Archives for June 2007

FOUR GENERAL CATEGORIES OF DEPRESSION:

Endogenous Depression: Depression that is not caused by any external factor. Usually used to describe a depression that is purely the result of biological factors, such as a brain disorder, hormonal imbalance, or neurological dysfunction affecting one or more neurotransmitters (we have more than 100, but hear most about serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and GABA). Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depression) is a brain disorder which at times may appear identical to other forms of depression. Other medical problems, such as low thyroid, can also cause symptoms of depression. Environmental toxins may also be a hidden cause of endogenous depression. Check out this article on SixWise.com about common environmental toxins that may cause serious depressive symptoms.

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                                    Panic Attack Disorder:
Can only be described as a comprehensive emotional nightmare some people with panic feel like they are in an escalating cycle of catastrophe and doom and that something bad is going to happen to them “Right now this very moment” others feel as if they are having a heart attack as their heart races. The heart palpitations convince them that they are about to have an attack, other people feel they are going to “Lose control” of themselves and will do something embarrassing in front of other people, others breathe so quickly, gasping for air that they hyperventilate and feel like they will suffocate from  lack of oxygen. A panic attack typically lasts several long minutes and is one of the most distressing conditions a person can experience in some cases panic attacks have been known to last for longer periods of time or to recur very quickly over and over again. The aftermath of a panic attack is very painful feelings of depression and helplessness are usually experienced the greatest fear is that the panic attack will come back again making life to miserable too bear, panic is not necessarily brought on by a recognizable circumstance and it may remain a mystery to the person involved. These attacks come “Out of the blue” at other times excessive stress or other negative life conditions can trigger an attack people who experience panic attacks are not “Crazy” and do not need to be in therapy for extended periods of time sessions depend on the severity and length of the problem and the willingness of the client to actively participate in treatment.

Folic acid is another B vitamin that has a vital role in the nervous system. Pfeiffer calls it "crucial to mental and emotional health" and essential to the functioning of our brains" A deficiency usually produces irritability, along with forgetfulness and mental sluggishness. The pill limits absorption of folic acid and people using it need to supplement their diets with folic acid tablets.

Unfortunately, surveys reveal that folic acid is one of the most widespread insufficiencies in our diets. This becomes even more significant when we realize that one of the most important functions of folic acid in the body is in the synthesis of nucleoproteins, such as DNA and RNA.

It has been found that relaxation can reduce the heart rate, lower blood pressure and regulate breathing and metabolic rate. It also reduces adrenaline levels and allows the immune system to function more efficiently. Stress is a normal and necessary part of life, which provides motivation, stimulation and the drive to meet challenges with enthusiasm. The key to controlling it is relaxation.

Active muscular relaxation: In this exercise, you tense your muscles and then release them to feel the physical and mental release that accompanies each movement.

Passive muscular relaxation is similar to tense-release but instead of tensing a muscle group you focus your attention on it, acknowledge the tension already held there and then release it. You may be asked to imaging a slow wave of relaxation washing through the muscles, lengthening and expanding them, loosening any points of tension

"Yoga is not tied to any religious system per se, but sometimes inevitably become colored with layers of cultural and religious attitudes, as well as powerful symbols of the areas from which they flourished and developed. However, the mark of a true spiritual path is that the core or essence does not depend on these extraneous layers and can be adapted to different cultures and times without losing their effectiveness."
-- Rudra Shivananda

The mind and emotions are regarded as an integral and vitally important part of total health. Psychological influences such as stress, worry, anxiety and depression can have an enormous impact on health and have been implicated in a number of conditions, Psychotherapies aim to address the parts of the body that some Western medicine has yet to reach successfully. There are number of types of psychotherapies, including behavioral, analytical, humanistic, integrative and even counseling.

Yoga and Meditation Practices for depression, anxiety, and stress



Practicing yoga for depression or anxiety relief is only one of the countless benefits gained by this ancient method of healing.Yoga, or "Yog" as it is traditionally called, means "Union with the Divine." It is a science of Self which dates back more than 5,000 years, orginating in India. There is no Eastern spiritual or religious practice that has not been directly or indirectly influenced by this path.True yoga is not a fitness routine, nor is it a religion. Yoga is a spiritual practice with the goal of awakening to one's true nature or cosmic consciousness, gradually attaining higher and more expanded states of absorption and at the most advanced stages - "samadhi." Even many of the most well known "authorities" and authors use Yogic terminology incorrectly, and confuse the stream with the ocean, so to speak. True authorities on the depth of this vast subject are very rare, (and I do not list myself among them). The following information is only an introduction into the art and application of Yoga for depression.

The word ‘mediatation’ comes from the Latin moderi, meaning ‘to heal’. Western medicine has been slow to catch on to the benefits of meditation but research has now shown that it can slow your heart rate, reduce negative emotions and produce a sense of calm. Meditation is a tool to make us aware of the peace within us, a plact that the outside world cannot touch or influence. I would say it is a MUST for depressed patients.

                                        Causes of Phobias:
Phobia is a kind of illogical or embellished fear of a specific entity, condition, activity, setting or even any form of corporeal movement. In such cases the person is unable to regulate emotional responses and tries to run away from the situation rather then facing it competently, it has been noticed quite often that some people tend to become more phobic or anxious in comparison to others. Phobias are often identified as genetic characteristics it has generally been noticed that children who have been seen to be phobic have family histories of anxiety disorders while some people are born with a natural tendency of being extra careful and self conscious. Researches have finally comes to the conclusion that both genetic and environmental factors have a major contribution in the occurrences of phobias.
Reasons of what causes phobias;
(1) Divorce or separation.
(2) Death of a loved one or of a close associate.
(3) Job uncertainty or  professional termination
(4) Corporal or poignant distress or suffering.
(5) Abuse or abandonment.
(6) Any sort of transformation in life may disrupt the balance of your existence and make you feel nervous and reckless.

Food has a profound effect on both mind and body. Health is a reflection of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Stress has a very negative impact on our digestive system. The body can assimilate the nutrients from food only when the mind is in a relaxed condition. No matter what you eat, if the mind is disturbed, your body will not gain any benefits from the nutritive components of your food.
There are, however, a few foods that help the body cope with the demands made by stress.

During stress, the body needs more of certain nutrients because they are burned up faster than usual. Stress increases the demand for vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B-complex, proteins, magnesium, antioxidants and essential oils. To counteract the stress effects, one needs more of these nutrients.
There is a high concentration of vitamin C in our brain tissues, more than any other tissue in the body. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, that is used up quickly during stressful periods. One needs to cater to the high demand for this vitamin during high levels of stress. An amount between 500-1,000 milligrams would be required to combat the stress after-effects. The best sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits like oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and leafy green vegetables.
Vitamin A is another requirement during times of stress. It is needed for maintenance of skin, mucous membranes, bones, teeth and hair, eyesight, and reproduction. Vitamin A may also protect against cancer. Liver (especially fish liver), egg yolk, fortified margarine, oily fish, oranges, apricots, carrots, tomatoes, melons, and dark green leafy vegetables contain this vitamin in abundance.
Magnesium is found in dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grain foods, legumes, milk.
Proteins are of two types - animal protein and vegetable protein. Animal protein can be found in foods like meat, fish, egg and all dairy products, while vegetable protein is found in grains, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds and sprouted seeds.