Dealing with Depression

"Depression drains your energy, hope, and drive, making it difficult to do what you need to feel better. But while overcoming depression isn’t quick or easy, it’s far from impossible. You can’t beat it through sheer willpower, but you do have some control—even if your depression is severe and stubbornly persistent. The key is to start small and build from there. Feeling better takes time, but you can get there if you make positive choices for yourself each day." For more information visit: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_tips.htm

Treating Depression

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/depression/treatingdepression_000604.htm

Depression IS treatable. However, depression doesn't just go away straight away it takes time, but with the right and most effective treatment for the depression it will eventually be treated and cured.

Types of treatment for depression are:

• antidepressant tablets
• talking treatments such as: counselling
• mood stabilising medications and
• support

These are the most common types of treatments, however, there are others which aren't used as much which are:

• ECT - Electroconvulsive Therapy 
• special types of surgery (psychosurgery) and
• SAD - bright light therapy for seasonal affective disorder

And potential treatments which may still be experimental or more evidence is needed or order to begin using them are:

• Herbal remedies and
• TMS - trans-cranial magnetic stimulation
• 
  

What puts you at risk of depression?

There are many things that can trigger depression and cause somebody to get it. These triggers are:

Family History

• other members of family having depression
• traumatic childhood experiences such as: violence

Lifestyle

• excessive alcohol consumption
• recreational or party drugs
• social isolation
• lack of sleep
• poor diet or lack of exercise

Events

• death or loss of someone close
• relationship break ups
• traumatic life events
• financial pressure
• unemployment
• serious accidents
• long term illness
• medication
• stress of problems at work, school or university
• bullying or abuse
• some women can experience depression during and/or after pregnancy

Coping and Support for Mental Illnesses

The four key things to help you cope with mental illnesses are:

1. Learn about your mental illness,
2. Join a support group,
3. Stay connected with friends and family and
4. Keep a journal.

For further information on all four of these ideas on how to cope with mental illness visit this website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mental-illness/DS01104/DSECTION=coping-and-support

Benefits of Acupuncture

Health Benefits of Acupuncture:

• Asthma
• Anxiety
• Fibromyalgla
• Depression
• Cystitls
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Chronic Low back pain
• Strengthens the immune system 
• Improves blood circulation
• Helps overcome certain addictions such as: smoking, alcohol and drugs. 

Mental Health Issues

Mental health problems such as: depression and anxiety are very common. But many people don't actually know what they are and why people suffer. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_(mood)) Depression is a state of low mood that can affect a person's thoughts, behaviour, feelings and sense of well being. People who suffer with depression may feel sad, empty, hopeless, worried, helpless, guilty, hurt and restless. They may lose interest in activities that once they really enjoyed, experience loss of appetite or overeating, concentration problems, difficulty making decisions and may contemplate or attempt suicide. Insomnia, loss of energy and aches and pains are also very common when suffering with depression.

If you think you're suffering from any of these symptoms or feel as though you may be suffering from depression there are many ways to get help. Here is a website with lots of details about how to deal with mental health issues. http://www.makesachange.org.uk/submenu/isle-of-wight/how-to/deal-with-mental-health-issues.aspx

Mental Well Being

Being healthy isn't just about dieting and exercising to make yourself feel better, it is also your mental well being. Mental health is very important and there are some very common mental illnesses such as: depression and anxiety. But here are five steps to having a positive mental well being:

• Connect; with people around you such as family and friends.
• Be active
• Keep learning; learn new skills for sense of achievement and new confidence
• Give to others and 
• Take notice; be more aware of the present moment

This NHS page gives more detail on how to keep a positive mental well being and also has links to pages about mental health illnesses and how to deal with them: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/improve-mental-wellbeing.aspx