4Feb

How To Cure Depression

Being depressed can be challenging. It’s simple to feel despondent and question whether you’ll always feel this way. It would be wonderful if it would just… vanish. Unfortunately, it doesn’t truly work that way, but that doesn’t mean you have to continue feeling this way.

You can start feeling better right away by using these suggestions-

Exercise:

 Endorphins, which are feel-good compounds, are momentarily increased. People with depression might potentially benefit over the long run from it. Cook claims that regular exercise appears to assist the brain to positively remodel itself.

What level of workout is required? To receive a benefit, you don’t have to run marathons. Even just a few weekly walks can be beneficial.

Get Adequate Rest:

Sleep deprivation can make it difficult to obtain enough rest, and inadequate sleep can exacerbate depression.

How can you help? Make some lifestyle adjustments to start. Every day, go to bed and rise at the same hour. Avoid taking a sleep. Remove any sources of distractions from your bedroom, including the computer and TV. Your sleep may get better over time.

Adopt A Schedule:

According to Dr. Ian Cook, you need a routine if you’re depressed. He is a doctor who also oversees UCLA’s Depression Research and Clinic Program.

Your life may become more ad hoc due to depression. The days blend into one another. An easy daily routine can assist you in getting back on track.

Eat Healthily:

There isn’t magic food that will make you happy again. But you should keep an eye on your diet. Gaining control over your eating will improve your mood if depression causes you to overeat.

Cook says there is evidence that eating foods high in folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, such as spinach and avocado, may help treat depression, however, nothing is conclusive.

Depression Symptoms

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Clear Goals:

When you’re depressed, you might think there’s nothing you can do. You start to feel worse about yourself as a result. Make daily goals for yourself in order to push back.

Start off modest, advises Cook. “Set a realistic goal for yourself, like doing the dishes every other day.”

You can increase the difficulty of your daily goals as you begin to feel better.

Challenge Your Negative Thinking:

Changing your thought process is a big part of the battle against depression. When you’re depressed, you automatically draw the worst conclusions.

Use logic as a natural depression cure the next time you’re having a bad self-esteem moment. Even if you could think no one likes you, is there any solid proof of that? Even if you may feel like the most worthless person on the earth, is it truly the case? You can eventually stop those negative thoughts before they spiral out of control with practice.

Try New Things:

You’re stuck in a rut when you’re depressed. Encourage yourself to try something new. Visit a gallery. Read a worn book while sitting on a park seat. Participate in a soup kitchen. Attend a language course.

There are molecular changes in the brain when we push ourselves to do something different, according to Cook. Dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter connected to pleasure, enjoyment, and learning, is altered when we try something new.

Assume Responsibility:

When you’re depressed, you might wish to withdraw from society and abdicate your duties at work and home. Don’t. Maintaining an active lifestyle and taking on regular duties will help you fight depression. They help you feel grounded and accomplished.

It’s okay if you can’t handle full-time employment or education. Consider working part-time. If that seems excessive, think about volunteering.

Have Fun As Much As Possible:

Make time for your favorite hobbies if you’re feeling down. What if there is no longer any enjoyment? Cook states, “That’s just a symptom of depression.” Regardless, you must continue to attempt.

You have to put effort into having enjoyment, as weird as it may sound. Even if they seem like a chore, schedule activities you formerly enjoyed. Continue to see movies. Continue having supper out with pals.

Have Fun

 

3Feb

What Is OCD? (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

The mental disease known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts or sensations (obsessions) or the impulse to do certain repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions are both common in some people.

OCD is not characterized by behaviors like nail-biting or pessimistic thinking. A compulsive habit might be washing your hands seven times after touching something that might be dirty, whereas an obsession might be the idea that particular numbers or colors are “good” or “bad.” You may not want to think or act in these ways, but you feel unable to stop.

Everyone occasionally has repetitive habits or thoughts. OCD patients may have or do the following:

  • Interfere with your social life, your job, or another aspect of your life
  • At least one hour each day
  • Aren’t entertaining
  • Are not under your control

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Compulsions and Obsessions

Many OCD sufferers are aware that their thoughts and behaviors are absurd. They perform them because they are unable to stop, not because they like doing so. And if they quit, they feel terrible and restart.

Obsessive ideas might consist of:

  • Fear of harming yourself or others
  • Constant attention to body sensations like breathing, blinking, or other body functions
  • Suspicion of infidelity in a relationship but no solid evidence to support it

Among compulsive behaviors are:

  • Completing things in a predetermined order or a predetermined number of “excellent” times each time
  • Counting objects, such as steps or bottles
  • Fear of shaking hands, using public restrooms, or touching doorknobs

Types and Symptoms of OCD

OCD can take many different forms, however, the majority of instances fit into at least one of four broad categories:

  • Having a mental illness such as pregnancy or schizophrenia, or checking things like locks, alarm systems, ovens, or light switches
  • Contamination, apprehension about potentially dirty objects, or a need to clean. You could get mental contamination if you experience being treated rudely.
  • Order and symmetry, the requirement that objects be arranged in a specific manner
  • Invasive musings, and a preoccupation with a particular idea. These ideas might include some violent or unsettling ones.

Diagnosis Of OCD

To confirm that something else isn’t causing your symptoms, your doctor may perform a physical examination and blood testing. They will also discuss your emotions, ideas, and routines with you.

Causes and Risk Factors for OCD

Doctors are unsure about the cause of OCD in some patients. Stress might exacerbate symptoms.

A little more women than males experience it. Teenagers or young adults frequently have symptoms.

OCD risk elements consist of:

  • OCD in a parent, sibling, or child
  • Physical variations in specific brain regions
  • Tics, depression, or anxiety
  • Knowledge of trauma
  • An earlier history of physical or sexual abuse

A youngster may occasionally develop OCD as a result of a streptococcal infection. Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, or PANDAS, is the name given to this condition.

OCD Therapy

OCD cannot be cured. But with the help of medication, therapy, or a combination of treatments, you might be able to control how your symptoms interfere with your life.

Treatments include:

Psychotherapy: Your thought patterns may be changed with cognitive behavioral therapy. Your doctor will place you in an environment intended to induce anxiety or trigger compulsions as part of a technique known as exposure and response prevention. You’ll discover how to reduce, then stop, your OCD thoughts or behaviors.
Relaxation: Simple practices like yoga, massage, and meditation can ease the symptoms of anxious OCD.

Medication: Selected serotonin reuptake inhibitors are psychiatric medications that assist many people to manage their obsessions and compulsions. Starting to function could take two to four months. Escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline are examples of common ones (Zoloft). Your doctor may prescribe antipsychotic medications such as aripiprazole (Abilify) or risperidone if you continue to experience symptoms (Risperdal).

 

2Feb

How To Overcome Depression?

You can’t just will yourself to “snap out of it” when you’re depressed. But these coping mechanisms can assist you in overcoming depression and starting your road to recovery.

Why Is Overcoming Depression So Challenging?

Depression saps your motivation, hope, and vitality, making it challenging to perform the actions that will improve your mood. Sometimes it might be difficult or stressful to even think about doing the things you should do to feel better, like exercising or hanging out with friends.

The Catch-22 of depression recovery is as follows: The most difficult things to undertake are also the things that help the most. However, there is a significant distinction between something being difficult and something being impossible. Even if your depression is severe and stubbornly persistent, you have more control than you may know. Recovery from depression is neither quick nor easy. Starting small and expanding from there is the key. Even though you might not have much energy, if you use all of your reserves, you should be able to do things like go for a walk around the block or pick up the phone to call a loved one.

The hardest step is always the first one. But you can do things right now, like taking a stroll or getting up and dancing to your favorite tunes. And it can significantly improve your mood and energy for several hours—long enough to implement a second recovery step, like making a meal that will make you feel better or making plans to see an old friend. The following modest but effective methods should help you gradually lift the heavy depression-induced cloud and experience happier, healthier, and more hopeful feelings once more.

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The following actions can help you feel better. They might be small, but they have a big impact:

Exercise: Every day, go for a 15–30 minute brisk walk. Or you could dance, engage in sports, stretch, or practice yoga. People who are depressed might not feel particularly motivated to exercise. Convince yourself to do it nevertheless. Ask a friend to work out with you if you need some motivation. Any action that you start increases your mood. Persist in it.

Describe Yourself: Your sense of humor and creativity may seem to be restricted if you’re depressed. However, engaging in activities that inspire creativity might be beneficial. Draw, sketch, or paint. Cook, bake or sew. Create music, dance, or write. Talk to a friend or engage in animal play. Look for anything to chuckle at. watch a humorous film. Do enjoyable stuff. even slightly That facilitates recovery from depression.

Consume Nutritious Foods And Get Enough Water: Some people who are depressed don’t feel very hungry. Some people might eat too much. But your energy and attitude can be impacted by what you consume. In order to avoid depression, you must eat well. That implies plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains for the majority of individuals. Limit meals like “junk” cuisine and desserts that have added sugar as well as basic carbs. Avoid fasting for an extended period of time. Eat a light, healthful meal even if you don’t feel hungry. Additionally, remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. When possible, stay away from sugary and caffeinated drinks.

Observe The Positives: The perception of the world is impacted by depression. The situation may appear bleak, gloomy, and hopeless. Set a goal to focus on 3 positive things each day in order to change your perspective. The more positive things you notice, the more positive things you will notice.

Don’t Linger On Issues: Talking through a difficulty with a supportive buddy might feel nice. However, sadness can make people overly critical, accusatory, and problem-focused. It can help you remain aware of what is wrong.

It’s acceptable to discuss your ideas and emotions with caring others. But avoid talking only about your concerns. Discuss some positive things as well. Consider changing your negative thoughts to more optimistic ones. Your mood may improve as a result of this.

Most importantly, be compassionate and nice to yourself if you’re experiencing depression. Knowing you’re not alone in your struggles might be comforting. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Healing from depression takes time.

1Feb

Autism Symptoms

by Sakshi Arora
       

Autism Symptoms

Variations in the brain bring on developmental impairment known as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with ASD may struggle with confined or repetitive activities or interests, as well as social communication and engagement. Additionally, people with ASD may learn, move, or pay attention in various ways. It is crucial to remember that some individuals without ASD may also experience some of these symptoms. However, these traits can make life very difficult for those with ASD.

Behaviors Or Interests That Are Restricted Or Repetitive

People with ASD can exhibit peculiar habits or hobbies. ASD differs from conditions only characterized by issues with social interaction and communication by virtue of these behaviors or interests.

Examples of restricted or repetitive ASD-related activities and interests include

  • Child playing on the carpet with toy blocks in close-up.
  • Sets toys or other items in a line and becomes irate if the order is changed.
  • Repeatedly uses the exact words or phrases (called echolalia)
  • Uses the same playstyle with toys every time.
  • Is concentrated on object components (for example, wheels)
    upset by even little changes
  • Possesses obsessions
  • Must adhere to specified procedures
  • flapping hands, rocking the body, or circling oneself
  • demonstrates unique reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, sights, or feelings

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Social Interaction and Communication Skills

For those with ASD, developing social communication and interpersonal skills might be difficult.

Examples of social interaction and communication traits connected to ASD include

  • Eschews or breaks eye contact
  • Does not respond to name by the age of nine months
  • Does not display joyful, sad, angry, or astonished facial expressions
  • By the age of nine months.
  • Not engaging in simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by the age of 12 months
  • By the age of one year, makes few or no gestures
  • By the age of 15 months, does not share interests with others
  • By the age of 18 months, and does not point to show you something intriguing.
  • At the age of 24 months, does not recognize when others are harmed or unhappy.
  • By the age of 36 months, does not observe or engage in play with other children.
  • At the age of 48 months, does not pretend to be someone else during play, such as a teacher or a superhero.
  • Not perform for you in song, dance, or acting by the age of 60 months

How Can I Recognize Autism Symptoms?

The likelihood that therapy for autism spectrum conditions will be successful increases with the sooner it is started. Understanding the symptoms and indicators is crucial because of this.

If your child doesn’t reach these specific developmental milestones, or if they do but later lose them, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician:

  • Laughing by six months
  • By nine months, imitates facial gestures or sounds
    babbles or coos by 12 months
  • 14-month-gestures old’s (points or waves)
  • At 16 months, speaks in single words, and by 24 months, speaks in sentences of two words or more.
  • By 18 months, pretends or uses “make-believe”

What Behavioral Patterns Are Present in Autism?

Along with acting unusually or showing unique interests, children with ASD also exhibit the following behaviors:

  • Hand flapping, swaying, bouncing, or twirling are examples of repetitive motions.
  • Pacing constantly and acting in a “hyper” manner
  • Fixations on specific endeavors or things
  • Rituals or specific practices (and getting upset when a routine is changed, even slightly)
  • Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
  • Not engaging in pretend play or acting in imitation of others
  • Sloppy eating practices (fussy eating)
  • Clumsiness and a lack of coordination
  • Impulsiveness (doing without considering) (acting without thinking)
  • An aggressive attitude toward oneself and others
  • Inability to focus (short attention span)

 

31Jan

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

An individual’s mood, energy level, and capacity for function can alter as a result of bipolar illness, a brain disorder. Bipolar disorder patients go through strong emotional states known as mood episodes, which often happen over discrete intervals of days to weeks. Manic/hypomanic (an abnormally cheerful or angry mood) or depression are the two classifications for these mood episodes (sad mood). Most bipolar patients also have periods of neutral mood. Bipolar disease sufferers can live full and productive lives if given the right treatment.

Even those who do not have bipolar disorder go through mood swings. These mood swings, meanwhile, usually only last a few hours as opposed to days. Furthermore, unlike during mood episodes, these alterations are typically not accompanied by the significant degree of behavior change or difficulties adjusting to regular activities and social interactions that bipolar illness sufferers exhibit. A person with bipolar disorder may experience difficulties at work or at school, as well as in their relationships with their loved ones.

Three distinct diagnoses fall under the umbrella of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.

Eighty to ninety percent of those with bipolar disorder have a family member who also has the condition or is depressed. Stress, irregular sleep patterns, narcotics, and alcohol can all cause mood swings in persons who are already vulnerable. Although the exact brain-based origins of bipolar disorder are unknown, dysregulated brain activity is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance. 25 years old on average is the onset age.

Anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are typically present in people with bipolar I disorder (ADHD). Compared to the general population, those with bipolar I disorder have a much-increased risk of suicide.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar illness patients might experience extreme highs of happiness and vigor as well as extreme lows of melancholy, hopelessness, and sluggishness. Usually, people feel normal in the intervals between those times. Bipolar disorder is so named because the highs and lows can be compared to two “poles” of emotion.

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Do Different Bipolar Disorders Exist?

Bipolar disorder comes in a variety of forms, including:

Bipolar I disorder: With bipolar I disorder, your conduct is incredibly unstable and you experience manic “up” phases that last at least a week or are so severe that you require medical attention. Extreme “down” episodes that last at least two weeks are also typical.

Bipolar II disorder: Although the highs and lows are irregular with bipolar II conditions, they are not as severe as they are with bipolar I.

Cyclothymic Disorder: This type includes manic and depressed episodes that span at least two years in adults or one year in children and adolescents. Compared to bipolar disorder I or II, the symptoms are less severe.

Rapid Cycling: Rapid cycling is a term used to characterize the course of the illness in people with bipolar I or II disorder; it is not a kind of bipolar disorder. It is applicable when there are four or more mood episodes within a year. This sort of illness course affects women more frequently than males, and it can appear and disappear at any point during the course of bipolar disorder. Rapid cycling has a higher risk of suicidal thoughts or actions and is primarily fueled by depression.

Misuse of drugs or alcohol can increase the number of episodes in people with bipolar disorder of any kind. A dual diagnosis, or having both bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder, necessitates assistance from a specialist who can handle both problems.

“Unspecified” or “other specified” bipolar disorder: The terms “unspecified” or “other specified” bipolar disorder (previously known as “bipolar disorder not otherwise specified”) are now used to refer to conditions in which a person only exhibits a small number of the mood and energy symptoms that characterize a manic or hypomanic episode, or in which the symptoms may not last long enough to be considered as distinct “episodes.”

Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder

 

 

30Jan

Clinical Depression

You may have serious depression, also known as clinical depression, if you feel hopeless and depressed all the time.

It could be challenging to work, study, sleep, eat, enjoy friends and hobbies when you’re suffering from major depression. Some people only experience clinical depression once in their lifetime, whereas others do it numerous times.

Although major depression frequently affects people without a family history of the illness, it can occasionally run in families and be passed down from one generation to the next.

What Is Clinical Depression?

A sad or depressed mood is a common human emotion. A loss of interest in routine activities and relationships, however, as well as a melancholy mood throughout the majority of the day, sometimes especially in the morning, are indicators of clinical depression and must be present every day for at least two weeks. You may also have other symptoms of serious depression, according to the DSM-5, a guidebook used to diagnose mental health issues. These signs may consist of:

  • Virtually daily feelings of worthlessness or remorse
  • Almost daily fatigue or energy loss
  • A change in body weight of more than 5% in a month indicates significant weight loss or increase.
  • Having trouble focusing and making decisions
  • Practically daily insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)
  • Markedly reduced enjoyment or interest in practically all activities
  • Almost every day (called anhedonia, this symptom can be indicated by reports from significant others)
  • Unease or a sense of slowness
  • Recurring suicidal or death thoughts

Are Females More Prone to Clinical Depression?

Major or clinical depression affects nearly twice as many women as males, and hormonal changes associated with puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, miscarriage, and menopause may increase the risk.

Additional risk factors for clinical depression in women who are physiologically predisposed to it include increasing stress at home or at work, juggling a profession and family, and providing care for an elderly parent. The risk will also rise if a child is raised by one person.

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Who Is At Risk For Clinical Depression?

Approximately 6.7% of Americans over the age of 18 experience major depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Between 20% and 25% of individuals may experience a significant depressive episode at some point in their lives.

Although older individuals, teenagers, and toddlers are also affected by major depression, these populations usually lack a diagnosis and receive no treatment.

What Indicates a Man Is Suffering from Clinical Depression?

Men’s depression is vastly underreported. Men with clinical depression are less likely to seek assistance or even speak with others about their condition.

Men who suffer from depression may exhibit signs such as irritation, hostility, or drug and alcohol misuse (substance abuse can also be a cause of depression rather than the result of it). Negative emotions that are suppressed can lead to both internalised and externalised violence. Additionally, it may lead to an increase in violence, suicide, and sickness.

The Diagnosis of Major Depression

A full medical evaluation will be carried out by a healthcare professional, such as your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. During a routine checkup with your doctor, you might have a depression screening done. The specialist will enquire about your own and your family’s psychiatric histories and ask you questions that test for major depressive disorder symptoms.

Major depression cannot be identified with any laboratory test, including X-rays, blood tests, or other imaging procedures. To help identify any other medical conditions that exhibit symptoms comparable to depression, your doctor could perform blood testing. For instance, hypothyroidism, drug or alcohol misuse, certain medications, and stroke can all result in some of the same symptoms as depression.

Diagnosis Of Major Depression

Clinical Depression: Is It Preventable?

After experiencing a major depressive episode, your risk of experiencing another is very significant. The best strategy to avoid another episode of depression is to continue taking the recommended medicine to prevent relapse and to be aware of the triggers or causes of major depression (see above). It’s also critical to be aware of the signs of serious depression and to consult your physician as soon as you notice any of these signs.