homesanctuary

Mind & Spirit

practices of yoga

breathing exercises

positive thinking

Physical fitness

strength training

cardio exercises

Diet & Nutrition

Recommended Diet

Food for thought

The Silent Diease A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things.A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
Symptoms of Depression
Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down" Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions.	Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts Restlessness, irritability Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping. .
The treatment of depression
Its is twofold, namely, psychopharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. The former consists of medicines called "antidepressant medication". Over the years, a host of antidepressant medications have become available. The oldest ones are the series of tricyclic antidepressants and the newer ones consist of the SSRIs, Prozac, Paxil and many others. Unlike common belief, antidepressant medicines	are non-addictive and safe, if used as prescribed.The antidepressants help to restore the balance of the neurotransmitters in the brain and relieve the vegetative symptoms of depression. Psychotherapy targets resolution of coexisting life problems, and helps one to gain a better understanding of one's self. This can enable one to develop better coping mechanisms.

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