http://eratostenes.info/index.php/ Articles at Eratostenes.info - Free Article Directory en-us http://eratostenes.info/index.php/health/depression/fighting-depression-with-a-mediterranean-diet.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/health/depression/fighting-depression-with-a-mediterranean-diet.html Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:05:24 -0800
The general consensus among health professionals is that most people are not paying enough attention to their diets. Few are getting enough daily physical activity. Even more alarming are statistics showing that many people are dying from preventable illnesses. Others are becoming increasingly depressed or affected by emotional problems.

One area of concern that is not given the kind of attention it deserves is depression. For many, there is something of a stigma attached to this particular condition. The fact that depression is considered a mental illness results in many people being unwilling to seek help.

Dealing with Depression

Depression affects many facets of a person's health. It can affect the body's normal functions, moods and thoughts and the way they behave. Depression varies in severity from person to person. Some sufferers may not even realize that they are displaying symptoms of the illness. Some of these symptoms are:

o Trouble concentrating

o Constantly feeling sad without knowing why

o Sudden mood swings

o Unusual behavior

A diagnosis is usually made if these and other symptoms persist for more than two weeks. For severe cases, drugs may be prescribed, but treatment recommendations also include exercise and changes in diet. In many cases a combination treatment option is best.

Diet as a Treatment for Depression

It is an acknowledged fact that diet does not affect the body only on a physical level. It also has an effect on a psychological level. While not considered a complete course of treatment, diet can lead to positive changes for people suffering from depression. Some suggestions for alleviating the symptoms of depression with proper diet are:

o Eating foods rich in antioxidants, as this helps to prevent free radical damage, which can affect brain function.

o Getting enough protein to help improve concentration and energy levels.

o Consuming healthy carbohydrates instead of processed carbohydrates. It is best to consume whole grains and legumes to maintain overall mood and reduce stress levels.

Using Vacations to Help Deal with Depressions

The significance of getting away from it all to help battle depression can never be overstated. Many people use the chance to go on holiday to keep stress at bay. For many Brits, nothing beats the Spanish island of Menorca. With its pristine beaches and diverse offerings, it is one way to battle stress and depression.

Its healthy Mediterranean diet also includes the foods listed above. Anyone who spends time in Menorca could put themselves on the path to healthier living. It places a lot of emphasis on healthy carbohydrates and unrefined cereals, fish, vegetables and fruit. Studies have shown that following a diet rich in these foods may even help keep depression at bay.

Menorca is known for its quiet fishing villages and laid back resorts. Its holiday package differs from those of other islands in the area. It is geared more towards holidaymakers seeking relaxation as opposed to hard partying. The island also has a variety of attractions and sights to keep any visitor engaged and a lot of the hotels in Menorca offer meals sourced locally.

Part of Menorca's appeal rests on the fact that overdevelopment has been strenuously resisted. Its numerous green spaces make it a refuge for tourists who like to enjoy nature's unspoilt beauty. The towns Mao and Ciutadella offer numerous sight seeing opportunities, just the thing to wrap up a stress free holiday.

There are no straightforward rules for beating depression. Making lifestyle changes, even small ones, can help improve one's overall sense of well-being. Going on holiday to de-stress is an important part of the journey towards good mental and physical health. Whether you choose Menorca or some other destination, it could have a positive impact on your health. ]]> http://eratostenes.info/index.php/health/depression/poetry-heals-ptsd-just-like-gods-gourd-for-jonah.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/health/depression/poetry-heals-ptsd-just-like-gods-gourd-for-jonah.html Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:43:04 -0700
It was only at Jonah's breaking point when he praised the Lord and vowed to do His will (seeing that there was a plan for him that he could not escape.) If I may stretch this a little further to include those persons facing addictions to drugs, alcohol, shopping, gambling, sex, etc. Vastly the above are signals to not being able to cope with their trauma, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is only at the point of surrendering to a Higher Power, as in Jesus Christ, are they (we) able to pick up our cross and move forward. The direction is shown no longer with self-medicating through whatever self-punishing behavior, but with a new way of thinking!

If I may continue to use Jonah's revelation of the gourd, you may contemplate that the gourd was a tool for relieving Jonah's depression. Why was Jonah depressed? He was in a traumatic life situation that he was not in control of what was happening to him. Just as those who experience PTSD. God realized that He needed to step in for Jonah as he could not hold in anymore mental distress. It was this Celestial Intervention that comes in the nick of time, through no power but of the Divine. Even though this did not take 10 years to happen (as in the time it usually takes to break down from PTSD) the healing started when the gourd was provided.

Poetry is the tool of Divine Intervention that directly coincides with the gourd. It is an emotional release of blocked feelings that are opened up from the mind's box of secrets. These secrets were kept veiled (not only from the victim's mind) but hidden from most of mankind. When there is a combination of surrendering oneself to your Higher Power and using prayer, praise, and contemplation, inspired poetry becomes the mind and soul's healing revelation!

]]> http://eratostenes.info/index.php/health/depression/dealing-with-depression.html http://eratostenes.info/index.php/health/depression/dealing-with-depression.html Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:31:33 -0700
There are several different types of depression. Major depression is the most severe type. The symptoms are debilitating and the sufferer will often deal with it throughout their lifetime. Another type of depression is called dysthymia. Its symptoms are not as severe as with major depression, but it can last for years. Manic-depression or bipolar disorder is another type of depression. The person with manic-depression swings from highs or manic states to lows or depressive states.

Major depression

Major depression affects all facets of the person’s life. It can be the result of a stressful experience or it can be an accumulation of many stressful events and can last for many years. It is more common among women than men. Symptoms can include a constant sad mood, feelings of hopelessness, problems with sleeping, and loss of interest in food. Feelings of worthlessness are pervasive. Treatment often includes talk therapy, medications, and in some cases, electric shock therapy.

Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a chronic type of depression but the symptoms are less severe than with major depression. A person suffering from dysthymia will still be able to function, and hold down a job, but may not feel quite right. It is a type of a low level, constant depression. It affects more women than men. The causes are not known, but may be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Symptoms include a loss of interest in activities that one used to find enjoyable, and a negative outlook. Treatment is usually in the form of talk therapy and medications only if needed.

Bipolar disorder

With bipolar disorder or manic depression, the person swings between excessively high emotions and excessively low emotions. During the low periods, the person may experience loss of interest in food, difficulty sleeping and low self-esteem. During the high periods they will experience a high level of energy, a short attention span and sleep very little. It affects as many men as it does women. The cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. It may be a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetics or environment. Medication is often used in treatment of bipolar disorder.

Seek help

Depression in one form or another is a very common illness. It can keep people from leading normal healthy lives. It can destroy families, careers and self-esteem. It is more than just feeling “blue” every once in a while. If you feel you are suffering from depression and it is interrupting your family life or your work life, you need to seek the help of a qualified mental health professional.

To find a qualified therapist, you can start by consulting your health insurance company for a list of providers. You can also ask your clergy person, or family doctor for a referral. If you are employed, check to see if your employer has some type of referral network. If you feel you are suffering from some type of depression, the best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to seek help.
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