts powdered ginkgo

â?¢ 1 part powdered gotu kola

â?¢ 1 part powdered Siberian ginseng

� ½ part powdered lyceum berries

� ¼ part powdered rosemary

â?¢ Carob or chocolate chips (optional)

â?¢ Coconut (optional)

â?¢ Lycium berries or raisins (optional)

â?¢ Carob powder

1. Mix together equal parts of tahini and honey, or mix to taste.

2. Combine the powdered herbs. Add enough of them to the tahini-honey mixture to make a thick batter or paste.

3. Mix in whatever goodies you prefer â?? carob or chocolate chips, coconut, lycium berries, or slivered almonds.

4. Add enough carob powder to thicken into a dough. Roll into small balls. Store in the refrigerator, where they will keep for 2 or 3 months. Eat one ball a day.

Brainpower Seasoning Sprinkle

Use this seasoning sprinkle on salads, popcorn, in soups, and in any main course dish.

â?¢ 3 parts sesame seeds

â?¢ 4 parts nutritional yeast

â?¢ 2 parts kelp

â?¢ 1 part powdered ginkgo

â?¢ 1 part powdered gotu kola

â?¢ 1 part lecithin granules

â?¢ 1 part spirulina (algae)

� ¼ part powdered rosemary

â?¢ Kitchen herbs of choice, powdered (I like to use thyme and garlic)

1. Toast the sesame seeds in a heavy skillet, then grind them in a seed or nut mill.

2. Combine the sesame seeds with the remaining ingredients, adding kitchen herbs of choice to taste.

=== IN CONCLUSION ===

Healthy eating as well as good sleeping habits and regular exercise, help give the body the best possible chance to heal itself. Prolonged stress and strain from being overburdened will cause physical fatigue of the brain. Just as specific nutrients support our memory process so to will a calm relaxing environment. Clearing the mind through enjoyable activities and hobbies lowers stress while improving mental acuity. To maintain internal balance and physic health, rest the mind and body with calming techniques such as yoga, meditation, walking outdoors â?? anything which promotes peace.

Michelle Honda Phd
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/improve-your-memory-and-mental-aquity-248041.html





Are over the counter sleeping pills contributing to my stomach sickness?
Thursday November 12th 2009, 10:52 pm
Filed under: insomnia cure

Is it bad to take over the counter sleep aids every night like Simply sleep, advil pm, or benadryl? I have been taking them nightly and my stomach has been sick for the past 3 weeks since I’ve been taking them. Do you really think these sleep aides could contribute to sickness? Is it bad to take them nightly?

most probably yes, your stomach may became irritated. However, being an OTC drug doesn’t mean you can take it for a long time.
You should be aware of being dependent on these sleeping pills.

"….Is it bad to take them nightly?"
They should be taken at bedtime





These are the Functional and Practical Aspects Associated With Pillow
Monday November 09th 2009, 4:49 am
Filed under: sleeping problems

There are very few people who for a certain reason will not use a pillow while sleeping, health problems are usually behind such habits; otherwise, the pillow is the ever present and extremely common element to be found in every bed on this planet. Nevertheless, besides the very practical or functional aspects associated with this basic item, there are artistic and decorative features that should not be ignored either. Take for instance the case of throw pillows, fluffy pillows or sofa pillows. There are tassels, embroidery and fringes added for embellishment, and one would certainly not use such a pillow to sleep on.

The history of our common pillow is very old, tracing back to ancient Egypt where it was used by the wealthy in some very exquisite forms. There were pillow-like objects found in the tombs of the pharaohs and the difficulty of the artistic realization was definitely remarkable. Pillow sewing and dyeing was even considered a form of art, or at least a pseudo-artistic manifestation as such decorative items became highly valuable as commodities. The Chinese and the Europeans were the ones to adopt the use of the pillow for practical rest purposes, and in time mass production took over.

Nevertheless, a Chinese pillow for instance would definitely look a lot different from the concept we are familiar with today: in the past, such a pillow would have been a wood box, usually made of bamboo that was placed under the neck to support the head. The wood pillow is still a traditional item in countries like China or Japan, though stuffed fabric has also become widely used for the matter. Feathers have been the regular pillow stuffing for ages now, yet, the last decades have been marked by the appearance of modern materials that trigger no allergic reactions and are very easy to clean.

Presently, people are used to the therapeutic variant of the very traditional pillow: thus, there are neck pillows, lumbar pillows and other varieties that are meant to create a perfect position during sleep. The basic problem with a feather pillow for instance is that it doesn’t allow for the correct alignment of the head with the neck and the spine; therefore, people who suffer from back pains are generally recommended to try a more special pillow type. Foam and synthetic fills are the major trend in pillow manufacturing these days, as they are a lot easier to clean and they definitely ensure the correct body position during sleep.

Muna wa Wanjiru
http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/these-are-the-functional-and-practical-aspects-associated-with-pillow-310754.html





What are the effects of over the counter sleeping pills like Tylenol Pm?
Sunday November 08th 2009, 11:08 am
Filed under: insomnia cure

I’m not going to lie here. I’m addicted to Tylenol Pm or any of the over the counter sleeping aids. I can sleep good at night. I take them because I like how my body feels. The drowsiness, and waiting game excites me. I have been taking 2-6 pills during a whole day. I’m sort of depressed now, so the pills helps me escape.

How are these pills harmful.

I would like to commend you on being honest about being addicted to the pills. I think however you should consult a physician about being depressed.

As to the damage of using Tylenol, it has many effects mainly the liver. Please when or if you see your physician let them know about your addiction to tylenol. So that they will be able to fairly treat you





The Consequences of Feelings of Melancholy in Young Children and Young Adults
Thursday November 05th 2009, 1:25 am
Filed under: sleeping problems

Clinical depression is an illness caused by chemical imbalances in the brain that make someone constantly feel aloof, sad, negative, and unmotivated. It can last for days, weeks, months, or even years. It can result from anxieties, traumatic situations, or triggered by nothing. Depressive disorder can affect people of any age, including teenagers and even young children.

Children and teens often suffer from depressive disorders, which leaves families with lots of questions such as: what causes it, and what treatments are available? The good news is that depressive disorder is treatable and some of the best depression treatments come in the form of Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques.

In the past, it was believed that adolescents could not be depressed, but in reality, depression affects people of all ages. Often, depression in young people is triggered by events such as changing schools, a loss in the family, a relationship breakup, illness, or abuse. In some people, depression occurs on its own. Depression often runs in families, meaning mothers and fathers suffering from depression are more likely to have children who also experience depression.

There are several different forms of depression. Most young people with depression have a type of major depression. This depression affects the ability to enjoy life and engage in normal activities. Some children and teens may also suffer from a milder type of depression called Dysthymic Disorder, which is a long-term type of depression with milder symptoms than major depressive disorder. A rarer but still common type of depression is manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder), which is characterized by mood shifts from extreme sadness to extreme happiness.

Depression can be a serious problem for young people because their symptoms are slightly different from the symptoms adults typically have, making it more challenging to recognize and treat. Often, minors with depression will not seem sad or “depressed” as one would expect in adults. Constant irritability is often one of the major signs of depression in children and teens. Depression symptoms can be subtle, but may include constant sadness, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and decreased interest in activities they used to love.

Children with depression may do poorly in school, have problems making friends, or have disciplinary problems. The effects are also evident for teens, who may abuse alcohol and drugs to escape their depression. Depression is no one’s fault, but people with depression do have the ability to get treatment and learn how to handle their condition.

Depression help treatments can range from therapy and counseling, to the use of antidepressant medication. Group therapy can be beneficial for teens and older children by providing a safe place to share their feelings with others. Monitored online services such as forums for teen depression can also provide information on depression and serve as an outlet for depressed teens.

Behavioral counseling can help teach people how to handle their depression. Counseling can help parents understand what causes a child’s depression. Family counseling helps educate families on depressive disorders and what they can do to help.

In some cases, antidepressant medications are prescribed. This is only done under the supervision of a doctor who will watch the child’s health and mental state. Even though people with severe depression may have a need for medications, these drugs can have many side effects, especially in sensitive and still-developing children and teens. This is why psychological therapy, support and understanding from families and professional counselors, and the use of techniques that help children learn how to relieve their depression by themselves are considered better for helping young people with depression.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques can be used to relieve stress, tension, and depression. They help people come up with safe and positive coping strategies for living with depression. It is suitable for all people because it is non-invasive, doesn’t call for the use of any drugs, and is a helpful form of self-help.

One NLP technique used to treat depression is called them NLP Flash. This technique reprograms the unconscious mind to use the thoughts that create stress and depression as triggers for thoughts that create relaxation. It is a technique that even children can learn to use to help them manage their depression.

People who are diagnosed with depression can overcome it. Therapy can help depressed people of all ages live better. NLP techniques are wonderful for helping young people and their families cope with tension and depression. These techniques can diminish or even eliminate depression in people of all ages.

Alan B. Densky, CH
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-consequences-of-feelings-of-melancholy-in-young-children-and-young-adults-419443.html





what happens when you mix ativan/lorazepam with an over the counter sleeping aid?
Wednesday November 04th 2009, 4:26 am
Filed under: insomnia cure

i ripped the sticker off the bottle so i dont remember what the specific drug is for the over-the-counter sleeping aid, but i got it at safeway lol
its too late ive already done it. i hope i wake up in the morning.
Im alive! thanks for al the help you guys.

OTC Pills and ativan won’t cause anything drastic, at most you’ll just be sleepier. Unless you take the whole box…then watch out.