A Rose Among Thorns
Depression and Suicide
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A Rose Among Thorns Depression and Suicide |
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Literature & Brochures on Depression & Suicide |
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Depression is a serious condition and should not be left untreated. The symptoms of
depression can range from moderate, to severe and, if ignored, can sometimes lead to
suicide.
You may ask yourself what is depression really? It is a chemical embalance inside the
brain. When the embalance occurs, the mind and body act in a way that is normally out
of character for that person.
Some of the side effects of depression can be classified as: constant crying bouts,
sleeplessness, irritability, constant mood swings, loss of interest in daily activities such as
bathing, cleaning the house, taking care of family, cooking, etc. Other systems to look for
in depression, is total seclusion from family and friends, loss of appetite, listlessness due
to a lack of energy, suicidal tendancies, and the worst: suicide. Sometimes it is
recommended that the severely depressed person be institutionalized until he/she is
restored and in a more stabile condition.
With each individual person, the sysmptoms are different, and only a professional
Psychiatrist can determine if a person is depressed. You should never try to diagnos
yourself or a loved one.
Depression is one of the hardest diseases to cope with and to understand. There is no
cure for the disease. Nor is the treatment of the disease an easy one. Each person must
be treated on an individual level. I thorough assessment must be done by a professional,
who then will prescribe medication or medications based upon his diagnosis. Counseling
by a psychologist is often recommended in addition to the medication in order to get to
the root cause of the depression.
Depression can come in cycles. The cycles can last from days, to weeks, months, or even
years. A depressed person should be constantly in the care of a psychiatrists. At any time
the meds a person has been prescribed can become ineffective. This can have devistating
effects on the person and his/her family. It is recommended to know the signs and
symptoms of depression and when they occur, seek medical attention immediately before
the episode escalates out of control.
Depression is hard for family and friends of a depressed person. They cannot understand
what goes on inside the mind of the depressed. Depression is incurable. But it is
treatable. The first step is understanding the signs and symptoms. There are many times
a person is in a state of denial, making excuses for their depression, thinking it will soon
go away. But it doesnt. It is always there. I suggest going to the library or the bookstore
and finding books on depression and learning everything there is to know. Depression is
no laughing matter..
It can destroy homes and families. It can destroy the best of friendships. Chaos can
easily become the norm instead of an occasional outburst or raging episode.
aroseamongthorns2005@yahoo.com by: Jesse S. Somer
Depression: The way out could be in changing the way you perceive the world around you.
There is an illness all around me in modern society that seems to be spreading like the Black Plague once did in Europe
so long ago. It's called depression, have you heard of it? Has it affected you? The more I look, the more I see it in so many
people in my life, including myself. Depression sucks. It's a real drag, and I mean real drag. It is different from the feelings
of unhappiness that all humans have to deal with in their lives. It is being in a solitary prison where you are the only one
who can see the walls; you are the jailor, the guard, and the prisoner all rolled into one. Sounds like fun huh? Well, we
better become more aware of it because there are certain aspects of contemporary life that are causing more and more souls
to lock themselves up, some believing that they have no hope of ever finding the key out.
If you look up depression on the Internet through a Google search query you will find a lot of different ways and means
to manage or treat the problem. There are Eastern and Western approaches, psychological and spiritual; today there are 15,400,000
links about the subject. It seems to be on everybody's mind and yet we don't give it the general social awareness that we
do for other illnesses. This is probably because there are so many stigmas around faults with the human mind. Broken bones
and cancer we can understand or at least think we do; but we touch on a soft spot when we find a problem with that infinitely
complex, helpful, magical device we call the brain.
Recently I went to a public talk by a world famous Psychologist named Dorothy Rowe who was selling her new book, 'Depression:
The way out of your prison". I'm not going to tell you that she has all the answers, but I did like the different approach
that she took to the illness. She's not against modern medication, but she feels that it can be only part of the solution.
Of course there are types of intense clinical depression that need certain chemicals to rebalance the brain to a 'normal'
working order, but for all depression she feels that the focus could be shifted from a management to a prevention paradigm.
Dr Rowe focuses on the assertion that depression comes when one's structure of interpreting the world around you has been
affected by some deeply negative occurrences (usually in one's youth). Her theory suggests that if a certain event happens
to one hundred people, they will all probably interpret the experience in an individual, different way; the perceived 'reality'
having been a resulting construct from one's life experiences. For example: Let's say you get fired from your job. Just about
everyone is going to feel a general unhappiness and grieve over the subsequent period. However, many people have built positive,
optimistic ways of seeing life and will just go on and feel as though the layoff was another necessary step or a momentary
setback on the way to their life's goals and dreams. "Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger." is a common sentiment
from this type of personality.
However, a person who is prone to perceiving the world around them as threatening and dangerous (maybe their parents never
gave them positive affirmations as a child, or even put them down emotionally) may believe that the loss of this job is a
relative 'destruction' of their world, their safety, their confidence. This is where the illness of depression can dig its
sharp teeth in. This is a pretty mellow analogy; in reality some people have gone through hellish childhoods filled with abuse,
neglect and addiction. When this type of person then has to deal with the loss of a loved one or relationship break-up, you
can imagine that they would be much more prone to perceiving the experience as deeply negative. Dr. Rowe believes that these
constructed structures of perceiving what happens to you can be altered, thus giving rise to a new way of seeing reality.
The main idea is based around the idea that we must learn to change the ways in which we see ourselves.
If we can learn to accept ourselves with all our faults and imperfections, and realize that if we are doing our best to
be a loving and giving person everyday, then we can see ourselves as being worthy, and that all is well. Then if someone else
treats us badly, ignores us, or says we aren't good enough, we can know and acknowledge that they are the person with the
problem and that we don't necessarily need their affirmation or acceptance. We can then wait for positive people to come into
our lives, as like attracts like. Soon enough we will find that there is a group of people that will stand by our side and
support us when things get bad because we do the same for ourselves and for them.
One of the most powerful insights I had from this experience was the sheer number of people in the room for Dr. Rowe's
speech. Each and every one had been or known someone close who had been depressed at one time in their life, thinking that
they were completely alone in the world. When you see a big group of people together whom have all felt alone, you might just
see into the true paradox of reality? If everyone who got depressed realized that it is a common occurrence, and connected
to others in similar cases, it definitely could be a step towards healing. Could the Internet take a leading role in this
process?
This article was posted on February 17, 2005
About The Author
Jesse S. Somer Food, Anxiety and Depression
by: Margaret Paul, Ph.D.
In our current society, there are many factors that can cause or contribute to anxiety and depression. Certainly money
and work problems, relationship and family issues, as well as illness and loss of loved ones are major contributors to anxiety
and depression. Also, how we feel about ourselves and treat ourselves contribute greatly to how we feel. Even in the worst
of times, if we are treating ourselves with compassion instead of self-judgment, we may be able to manage big challenges without
anxiety or depression. In addition, being able to turn to an inner source of spiritual guidance and comfort is vital to weathering
the hard times.
Food is another major factor that greatly affects how we feel. Most people don’t really notice that what they put
into their bodies affects how they feel. They might know that if they “sugar out” they may crash emotionally,
or if they drink too much they will feel hung over, but they are often unaware of how other foods may be creating anxiety
and depression. In the over 35 years that I’ve been a counselor, I have frequently encountered individuals whose anxiety
and depression completely cleared up by tuning into how food was affecting them.
For example, Marnie discovered that dairy, wheat and sugar kept her up at night. She would wake up at around 3:00 in the
morning with intense anxiety, and would be tired and depressed the next day. By experimenting around and cutting out different
foods, she discovered that she slept fine when she stopped eating dairy, wheat and sugar. All her nighttime anxiety vanished
and she was no longer tired and depressed.
Joel discovered that his sleeplessness and resulting depression was a direct result of caffeine from coffee, tea, chocolate
and soft drinks. He had not realized how much caffeine he was actually consuming until I suggested that he cut out all caffeine
and see what happened to his sleep. After a week of headaches from caffeine withdrawal, he was sleeping soundly for the first
time in years and no longer felt depressed.
Adrienne discovered that her feelings of anxiety and depression, that had been with her most of her life, disappeared after
she started eating only organic foods. Her system was so sensitive to the pesticides and food additives in non-organic food
that she could not eat them without feeling anxious and depressed.
Alex, who periodically struggled with depression, inadvertently discovered that drinking raw milk from an organic dairy
had a completely different effect on him than pasteurized milk. He was visiting Los Angeles and went into a health food store
where he discovered that he could buy raw dairy products (which are outlawed in most other states). He found that the raw
milk gave him more energy and elevated his mood. He also found that, while he was lactose intolerant with pasteurized milk,
he had no problems with raw milk. Now he has his raw milk, cheese, and butter shipped frozen to Wyoming, and no longer struggles
with depression.
Over and over again my clients, who have chosen to tune into how food was affecting them, have discovered how much their
feelings were being affected by food. Many of my clients have learned that even a little sugar brings them down. Sugar consumes
so many vital nutrients as the body attempts to process it that it can actually be considered a poison. How many people really
take “Sugar Blues” seriously?
A hundred years ago, when people naturally ate non-processed and organically grown food, they were getting all the nutrients
they needed. Now, most fruits, vegetables and grains are being grown on devitalized soil and over-processed on top of it.
Cows and sheep that were once grass fed are being fed pesticide-sprayed grains and given hormones to fatten them up. As a
result, much of our food not only contains little nutrients, but has many toxins as well. Without the vitamins, minerals,
and many other factors that natural, organic and grass-fed food contains, many people suffer deficiencies that can cause anxiety
and depression, as well a many other illnesses.
I recently found out that the fat of raw organic dairy products, especially butter, contains natural anti-inflammatory
nutrients. I wonder if the huge rise in arthritis and other inflammatory conditions is related to the pasteurizing of milk.
Any inflammatory condition can certainly contribute to anxiety and depression.
Food is certainly a major factor in the rise of anxiety, depression and illness. Only you can do something about this by
learning how you are being affected by the foods you eat.
This article was posted on February 21, 2005
About The Author
Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is the best-selling author and co-author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be
Loved By You?" and “Healing Your Aloneness.” She is the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process.
Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course:
Prevention of Depression : Stop Your Depression Before It Starts
by: Teena Jain
Until we can find out for certain what chemical changes occur when someone becomes depressed, and find out what triggers
them, we will not even begin to be able to discover whether one can prevent depression. As with a tendency towards anxiety,
it does appear that some people are more inclined to become depressed than others. We cannot say, however, that anyone has
actually prevent depression until we are able to expose people to its causes and observe their minds and bodies resisting
it as a result of some kind of preventive action. Nevertheless, if we consider what depressed people regard as the causes
of their illness, it may offer some guidance as to possible preventative measures.
What are the ways for the Prevention of Depression?
Prevention of Depression -through the way we think: We already know that two people can experience identical events and
yet one may become depressed as a result whereas the other does not. The only difference between them is the way in which
they think about what has happened and how it affects them. The way we think affects the way our body behaves and this inturn
influences the way we feel.
Depression Prevention - through the balance theory: Whether it is treated or not, depression seems to disappear quite suddenly.
It may take weeks or over a year, but it happens. It may come back if the conditions which caused it are repeated, but it
seems that the body adjusts itself to the imbalance in the system and rights itself - untill the next time.
Prevention of Depression -through the state-dependent theory: It has been found that we remember incidents according to
the way we felt at the time. This is called state dependent memory, and it means we do not remember the past in neutral terms,
seeing both sides of any situation. The rule is therefore to try and allow yourself to see something positive in everything.
If you find something positive in even the worst that befalls you, then you have cracked it!
Depression Prevention -through the acceptance theory: We only have the power to control our own thoughts and actions. No
matter how much we try and control others, we cannot. We must accept other people just as they are; it is upto them to change
themselves if they want to. Nobody has the right to control another. The only possible exception to this is a parent's right
to hold control of a child in trust untill that child is able to take over. What we have to learn is acceptance.
This article was posted on April 04, 2005
About The Author
Teena Jain, content author and editor
She has been constantly doing quantitative and qualitative research on depression and related mental disorders.
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Major Depression and Manic-Depression — Any difference?
by: Michael G. Rayel, MD
Countless number of patients and their family members have asked me about manic–depression and major depression.
“Is there any difference?” “Are they one and the same?” “Is the treatment the same?” And
so on. Each time I encounter a chorus of questions like these, I am enthused to provide answers.
You know why? Because the difference between these two disorders is enormous. The difference does not lie on clinical presentation
alone. The treatment of these two disorders is significantly distinct. Let me begin by describing major depression (officially
called major depressive disorder). Major depression is a primary psychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of either
a depressed mood or lack of interest to do usual activities occurring on a daily basis for at least two weeks. Just like other
disorders, this illness has associated features such as impairment in energy, appetite, sleep, concentration, and desire to
have sex.
In addition, patients afflicted with this disorder also suffer from feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. Tearfulness
or crying episodes and irritability are not uncommon. If left untreated, patients get worse. They become socially withdrawn
and can’t go to work. Moreover, about 15% of depressed patients become suicidal and occasionally, homicidal. Other patients
develop psychosis—hearing voices (hallucinations) or having false beliefs (delusions) that people are out to get them.
What about manic-depression or bipolar disorder?
Manic-depression is a type of primary psychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of major depression (as described
above) and episodes of mania that last for at least a week. When mania is present, patients show signs opposite of clinical
depression. During the episode, patients show significant euphoria or extreme irritability. In addition, patients become talkative
and loud.
Moreover, this type of patients doesn’t need a lot of sleep. At night, they are very busy making phone calls, cleaning
the house, and starting new projects. Despite apparent lack of sleep, they are still very energetic in the morning —
ready to establish new business endeavors. Because they believe that they have special powers, they involve in unreasonable
business deals and unrealistic personal projects. They also become hypersexual — wanting to have sex several times a
day. One–night stands can happen resulting in marital conflict. Like depressed patients, manic patients develop delusions
(false beliefs). I know a manic patient who thinks that he is the “Chosen One.” Another patient claims that the
President of USA and the Prime Minister of Canada ask for her advice.
So the big difference between the two is the presence of mania. This manic episode has treatment implications. In fact
the treatment of these disorders is completely different. While major depression needs antidepressant, manic-depression requires
a mood stabilizer such as lithium and valproic acid. Recently, new antipsychotics, for example risperidone, olanzapine, and
quetiapine, have been shown to be effective for acute mania.
In general, giving an antidepressant to manic–depressed patients can make their condition worse because this medication
can precipitate a switch to manic episode. Although there are some exceptions to the rule (extreme depression, lack of response
to mood stabilizers, among others), it is preferable to avoid antidepressants among bipolar patients. When considering the
use of antidepressant in a depressed bipolar patient, clinicians should combine the medication with a mood stabilizer and
should use an antidepressant (e.g. bupropion) that has a low tendency to cause a switch to mania.
This article was posted on March 16, 2004
About The Author
Copyright © 2004. All rights reserved. Dr. Michael G. Rayel – author (First Aid to Mental Illness–Finalist,
Reader’s Preference Choice Award 2002), speaker, workshop leader, and psychiatrist. Dr. Rayel pioneers the CARE Approach
as first aid for mental health. To receive free newsletter, visit
The Black Cloud Of Depression
by: Jane Kriese
Depression is defined as “low spirits, gloominess, dejection and sadness.”
Depression affects your whole body, physically and mentally. It affects the way you eat, sleep, feel about yourself and
your actions towards yourself and others.
There are many types and degrees of depression, all with different symptoms. The symptoms include; chronic fatigue, sleep
disturbance, change in appetite, backache, digestive disorder, restlessness, irritability, quick to anger, loss of interest
or pleasure in your favorite pastimes, feelings of worthlessness and some people even think of death and consider suicide.
The causes of depression are not fully understood but it can be triggered by tension, stress, trauma in your life, chemical
imbalance, thyroid disorder, burn out, hypoglycemia, nutritional deficiencies, poor diet, high consumption of sugar, mononucleosis,
endometriosis, allergies (especially food allergies), lack of exercise and negative thinking.
Have you noticed that many of the causes of depression are the same as other lifestyle diseases? This information tells
you that depression is curable. It also means that you have to change your lifestyle. You need to re-evaluate your life and
make the necessary changes. Be gentle with yourself; start slowly. My first suggestion is to visit www.herbs4health.net and
print off the free E-Book “9 Steps To A Healthy, Vibrant Body”. Pay close attention to Step One and Step Two.
Find out the condition of your body and this way you will know what health problems you are facing. Test your Thyroid,
if you have hypothyroidism you can usually stimulate the thyroid by taking a herbal remedy containing kelp. A body that is
deficient of vitamins and minerals will feel very tired and sluggish. Start taking calcium/magnesium and a vitamin/mineral
combination on a daily basis. The herb St. John's Wort has been very helpful in treating people who have suffered from depression.
Be sure these products are liquid, plant extract. Liquid extracts will assimilate in your body in a few minutes. This way
your body receives good nutrients and will no longer suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
Examine your life style: Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating healthy foods? Are you living a fairly stress free
life? Are you getting enough exercise? If you have answered 'no'... to any of these questions, that is O.K.. You know this
now and you can start to make changes slowly. You did not get sick overnight, give your self time to heal your body. To start
your get well program make one small change at a time, try giving up sugar or caffeine. You choose the change but remember
you need to start somewhere, just one small step at a time.
Examine the emotional issues in your life. Are you angry about issues from your childhood or family? Do you have other
problem relationships in your life? Do you have problems with your career? Are there other parts of your life that aren't
working for you? Do you concentrate on what is wrong in your life? If you have answered 'yes' ... to any of these questions
that is O.K. There is help.
At this time you are probably feeling overwhelmed.... don't! think of this as a small step program. One of the first steps
you can take for emotional issues is to start a gratitude journal. Each day write down things you are grateful to have in
your life. Maybe it was only the blue sky today, but tomorrow your list could grow to five things and soon you will fill a
page.
Don't try to do this by yourself - if you have been depressed for more than a couple months this could be bigger than you
are able to handle by yourself. Seek professional help. You can also join a 12 Step program - there is a great program called
“Emotions Anonymous” and this program is available in many communities in Canada and the U.S.A. Check your yellow
pages for a program near you.
Do you have issues with alcohol or drugs? If you said 'yes'... seek professional help.(Most people who are struggling with
addictions are also depressed) You can not cure yourself.
Are you contemplating your death? If you said 'yes'... put this paper down immediately, phone a person you trust and ask
for their assistance. Seek professional help immediately.
At this point I have to confess, I have suffered from depression, it was not a fun time in my life but with counseling,
changes in my life style and herbal products, I was able to rebuild my body, my mind and my spirit. Today I am happier and
healthier than I have ever been in my whole life. You too can over come this disease and live a healthy, vibrant life. © 2005
Jane Kriese janes-store@telus.net Would you like to have a Healthy Vibrant Body? To learn more, sign up for Jane Kriese's
Herbs For Health Newsletter and receive you free (life changing ) “Alkalinity Testing Kit”. visit: www.herbs4health.net
This article was posted on March 03, 2005
About The Author
Jane Kriese - I am the web master for the site, www.herbsforhealthstore.biz, . My passion is the holistic world. I love
to study, and write articles, about holistic cures for life style diseases. It is exciting to educate people, and watch as
they change their life style by, introducing holistic products, and new habits, into their life. Many of these people have
healed their bodies. The holistic world is full of hope and joy, and I believe with effort we can have a healthy vibrant body.
http://www.herbsforhealthstore.biz The Fuel of Stress, Anxiety and Depression
by: Chris Green
In the 21st Century, it is predicted that stress and stress related illnesses such as depression and anxiety will become
the biggest killers. Despite significant advances in housing, standards of living, quality of food, and medical science, the
pressures all of us have to face in today’s world are as demanding as any pressures experienced by our predecessors.
Why are these illnesses on the rise? And why do some people become so ill through these illnesses, they can find it hard to
function?
Well they sure don’t happen overnight! You don’t suddenly wake up one morning and feel stressed or depressed.
It’s not like flicking on a light switch! And by the same rule, if you’re suffering, you can’t just wake
up one morning, flick off the switch and say “Great, I’m better now.” Many people who don’t suffer
from these illnesses often say to sufferers: “Come on, snap out of it.”
If only it was so easy! Should anyone say this to you, please forgive them as it’s just a lack of understanding.
It’s very hard for people to understand how you’re feeling if they haven’t been there.
The fact that these illnesses don’t suddenly happen means we can draw some parallels with illnesses such as heart
diseases, some cancers and strokes.
Because these illnesses don’t just suddenly happen either. If we look at heart disease, it’s often the result
of damaging behaviors practised over many years. Behaviors such as smoking, lack of exercise and a diet high in saturated
fat. Strokes are a result of similar behaviors and cancers too, particularly heavy smoking and drinking as you know. So how
do stressful illnesses such as stress, depression and anxiety compare?
Stress is also the product of harmful mental habits and behaviors. These habits and behaviors are developed and practised
over years – since childhood in most cases. These are the mental processes that enable us to make sense of our lives
and the circumstances we’re faced with. When we reach adulthood, we perform them automatically because we’ve learned
these behaviors by repetition.
Think of it like learning to drive a car. Initially, the skills required to control the vehicle needed conscious thought.
It seemed really difficult didn’t it? But once we’ve performed them for sufficient periods, we drive on auto-pilot.
We’ve mastered the required skills by repetition. Here’s the key: if we eat healthy food, take regular exercise,
cut out harmful behaviors such as smoking and drinking, we improve our health and drastically reduce the risk of heart disease,
cancer and strokes. We are repeating good habits, habits that will give our physical well being a huge boost.
It’s exactly the same for stress. What’s important to understand is that not everyone becomes stressed or depressed
– even when tragic and traumatic circumstances happen to them. Just like people who lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid
harmful habits and behaviors, people don’t become stressed or depressed because they have learned effective habits and
behaviors that prevent stress from arising.
This is very good news if you suffer from these illnesses. Because just as we can learn habits and behaviors which cause
us to become highly-stressed, depressed or anxious, we can learn the habits and behaviors which stop these terrible illnesses
in their tracks. And the more often we make use of them, we’ll soon begin to perform them automatically and our mental
health will benefit enormously. No more feeling stressed out. No more feeling unable to cope. No more anxiety and no more
depression. EVER.
I’m living proof of this. For 5 years, a series of traumatic events sent me spiralling into an anxiety-induced depression
nightmare. I came out of it by learning the natural skills that starve these illnesses. The more I used them, the less anxious
I became. They’re now as natural to me as driving a car, and I’ve completely eradicated anxiety and depression
from my life.
You can do it too.
This article was posted on March 31, 2005
About The Author
Chris Green is the author of the new book “Conquering Stress”, a special program which will show you how to
conquer stressful illnesses such as depression, anxiety, panic and worry permanently and without taking powerful drugs. You
can learn more about this new book and purchase it at
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