Medical News

Teenage is a tough time. Many teenagers are prone to depression during this phase of life. Teenage depression can very easily be confused with mood swings and melancholic nature. This not just makes it almost impossible to diagnose and treat it. But, also raises the possibility of it creating serious problems in later life. Teenage depression is far more prevalent than it is thought to be.

There are several symptoms by which depression in teenagers can be diagnosed :

• Prolonged feelings of hopelessness, sadness, tearfulness, guilt, worthlessness, thoughts of death and suicide.
• Loss of interest in any activity especially the ones in which they were interested as a child.
• Difficulty in focussing on anything.
• Significant changes in dietary and sleep patterns.
• Impatience, moodiness, agitation and undue anger.
• Lack of motivation.
• High sensitivity to criticism.
• Unexplained bodily dysfunctions like digestive ailments, nausea and aches and pains.

However, there are several steps that can be taken to control teenage depression.

• Develop understanding for teenage depression. It is the first and foremost step in controlling it. Depression is a serious ailment and should not be confused with just bouts of bad moods. So, educate yourself if you have a depressed teenager on your hands.
• Develop good communication channels with your teenager. It is imperative to be gentle, supportive, and accepting in your attitude. Encouraging them to talk. It helps them form a trustworthy bond with you.
• Teenage depression needs treatment just like any other ailment. So consult a good doctor who can inculcate trust in your adolescent. You doctor can advise suitably if your adolescent needs psychological or psychiatric care and can also recommend someone qualified for the job.
• Explore the treatment possibilities with your doctor. It is also necessary to take depressed teenagers into confidence. This is a tricky thing to do. If your adolescents trust that whatever you are doing is for their benefit, chances are that they shall go ahead with your advice.
• Sometimes there is some traumatic experience that causes depression in youngsters. It could be a sexual incident. It is necessary for the parents to brace themselves for the knowledge of the worst and still remain tolerant in attitude. Feeling sorry for your adolescent is also not helpful. So, just remain calm and supportive.

Coping with adolescent depression is easier said than done. It is equally traumatic for the parents. However, they need to do it. So remain strong in the knowledge that if all the right things are done depression in youngsters is completely curable.

I want to talk a little about Depression of the brain and the chemicals that warrant such a depression or should I say the imbalance of certain chemicals causing depression.

First I want to talk about that feel good chemical called dopemine, the one that deals with the feel-good section of the brain. Your body produces this chemical on its own, yet when certain outside influences interfere in our lives like the death of a loved one, or your wife leaving you, or you losing your job, maybe sickness has struck you, or a heart attack has come across your path, or simply you just get bored of life, now you need to do things to make yourself feel good again because now your body has slowed down on producing this necessary chemical that gives meaning to life. That feel-good chemical called dopemine.

So what do you do because you do not feel good? You start to do things that you never did before in abundance, or in excess because now you have to try and make yourself feel good again. In a sense you are adding that dopemine hormone artificially only when you are drinking or taking drugs, or being sexually promiscuous, or start gambling and round and round and round we go and where she stops nobody does know. Why, because your body is no longer producing the dopemine on it’s own so you are artificially inseminating the dopemine into your body through addictions. Why, because now those are the only things that make you feel good. Those are the only things that get the dopemine flowing so to speak since your body has slowed down producing it on it’s own.

Now let’s talk about Seratonin. Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter that is primarily found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and central nervous system (CNS) of humans and animals. This important chemical has to do with moods and decision making in life. When individuals are diagnosed as bipolar or even bipolar depression they are usually given a form of seratonin by their doctors to counteract the low count of seratonin in their brain due to their depression. It seem Bipolar Depression is very common nowadays and it seems the pharmaceutical companies are making a killing off the production of seratonin. Seratonin is found in many foods like seeds, and nuts and especially fruits and fruits with lots of seeds. Whenever you ingest lots of prescription medication it is very hard on the liver. So try and replace the chemicals your body is deficient in naturally, like fruits and vegetables and nuts and seeds. Save your liver at all costs. The liver is the filter of the human body and the more prescription medication you take the more harm you are doing to your liver. So if you are harming the liver you will have a host of other problems down the road.

Now let’s talk about Oxytocin which is referred to as the love chemical by most health care professionals. Oxytocin as well is related to our moods, but more importantly on how we relate to others. Most people who are deficient in this chemical of the brain have come from a very abusive past or have undergone an extremely hard upbringing as a child. They usually are distant to strangers and have a hard time in relationships or in relating to others. Have you ever wondered why you keep breaking up with your girlfriends or boyfriends or why you have a low trust factor in others. Chances are you are lacking in this one very important chemical of the brain. This is because of the things that have happened to you as a child and growing into adulthood. The bad experiences of life.

Now that we have talked about Oxytocin how do we ingest it back into our system. Since it has to do with love and relationships developing strong bonds with family and friends is the key. If you have a hard time with people you have to learn to trust some people some of the time and let them know what is happening in your life and in your head. Share with those closest to you what you are going through. Not only will you ad the oxytocin you are lacking back into your brain but you will also learn to trust people who really want to help you. So let people in, it is detrimental to your mental health and stability. In the Greek Language the word intimacy actually means “into me see.” So let people in. It all has to do with love, loving others and learning to love yourself.

Finally let’s talk about Cortisol. That stress hormone that has to do with the Cerebral Frontal Cortex of the brain that has to do with decision making and mood swings. It has come to the attention of most neurologists recently through many studies done on women who had children under stress or when they were severely depressed that their children lacked this important stress hormone in their bloodstream. Wow that is huge when you think of it. If the mother was severely depressed in giving childbirth then usually the child had a greater chance of being depressed throughout their lifetime. Not to mention a majority of those individuals are diagnosed as Bipolar or suffer from bipolar depression.

Again what is the key to depression. Intimacy ( into me see ) let other people in. Don’t hold it in share your feelings with others and let others help you. The very worst thing in the world you could do is to isolate which is your natural tendency. They don’t understand and I just want to be left alone. No, No, No, get some help and some counseling. Suicide has become the number four killer in the world today all because people wouldn’t let others in. Talk about your problems with others, and Pray. God is listening but you don’t think so because God works through people and you won’t let people in. So in a sense you won’t let God in. Think about the word God ( Good Orderly Direction). The only way you will have good orderly direction in your life is if you let other people in and let them know what’s going on in your head. They truly want to help you if only you will let them.

Depression is worryingly common in adults. It can occur at three different levels: mild depression, moderate depression and severe depression. There are many tell-tale signs of this disorder, and the more a person is depressed, the more of these signs will be present in your behavior. Depression affects one in four women and one in 10 men at some point in their lives. Among its most common symptoms are persistent sadness, low energy, sleep disorders and appetite, and inability to take pleasure in pleasing activities. Depression is debilitating for the patient and agonizing for loved ones to watch. However, when this disorder is cleverly managed, the treatment is successful in about 90 percent of patients. This is accompanied by symptoms such as changes in sleep and appetite, loss of energy, loss of self-esteem, difficulty concentrating and preoccupation with death or suicide. In some cases, people become depressed irrationally convinced that something is happening terrible to them, such as poverty or fatal disease. The depressed person may withdraw from friends and family, and being unable to work. In children, depression may present as morbid preoccupation with death and dying. Children and adolescents sometimes experience bouts of helplessness, hopelessness and despair that are diagnosed as major depression.

Studies show that between 6 and 19% of the population will suffer from major depression at some point in their lives. Appears to be an “organic” disease in which the tendency to develop this condition can run in families, that depression can occur for no apparent reason and when the person has undergone significant changes in your life, and that misery can resolve with medication treatment alone, in some cases. Depression is a serious condition that can affect all areas of your life. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood involves a drop in mood in response to a specific stressful event. Bipolar disorder involves low mood similar periods of major depression, with periods of high or irritable mood as well. Depression can also occur as a biological reaction to certain physical illnesses (e.g. stroke affecting the left frontal brain, hypothyroidism, pancreatic cancer) or to chemical substances (e.g. alcohol, methamphetamine, anti ß-blockers -hypertensive). Although the symptoms are less intense than in major depression, dysthymic disorder lasts for years. Depression in adolescents can be difficult to detect because sulkiness, irritability, antisocial behavior, negativity and withdrawal often go hand in hand with the growth.

Causes of Adult Depression
1. Hormonal/physical changes.
2. Stroke.
3. Heart attack.
4. Traumatic Events.
5. Alcohol abuse.
6. Parkinson ’s disease.
7. Hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of adult depression
1. Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
2. Weight gain or loss.
3. Withdrawal of friends and family.
4. Feelings of uselessness or guilt.
5. Irritability.
6. Anger, anger, anxiety.
7. Lack of enthusiasm and motivation.
8. Agitation.

Treatment of Adult Depression
1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on the causes of depression and helps to change patterns of negative thinking.
2. Family therapy as an adjunct to individual therapy can address the patterns of communication
3. Creative expression through drama, art and music, is often a positive outcome for the strong emotions of adolescents.
4. Medication for depression should be used cautiously and only under careful supervision.
5. Group therapy is often very useful for adolescents because it decomposes the feeling of isolation that many adolescents experience

What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy entails a close relationship between a therapist and a client in structured, regular sessions with the purpose of treating emotional and behavioral symptoms, alleviating emotional discomfort, and improving overall mental health and adjustment. It may be administered in individual or in group therapy sessions. Therapists are credentialed, licensed professionals with specific training in psychotherapy. They usually adhere to one or another of some theoretical model of personality structure and dynamics. They follow ethical guidelines and are mandated to employ evidence-based procedures. The relationship between the therapist and the client is considered to be an important component of the treatment. Practitioners are typically psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Psychotherapy is usually differentiated from counseling which deals with practical, everyday situations but does not ordinarily attempt more intensive personality change. Psychotherapy may or may not be administered in conjunction with psychotropic medication.

When do I need psychotherapy? Psychotherapy has proven to be effective in treating a variety of psychiatric diagnoses and conditions such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, thinking disorders, and personality or character disorders. Conditions such as depression, generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias are often treated. Therapists may also be skilled in teaching social skills in conditions such as autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and mental retardation. Stress management, anger management, assertiveness training and parenting skills, are often addressed. Some therapists are specifically trained to do marriage and couples counseling

What are the different types of psychotherapy? Psychodynamically oriented therapies, including psychoanalysis, accept the importance of unconscious processes. Psychoanalysis, pioneered by Sigmund Freud at the turn of the century, requires intensive treatment, often three or four times a week, and use techniques of free association and dream interpretation. Other therapies may be less intense but are effective for specific problems. Humanistic approaches place faith in the healthy parts of personality and employ positive approaches to treatment, focusing less on pathology than on emotional growth. Cognitive-behavioral approaches, pioneered by Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck, focus upon correcting irrational thoughts that affect self-defeating emotional and behavioral responses.

How do I get psychotherapy? Your family doctor may help you decide if you need psychotherapy and should be able to make a referral. It may be helpful to call the local office of professional associations of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, or counselors, such as.The American Psychological Association, for a list of licensed practitioners. Therapists list themselves in the Yellow Pages of the telephone Directory but it is best to have a personal referral and to ensure that the person listed is licensed for what he or she provides.
Dr. Rosen is a doctoral level, licensed clinical psychologist. He has over 38 years experience in clinical work, teaching, research, writing, and administration.

Common Characteristics of Depression

Depression is our most common mental disorder. It afflicts an estimated 50 million Americans, 35 million of whom receive some form of treatment. All of us can be affected, regardless of age and social or economic status. Although it is generally assumed that the disorder is more prevalent among women than men, it may well be that men are equally affected, but that women are more likely to seek help.

Now and then, everyone feels down; differentiating normal sadness from clinical depression is sometimes difficult. In response to life circumstances–for example, the loss of a loved one or job, or an illness–all of us become sad, and some of us become depressed–a condition commonly referred to as reactive depression. Others, particularly people with a family history of depression, seem to have an inherited tendency for depression and may become depressed in the absence of obvious external distress or upset.

Diagnosis of Depression

The American Psychiatric Association has defined depression, in part, as “loss of interest or pleasure in all or almost all usual activities and pastimes”. As a clinical condition, depression is usually identified by the extent to which its symptoms interfere with normal functioning. In contrast, the feelings of melancholy that are a natural consequence of stressful or sorrowful life events are more transitory. Grief is dealt with more or less philosophically, the sense of self remains intact and the daily round of involvements is resumed.

Stressful circumstances that can result in depression may occur at any age from infancy through old age. Hereditary depression also may occur at any age, and it tends to recur. Very often, it alternates with periods of extreme euphoria–a condition often referred to as manic-depression.

In diagnosing depression, at least four of the following symptoms must be present most of the time for a minimum of two weeks (except in children under 6 years of age, in which case at least three of the first four must be noted):

(1) altered eating habits, manifested by marked increase or decrease in appetite and significant change in weight;

(2) insomnia or excessive sleepiness;

(3) hyperactivity or slowed movement;

(4) loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities or decrease in sexual drive;

(5) loss of energy or fatigue;

(6) feelings of worthlessness, guilt or self-reproach;

(7) reduced ability to concentrate or think, and

(8) recurrent thoughts of death or suicide or attempted suicide.

Some symptoms of depression, such as feelings of guilt or inadequacy, may be apparent only to the person experiencing them. But these feelings in turn bring about changes in attitudes and behavior that are noticeable to friends, family, colleagues: a withdrawal from the usual relationships; an inability to find pleasure in the normal joys of living; overreacting to the minor irritations of daily life; emotional instability and inexplicable mood swings; impaired concentration; crying spells, anxiety attacks and an increasing inability to get out of bed in the morning to face the day’s responsibilities.

Physical symptoms also may appear–insomnia, headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances and, in some cases, a change in appetite or sexual function.

A child of any age may be sending out signals for help in dealing with a depression when he or she complains of headaches and cramps with no physical cause; refuses to see friends; has raging tantrums for no reason; neglects schoolwork, and is self-destructive.

A transitory post-partum depression–also known as “after-the-baby blues”–is a common and normal condition that may affect both parents. However, if the new mother’s feelings of helplessness or entrapment and resentment persist to the point where she keeps losing sleep or is afraid to handle the baby because she thinks she might harm it, professional help is needed.

Depression may also manifest itself as a reaction–probably biochemical–to such infectious diseases as hepatitis, mononucleosis and tuberculosis. A number of drugs, particularly central nervous system depressants, or “downers,” especially alcohol and barbiturates among others, also may be responsible for feelings of depression.

Treatment of Depression

Some people with a genetic tendency to recurrent sieges of mild depression are able to deal with the problem without medication. They find relief in working at meaningful and productive tasks, in spending time with friends who enhance their self-esteem or in regularly scheduling strenuous exercise, which may be alternated with periods of relaxation or medication.

In many patients, antidepressant drugs along with or followed by counseling may be required. Most studies have shown that psychotherapy and medication are complementary and additive in value. The medication seems to affect the specific symptoms and the psychotherapy affects the problems of living. The most commonly prescribed types of drugs are:

Tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs work through the central nervous system to relieve the symptoms. Most take several days or even up to four to six weeks to have their full effect. Some tricyclic antidepressants are combined with anti-anxiety agents if anxiety is present.

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. These drugs block the action of an enzyme that aids in the breakdown of certain chemicals in the brain. They are faster acting than the tricyclic antidepressants, usually working within several days. People taking MAO inhibitors must be careful not to eat foods containing tyramine–for example, certain types of ripe cheese or red wine–because the combination may lead to dangerously elevated blood pressure. They should obtain a diet sheet from their physician with details of foods to be avoided.

Lithium salts. These are naturally occurring crystalline salts, used to treat manic depression, a disorder marked by extreme mood swings from exhilaration to deep depression. They may be given in combination with an anti-depressive drug during the acute phase, and then be taken alone to prevent the mood swings. The lithium dosage should be carefully monitored by a doctor, since even a slight overdose may have toxic effects.

Other non-drug treatments are also available, and may be recommended, depending upon the severity and duration of the depression.

Summing Up

Depression can be a serious illness that interferes with one’s ability to function and cope with life’s adversities. Fortunately, a number of effective treatments for depression have been developed, and most people now recognize that telling a depressed person to “buck up” is not likely to do any good. Most cases of depression improve within a few months of treatment. Even when symptoms continue beyond that time, they are likely to be sufficiently alleviated so that the patient can resume most normal activities; at the same time, he can learn how to avoid unnecessarily stressful situations and achieve an increasing level of equanimity through an individually prescribed combination of self-awareness, suitable medication and – where indicated–a program of counseling, psychotherapy or other treatments.

Depression is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans today. And with the current economic demise, it is no wonder why depression has become a common condition. And contrary to what has been always the case, it seems like depression cases in men are continuously growing as doctors give more attention to them than before. As a matter of fact, today, there are six million American males who are suffering from different stages of depression.

It is a traditional belief that depression is not common in men maybe because they are biologically stronger and less emotional than women. Strong, bold, and aggressive- this is how the society perceives them. Men seems to always carry the obligation to be vogue and invincible at any given circumstances. And it is for this reason perhaps that men tend to hide their condition rather than come out and ask for help.

There is a clear difference as to how depressed men and women express their depressive condition. While it is a natural trait for women to be more vocal and showy when it comes to their emotions, men see this as a sign of weakness and of being less of a man. If women get depressed, they pour their heart out through tears into someone, thereby relieving them from pain. Depressed men, on the other hand, handle stress and problem differently. They tend to hold back the tears and pretend to be alright. This, however, would only aggravate the situation.

Depressive men also resort to alcohol and drug abuse as their coping mechanism. This only makes the problem worse as it could results in addiction that can be a source of violence. Depressive men sometimes vent out their depression through anger. They become frustrated of not being able to help their selves out of the rust of depression. This anger is often expressed through violence that oftentimes make their loved ones suffer as well.

Early detection of the stages of depression plays a role in the effective treatment of this condition. Common signs of depression in men include lack of interest in normal activities that usually gives joy to them, development of eating disorders, fatigue, and development of sleeping problems. Depressive men tend to just lie in bed and lack the drive of getting up from bed. Lack of sexual drive also serves as an indicator of depression in men.

Depression is a mental illness that requires proper handling of emotion to help treat it. This may be the reason why most depressed men remains suffering from this condition since it is in this department that most men are weak. Getting out from depression may prove to be very hard especially to men who are naturally not as showy as women. But through proper medical guidance and help, emancipation from stages of depression is not impossible. As soon as this condition is diagnosed, it is crucial to go through several processes to determine your stage of depression for administration of proper treatments. Otherwise, the condition can be made worse.

Depression exhibits itself in varying forms. Depressive disorders are serious and symptoms should be regularly reported to a health care professional. Severe depression may require medication and/or therapy to be managed, but certain vitamins can help to reduce the intensity and frequency of some symptoms. Mild depression has similar symptoms to severe mood disorders, but they are generally less severe. Vitamins and supplements that combat the underlying causes of depression symptoms have been very effective in lessening and even reversing depression.

Mild depression is often characterized by anxiety, obsessive thoughts or actions, lack of interest in activities that the person used to enjoy, mood swings, and a general blue mood. Changes in your lifestyle, diet, relaxation practices, a regular amount of sleep, and supplementing with certain vitamins and minerals can improve the symptoms of mild depression and help you get your life back. Do some research about your specific symptoms and talk to your doctor before you buy vitamins and supplements.

It is important to keep in mind that vitamins and exercise may not solve all of your problems. Some neurological symptoms may be genetic and therapy and/or medication may be necessary to find relief. However, many vitamins work directly on the neurotransmitters that are affected by these genetic abnormalities and can still be an effective form of treatment. Work with your doctor or therapist because you should not try to combat depression alone. With that said, let’s take a look at which vitamins may be able to help you and why.

Vitamins, such as vitamin D, have proven very useful in combating depression. Vitamin D3 is the more active form of vitamin D and has proven to be helpful in treating mood disorders. Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies normally produce it when exposed to the sun. However, a lot of things can hinder our production of vitamin D and more people than ever are deficient, despite their sun exposure.

Inadequate levels of B vitamins can cause the nervous system to malfunction, causing many depression symptoms to worsen. B vitamin deficiencies also hinder red blood cell production and the delivery of oxygen to the brain, leading to depression and fatigue. Serotonin production is also hindered by low B vitamin levels. B vitamin deficiencies are most common in patients with severe psychiatric problems. The nervous system and serotonin levels are also hindered by a lack of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, iron, selenium, vitamin C, and folate.

Many vitamins and minerals have a role in maintaining a healthy mental state, but none so much as vitamin C. Vitamin C facilitates the production of acetylcholine, which has a calming effect on all of the body’s processes. It is also necessary for your body to make serotonin, which is used in regulating anxiety levels, as well as making it possible for you to get recuperative sleep. Vitamin C clears out toxins that affect neurological transmitters and that cause mass inflammation and oxidative stress. It protects all of your cells from damage and invasion, but particularly your brain tissues.

Discuss your symptoms with your doctor before you buy vitamins. A supplement regimen should start with the best vitamin C so that your body can properly synthesize the other vitamins and supplements that your doctor recommends.

How does your mental well-being during pregnancy affect delivery, recovery, and your newborn? A growing tide of prenatal-care practitioners are including well-beingness advice and counseling as part of their preventive care for pregnant women in an effort to stem postpartum complications, including depression. Not only does this help keep post-delivery healthcare costs down, but pre-delivery planning and realistic expectations help new moms cope with the joys and challenges of parenthood.

In the past decade, we’ve increasingly heard the term “Postpartum Depression” as a condition affecting some new mothers, and many medical professionals, including the American Medical Association (AMA), recognize this phenomenon as a valid condition warranting therapy often in the form of psychotropic medications. Is this really the safest route for new mothers to take?

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (February 12, 2002), approximately 1 out of 10 new mothers feels depressed, some seriously, and some have related symptoms within 6 months of childbirth, including sadness, tearfulness, irritability, or mood swings, known as “baby blues”. When these symptoms become more severe, such as emotional numbness or apathy, withdrawal from family or friends, intense worry or concern about the baby or lack thereof, fears of harming oneself or baby, it’s time to be proactive for the safety and welfare of both mother and baby.

“The jury’s still out on the safety of postpartum anti-depressant medications and I wouldn’t risk my baby on it”,

concedes Kay Krueger, founder of Peaceful Arrivals, an organization established to offer aid and counseling to pregnant women and new mothers.

“In fact, a growing number of health care professionals are turning to a more pragmatic approach in treating new mothers with postpartum depression.”

Kay agrees that the condition is real, but offers safe and practical solutions rather than a strict regime of antidepressant medication to combat the problems associated with postpartum depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 70% of new moms choose to breast feed their newborns, raising a valid argument against passing these anti-depressant medications to their babies via breast milk, especially when long-term effects are unknown.

Kay suggests,

“Above all, you want to keep the environment peaceful and secure for the newborn; and much of this begins with the prenatal environment. An agitated mom often means an agitated baby, and thus, the cycle continues. The irritations feed off of each other.”

Indeed, developing data suggests that the mother’s positive mental outlook during pregnancy can contribute greatly to her success in delivery, her postpartum wellness, and to the contentedness of her baby, which is why extra care and precaution should always be given to pregnant women in order to prevent injury or mental duress to her or her baby.

Many mothers also find themselves unprepared for the demands of a newborn, even if she already has children. “The more help you can solicit for at least the first few months, the better”, advises Kay. “I remind women over and over again that it will become easier, you will get a good night’s sleep again.” In the meantime, Kay recommends budgeting for and utilizing meal service professionals, grocery delivery, cleaning and laundry services, carpools and after-school activities for school-age children, and if affordable, at-home chiropractic or massage services for the over-stressed mother. “Showering and dressing every day are vital to a new mother’s self esteem and should be encouraged and supported”, adds Kay.

“Also, don’t hesitate to accept help from friends or relatives, even if it’s to allow the mother to take a much needed nap. Just as tired or sleepy children can begin to ’swirl’, so can the mother of a newborn, leaving her feeling a bit overwhelmed.”

Sleep and nutrition are a huge factor in a new mother’s wellness. A recent study authored by Signe Karen Dørheim, MD, PhD, a psychiatrist at Stavanger University Hospital in Stavanger, Norway, concluded that poor sleep is linked to postpartum depression independently of other risk factors including poor partner relationship, history of depression, depression during pregnancy, and stressful life events. The aspects of sleep most strongly associated with depression were sleep disturbances and subjective sleep quality. These finding come as no surprise to Kay; she and her staff report the number one complaint of postpartum women is tiredness and confusion due to lack of sleep.

“We all seem to forget how important the basic needs are,” reminds Kay. “This is especially true for new mothers learning to balance the demands of their infants with their own personal needs. New mothers are especially vulnerable to sleep and nutritional deficiencies on top of their already erratic hormonal adjustments. I remind new mothers to eat adequate amounts of high quality foods, continue taking their pre-natal supplements, especially the B complex vitamins (with their doctor’s approval, of course), and cope as best they can with the sleep interruptions until their babies begin to sleep for longer stretches.”

In fact, for many women, just knowing that their negative feelings are temporary and often part of the postpartum transition makes dealing with their emotions much more manageable. Many new mothers mistakenly assume that this is what the rest of their lives will be about. Fortunately, that’s rarely the case, and reassurances that these symptoms will improve over time go a long way in helping a new mom see that sleep and normalcy will return to her life. More tips from Kay: Keep your attention out, that is, avoid introversion. Meet with friends once a week for a little “grown-up” time. Go for a walk with the stroller being sure to look out as far as you can see and notice something new; or a take a drive in the car – babies love both of these activities, too. Getting some fresh air and expanding your space can do wonders when your world starts feeling too small.

“And, for goodness sakes, don’t try to compete with other mothers or live up to an arbitrary expectation! This is a special time for you and your baby – do everything you can to enjoy it!”

Stress is a normal response of the body when a person encounters a situation where anxiety and worries may result from the situation. This is considered normal until it reaches two weeks. However, when the condition persists for more than two weeks, the condition should be investigated if a simple stress has elevated to a depression. How do we recognize manage depression when it is discovered?

The symptoms of stress and depression are almost similar. The patient has feelings of moodiness, weight problems, headaches and sleeping problems when he is stress. However, when the condition is called depression, the focus of the condition is having the feelings of helplessness, low self-esteem or self-worth, self-loathing or self-guilt, loss of energy and the motivation to continue with his daily activities. Suicidal thoughts are a symptom of severe depression and should be taken seriously.

Rates of depression in women are twice as high as they are in men. This is due in part to hormonal factors. Before we are able to know how to manage depression, we should first understand the different types of depression.

Depression is extreme sadness and a recurring disorder. Some types of depression can be seasonal or can happen only during a specific period of time. Some of these are SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder and postpartum depression. SAD or commonly known as winter blues happens when sunlight is limited. This can be remedied with light therapy. On the other hand, postpartum depression is experienced by women who had just given birth. This condition often stays longer from weeks to months. Other types of depression are atypical depression and dysthymia, or dysthymic disorder is a mild depression that lasts for at least two years, sometimes called the double depression.

Depression can be treated with effective counseling so as to know the cause and how to manage depression. However, there are instances where counseling might not be enough so as the need for medication is suggested to speed up recovery.

Anti depression foods can also be helpful, especially if they are organic. Studies have found that organic foods do contain higher levels of nutrients than our regular grocery stores. Many authorities have explained depression as a serotonin deficiency. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that sends nervous system messages to the brain. It is thought that too low of serotonin in the body is one reason people feel depressed.

I know of no dietary sources of serotonin; however there are many anti depression foods that appear to help with depression and some may enhance serotonin.

One supplement that has been researched extensively and found to be helpful for the feelings of depression is magnesium. Magnesium is found in what may be considered anti depression foods like green leafy vegetables, seeds, beans and nuts like cashews and almonds. These are not the foods we tend to crave when we feel depressed.

The foods we tend to crave when we feel depressed are often the carbohydrates, things like breads, pasta and sweets. These foods have been thought to raise serotonin levels also. It could be why some people feel depressed when they are dieting and avoiding breads, pasta and sweets.

Other deficiencies that have been associated with depressed feelings are the B Vitamins. Vitamin B12 is found only in meats, fish and cheese. Vitamin B6 is found in seeds, beans, banana and nuts. B6 is necessary for the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin. Folic acid and biotin are two more B vitamins that have been shown to help with depression. We can get folic acid from green leafy vegetables, nuts and beans while biotin is found in cheese, soy, organ meats and brown rice. These appear to be anti depression foods as well.

Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy which can first manifest itself as depression. Long before we might have typical scurvy symptoms we may feel depressed. The most common place we get vitamin C is from citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit.

Iron, which we obtain from eating red meat, can also be a cause of depression when it is low. Potassium is another important mineral associated with depression. It is found in bananas, cantaloupe, apricots and raisins.

Eating healthy can be very important when it dealing with the symptom of depression. Eating potentially anti depression foods to support the nervous system as mentioned above could help.