Depression

Depressed? A choice or an inheritance?

I have written about this topic before but I felt it was important to cover again. The society issues seem to be the ones that keep most people in a place of depression, or sadness. There are so many reasons to feel this way, or to live this way, but do we have to stay this way? I think not.

I have added some copied statistics that I found on the internet which I agree with. I feel that if we know what we are facing we have a better chance of healing it. I also feel that if we stay attached to all that makes us feel sad, depressed or upset, we create a life that has little balance. I feel we need to release the pain, fear and upset of the past so to move to a place within our minds that is free. I do not feel that traditional medicine is able to heal depression; on the contrary I feel that it is fueling it

If you label yourself, you will be. If you are told you are depressed and you need to take medication to heal it, I want you to be sure that is the only avenue for you to take, because once you start you may never be able to stop.

If you are labeled a bully, chances are you will always be a bully- same goes for being told you are depressed.

What if when you were young and on the day that you were labeled the bully it was the only day you had ever gotten mad and reacted in a negative way. Were you really a bully or just really having a bad day, a bad experience or a bad thought?

Maybe your emotions should be dealt with in the same way. Are you really depressed or just having bad experiences or bad thoughts because of issues occurring in your life at this time? Do you really need to use drugs to take away the feeling, or should you learn from them, experience them and accept that you can change the way you feel by changing the way you think. Perhaps you are thinking you are depressed because you are unhappy with your relationship, or losing a job. If you make changes to your circumstances are you still going to feel depressed - most likely not. You may find that the reason you are not able to feel better is because you are not allowing yourself to think past the experience that caused the upset

Let’s do this exercise. Think of what it is that has you down, sad or thinking you are depressed. Now I want you to ask yourself:

Can I change the way I feel if I learn to accept the experience for what it is and what I have learned?

Do I need to continue to feel sad, upset or hurt over the experience?

Does it serve me to do so?

Would I be happier if I let my mind know that there is no room for self defeat or constant internal battering?

Take your time and think about the answers, think about the answers as though you are already feeling happy. How would you answer the questions in that frame of mind?

Smile for a second and you will know what I mean. You can’t hide from the feeling of happiness if you allow yourself to smile.

For instance, if I was thinking that the reason I was sad, upset or feeling depressed was because of my weight, and I answered the questions, I would say...

I know I have an issue with my weight, and although for years I have struggled to be thinner, perhaps it is time for me to accept that this is the body I have and this is all it will be and I need to love it. Always thinking I am over weight makes me sad, and does not serve me or anyone in my life, therefore this is a thought pattern that controls me and stops me from knowing true happiness.

I know I would be so much happier if I could accept my beauty and let go of the constant inner battle about my weight. I know that the feelings about me are not kind, or peaceful. I know I have learned over the years to eat well, healthy and a balanced diet. I know it is in my best interest to love myself as I am today.

If you take the time to write to yourself the answers that will help you to let go of the feelings of depression, you will learn that in you is a person who is happy, loving, and true.

Here are the statistics, somewhat daunting, to Health Canada and Statistics Canada. Keep in mind this is a study, and facts are gathered from groups that have been submitted to the statistics bureau for analyzing. This in no way is what I think is accurate in today’s society.

Statistics
Depression/Anxiety... Get the Facts
In any given year, about seven percent - between 13 million and 14 million people - will experience a depressive disorder.

Of those who develop depression/anxiety, only about 20 percent will receive adequate treatment.

About 16 percent of adults will experience depression/anxiety at some point in their life.

About 97 percent of those reporting depression/anxiety also reported that their work, home life and relationships suffered as a result.

According to Health Canada and Statistics Canada, approximately 8% of adult Canadians will experience a major depression/anxiety at some point in their lives, and around 5% will in a given year.

Depression/anxiety continues to be Canada's fastest-rising diagnosis. From 1994 to 2004, visits for depression/anxiety made to office-based doctors almost doubled. In 2003, that meant 11.6 million visits to doctors across Canada about depression/anxiety.

Twice as many women as men are diagnosed with depression/anxiety. However, this may simply indicate that men are less comfortable seeking help or do not get an accurate diagnosis since depression/anxiety in men often manifests itself as a substance use problem.

Bipolar disorder is a less common form of depression/anxiety that affects about around 1 to 2% of Canada's population.

54% of people believe depression is a personal weakness.

Depression Statistics: Women Fact Information

Women are twice as likely to experience depression/anxiety as men.

Approximately 7 million women in the United States are clinically depressed.

One in five women can expect to develop clinical depression at some time in her life.

Depression/anxiety is the leading cause of disability in women.

Only one of every three depressed women will seek professional help.

Almost 15 percent of women suffering from severe depression will commit suicide.

About 10 percent of women will experience postpartum depression in the months following the birth of a child.

Married women have higher rates of depression than single women, with depression most likely during childbearing years.

Depression/anxiety in women occurs most frequently between the ages of 25 and 44.

Depression Statistics: Men Fact Information

Though women experience depression anxiety at double the rate of men, men are three times as likely to commit suicide than women.

Suicide is most common among men who are separated, widowed, divorced.

One in seven men will develop depression/anxiety within 6 months of becoming unemployed.

Retired men are also at an increased risk for depression/anxiety.

Men recently diagnosed with depression/anxiety are at double the risk of cardiovascular problems in the next five years.

Depression Statistics: Children Fact Information

Research indicates that the onset of depression/anxiety occurs earlier now than in past decades.

During childhood, boys and girls experience depression/anxiety at about equal rates.

Girls entering puberty are twice as likely as boys to experience depression/anxiety.

Children with depression are more likely to have a family history of depression/anxiety.

A nationwide survey of Canadian youth by Statistics Canada found that 6.5%—more than a quarter million youth and young adults between 15 and 24—met the criteria for major depression in the past year.

Depression Statistics: Elderly Fact Information

Depression/Anxiety affects about 6 million elderly people.

Elderly women experience depression/anxiety more often than elderly men.

Older people, as a group, are most at risk for suicide.

One quarter of all suicides are committed by the elderly.

Depression/anxiety occurs in about 15 percent of those over the age of 65.

Depression in nursing home residents can reach as high as 25 percent.

Only about 10 percent of the elderly experiencing depression/anxiety seeks professional help.

Caucasian men over the age of 80 are six times more likely tan any other demographic group to commit suicide.

Older people with depression/anxiety have about 50 percent higher healthcare costs.

What are some of the ways we can battle the feeling of depression, anxiety, sadness, and despair in a time when the world seems so unsure and weak?

Well if we go back in history we will see that the rulers of countries have always had us at war in some form or another, so we need to just accept that this is the way that those who think they are powerful run our world. Times are better now than ever before, we are stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually than ever before. We are not weak to war, it just surrounds us. It affects our lives now because of fear. We do not have to be weakened to it; we can stand strong and fight back.

We are here safe in our homes, watching our TV’s and reading our papers, and although so many families have lost their loved ones, how is it really affecting you?

The young men and women are coming home from Afghanistan hurt, depressed and suffering for all that they have seen and heard and experienced. They have real tangible reasons to feel the way they do. What are we doing to help them? This is what makes me sad- what are we doing as Canadians to help them heal, are we just forgetting them and sending them back to their homes to take some drug that will numb their minds and make them more messed up later in life, or are we taking the time to love them, care for them and heal them? They did not ask to be hurt, or to be damaged by the war.

Where are the promises they were given?

I am not saying that the reason you feel the way you do does not equal theirs, but perhaps it is time to take the emphasis of your pain and listen to the pain of another. Maybe this is a way to heal your pain, to love unconditionally and give without reason.

Depression can be healed but the medical world seem to think that all we need to do is take a pill. Well I say no more pills, how about real action. Get up and get active- you are capable of healing your mind. If you are depressed and are fearful of death, well perhaps it is time to get some mental health, talk to a friend, me or someone who really cares.

Do you think for a minute that the life I have lived was easy? NO way, harder than most, and I had moments of pain and sufferings and sadness and fear, and anger, and I could have decided to be depressed for the rest of my life, but I decided to live in my mind, free from the past and to love the real me. Please allow yourself the chance to feel happy again, to love the real you again.

I know hundreds of people who are depressed and my heart goes out to all of them. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make them all happy, but I cannot, as it is gripping that only they can change. Some of course are not just depressed; there are other issues there as well. Some are emotionally sad, some are fearful and some are just stuck. Wherever you are in your state of unhappiness please take the chance to heal. You need only to tell your mind you are and it will start. Please do.

Help

There are many natural techniques you can use to help with anxiety, feelings of depression, and sadness. First address your alcohol use and drug use, if these are constant in your life, this may be part of your emotional state.

I have found that using a good balance of vitamins helps me from being sad. Water is one of the best medicines you can find. Fruit, all fruit, any one you can get your hands on, good dark chocolate, and sex - natural and healthy, what a great way to feel good. If you are finding you need more, below is some valuable information on what to use to help you get over your state of depression

Most Asian countries are famous for their use of medicinal healing herbs. One reason is climate - warmth and humidity promotes plants growth and it is also a traditional way of living, using healing herbs to fight diseases where even modern drugs don’t work. Herbs that help with depression are no exception - you can find many Chinese medicinal herbs to cure depression and relieve stress. The Western world has also caught on to the usage of medicinal herbs as a treatment for many illnesses including depression and anxiety, because it is safer and more natural.

Why should you use herbs for depression?

Many of us trust natural herbs in place of common medicine simply because natural plants rarely have side effects in the long run, something one almost always is faced with when administering powerful traditional drugs. Natural herbs to cure depression almost always will obtain the results desired but won’t show the results immediately. Healing plants are not as strong, and they work on a different principal. They improve your overall health and immune system rather than concentrate on depression alone. Medicinal herbs need to be taken as prescribed just like traditional drugs. Also keep in mind that the effect of interrupted treatment will be lost.

Many medicinal herbs are advertised to help with depression. Unfortunately, for most of them there is no strong evidence that they really work. There is still a lot of testing to be done. Two herbs that help reduce depression for sure are Amoryn and St. John’s Wort. Most effective natural depression remedies contain pharmaceutical-grade St. John’s Wort extract

Benefits of herbal medicine

People who search for alternative and safer treatment for depression use herbs because of the many benefits herbal medicine offers. The beauty of herbs is that they don’t cause more health problems than they cure. But you still have to be sure that you take the right herbs to treat your condition. It is also greatly important to take the correct amount of your herbs and to do so with right intervals. And how will you know what herbs you need? The only way is to check with a doctor herbs for depression is best for you.

It is not recommended to use any herbal medicine just because you saw an ad for it, or your friends say it helped them, because herbal medicine should only be used when needed. Remember your depression won’t go away, if the herbs are not taken properly. You will only waste your money and time

Best way to find right herbal treatment for depression.

Go to a homeopathic clinic, it will provide you with qualified physicians. The doctor may ask you many questions about your current stress situation as well as about your general health. Then you will get your prescription for an herbal treatment for your depression and to improve your general health.

Overall, there are so many different herbs for depression that can be used for medicinal purposes. To discover what herbal treatments are available for your condition collect info about what herbs can do for your health.

If you know of any groups in your area that deal with depression, get involved. One of the best ways to help yourself is to be surrounded by people who care, and want you to be a better you. Do not isolate yourself, this is a sure way to stay in the state of depression, get out, and get going. You will be happy you did.

Here are two recipes that are feel good happy foods. These two are favorites of mine, that I have used for a long time. I have adapted the potato one to suit gluten free dieters needs as well as everyone else.

Gluten Free Potato Pancake

These are a refreshing change from regular pancakes.

Ingredients:
4 cups cooked potatoes, mashed
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup cream, heated
1 teaspoon sugar
2 1/4 cup gluten free baking mix

Directions:
Place the mashed potatoes in a bowl and add the butter, salt, cream and sugar. Combine together and let cool if potatoes are still hot. Once cooled add the baking mix and combine together.

Pour some cooking oil into a hot griddle then spoon mixture onto griddle to form pancakes. Continue cooking until browned on both sides.

Tastes great topped with sour cream or you can try sprinkling a little brown sugar and cinnamon on top.

You can add sautéed onions, cooked red peppers, or just about and vegetable you adore.

This is one of my old time favorites

Perfect beef barley soup

Ingredients
A splash of olive oil
A pat of butter (optional)
1 large carrot, chopped
1 large celery stalk, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
2 to 3 cups of chopped, cooked beef, or similar amount of cooked ground beef, or veganese beef substitute.
A splash of Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Basil, oregano, garlic powder to taste
8 cups beef stock or broth
1 large can of diced tomatoes, including liquid
3/4 to 1 cup dried pearl barley (more barley will make the broth thicker).

Preparation
1. Heat the olive oil and butter in soup pot on medium low heat.
2. Add carrot, onion and celery. Add a dash of salt. Cook until vegetables are soft.
3. Add beef, basil, oregano and garlic powder. Continue to cook for a few more minutes.
4. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
5. Add remaining ingredients, bring soup to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and cover. Cook for at least an hour to allow the barley to expand and become soft.

Notes
This beef barley soup recipe is so hearty because the barley adds starch to the broth, slightly thickening it. Also, the beef broth and tomatoes have such bold tastes that it fills the mouth with flavor while it fills the tummy with warmth!

Here are some ideas to vary the recipe a bit, to make your own beef barley soup recipe.

-Try different herbs and spices. Sage, marjoram, savory and parsley are all good options.

-Like heat? Add some chili flakes, or a splash of Tabasco Sauce.

-A few green beans or asparagus tips thrown in 5 or 10 minutes before serving add to the look and taste of the soup.

Tips and Techniques
Beef Barley Soup is one of those soups that improves in flavor the next day. This is because the flavors have that much more time to mix with one another, and infuse themselves into all the ingredients. Some people even wait until the next day to eat it, rather than the same day it is cooked!

If you decide to try this, do NOT freeze the soup, or the flavors won't mix. Keep it in the fridge, where it will last a day or two if well covered (otherwise it might absorb odors from other foods in the fridge).

After two days, it really should be in the freezer, for health and safety reasons.

Asparagus: This green veggie is high in folic acid, which can help stabilize your mood.

Beef: Even though beef often gets a bad rap, it’s a great dinner option for a stressed-out family. Beef contains high levels of zinc, iron, and B vitamins, which are also known to help stabilize your mood.

Milk: Milk is high in antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12, as well as protein and calcium

Cottage Cheese and Fruit: Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium. “Foods with high protein content that aren’t loaded with sugar won’t cause a spike in blood sugar and will keep you satiated for a longer time,”

Almonds: Are you ever looking for something you can really dig your teeth into when you’re stressed?

Blueberries: Very rich in antioxidants, blueberries offer a high-fiber, low-calorie fruit option that is also rich in stress-fighting vitamin C.

Tuna: A great lunch option, tuna is high in stress-fighting vitamins B6 and B12. Tuna is also a good low-fat protein source.

Cornflakes or Crispy Rice Cereal: Although they aren’t low in sugar, cornflakes and crispy rice cereal are fortified with B vitamins and folic acid to help reduce stress.

And my favorite, 70 plus % dark Chocolate, full of antioxidants and help you to release serotonin, the feel good natural drug the brain needs to be happy. So have a little when you feel your worse and you will notice you will feel better pretty quickly

Next time let’s talk about Stress. We are all suffering with it, some a little, some a whole lot. How can we take charge?

Blessings of happiness to all of you.

Poem by Susan Weaver