Are these statements “Only women suffer from bouts of depression”; “Once you get it, you are strangled with it for the rest of your life”; or “It is only in the mind” depression myths? These are some of the statements one often comes across. Yes, there are myths abound about clinical depression, and they all make it hard to have the perspective of it both in terms of its nature and treatment.

Probably, this can be attributed to our propensity to club the word depression to a myriad range of moods and mental illnesses, as the case may be. By this, the real sense of clinical depression warranting treatment gets obscured.

Let’s find out some of the common Depression Myths and their truth:

1.  Top depression myths is that depression is not under the sphere of medical illness

Clinical depression is definitely a grave medical issue with biological and genetic roots, affecting both mind and the body. There is an increased level of stress hormones in the body of the people with depression. Their brain scan also reveals decreased activities in some parts of the brain.

2.    Even if it is a medical problem, you can’t help it

Depression can be treated and over 80 percent of patients respond well. With the breakthrough in new medications, this would surely rise.

Ruling out any other causes of depression like thyroid problem should be done first. For this, the doctor should be contacted immediately, who after proper diagnosis of the cause, would prescribe medicines, psychotherapy or both.

3.    Depression is similar to getting the ‘blues’. Hence, it is normal

Viewing depression like blues is like equating common cold with pneumonia. Everybody has his share of blues in the daily life. They can be the result of some disappointing events or even some frivolous ones like a rainy day. Of course they are short-lived and you don’t develop suicidal tendencies because of them. But, depression can last throughout the life. It is also more agonizing and life-threatening.

4.  The other depression myths is that depression is only a manifestation of self-pity

About 19 million people suffer from depression only in the US. The list of people who have been its victim include great names like Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, George Patton, abolitionist John Brown, Robert E. Lee, Florence Nightingale, Sir Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, J.P. Morgan, Barbara Bush, Ludwig von Beethoven and Michelangelo. These great people wouldn’t just while away their time pitying themselves!

5.  The other depression myths include you can override depression through sheer will power

Depression is a pathological condition just like diabetes or heart disease. You can’t will it away. It manifests due to certain chemicals changes in the body and hence you can’t get the better of it just through sheer will power. In fact, taking medical advice tells a lot about your determination and courage to overcome it, as this condition is often stigmatized in the society.

6.  Another popular depression myths is that depression will go away on its own

Some very fortunate people may get cured of depression on their own but for the majority of cases, it lasts for a considerable period of time or even for ever. People, who already have it once, also are at a greater risk to have more bouts of depression. Clinical depression can prove to be fatal and may result in suicide, if left untreated.

7.  Another common depression myths is that depression is part of the aging process

While it is not part of the aging process, it is true that elder people have more of the causes that can trigger it – monetary matters, failing health, loneliness etc. People over the age of sixty, are not tuned to accept depression as a normal medical disorder like the present generation and hence, do not seek medical help.

8.    Women are the only victims of depression

The reported cases of women being affected by depression is twice that of men. But sometimes, cases go unreported as in some societies; men do not come forward to seek medical help. Successful suicide attempts are more prevalent among men compared to women. So, it is imperative that men seek medical advice for the symptoms of depression.

9.  One of the depression myths is that depression is part of the growing up process and hence, teenagers and children do not get it

However we may wish to the contrary, children do become the victim of depression. As per the National Institute of Mental Health, one in 33 children and one in 8 adolescent suffer form depression every year. It is the duty of the adults to mark the symptoms of depression, as children would not able to vent their thoughts properly.

10.  Depression is hereditary

If you have a history of depression in your family, you are genetically predisposed to it just like the diabetes or high blood pressure. It doesn’t mean that you would surely get it though. It is just that you are at a higher risk than other people. So, go for medical treatment immediately, if you find any symptoms.

It is difficult to separate some depression myths from the fact, so if you’re unsure about something, it’s in your best interest to consult a physician.

How Identifying Your Smoking Triggers Can Help You Stop Smoking

Lirio Covey, PhD, director of the Smoking Cessation Clinic at Columbia University, where a major component of counseling focuses on identifying smoking triggers.

Covey identifies these common smoking triggers:
• Stress and emotional upheaval — often negative, but sometimes positive emotions can trigger the desire to smoke.

• Exposure to the cigarette or something related to it, like being in the company of other smokers, is another common trigger.

• Conditional or environmental triggers, like the times you used to smoke and behaviors you have been conditioned to associate with smoking. These are strongest right after you stop smoking, and can weaken over time.

How Can You Find and Face Your Smoking Triggers?
Trina Ita, the counseling supervisor for the American Cancer Society’s Quitline, has some advice:

• If you find yourself wanting to smoke while riding in the car, make your car an unfriendly place to smoke. Clean it out, empty and scrub the ashtrays and the glove compartment, and get rid of your “what if” pack. Febreze the upholstery. And keep things like gum or sugar-free candy in the glove compartment to give you something to do with your mouth while you’re driving.

• If being around other smokers is a common trigger for you, talk to your friends who smoke. Ask them for help in not smoking around you as much as possible, to minimize the chance of relapse. If your friends are outside smoking, stay inside; congratulate yourself on not having to stand out in the cold, or not missing the big play at your favorite sports bar because you were outside having a cigarette.

• Do you find yourself wanting a cigarette right after eating? Get busy immediately after your meal. Get up and clear the table, do the dishes, and pack up the leftovers.• As many smokers who have quit successfully have discovered, often just getting through the first few minutes after a trigger spurs the craving to smoke is all you need. “Just delay that urge,” says Ita. “Even if you wait just 15 minutes, you’ll find that you’re not thinking about it anymore.”

This original article is presented to you by MyHealthToday.com © 2010

Anger can be the reason for many mental health problems. So, it is necessary to be enlightened about them and the associated dangers of suppressed anger along with the various ways to deal with it.

What is anger?

Anger is a normal and a natural reaction that comes from a feeling of disgust, dissatisfaction, irritation or hurt. Its intensity may vary from simple peeving to flaring rage.

Dangers of suppressed anger?

Anger, however normal or it may just seem to be, if suppressed can be the reason behind anxiety and depression over time. Any anger, when not vented properly, can wreak havoc in the mental as well as physical bearing of people.

Chronic anger is known to cause many health related problems like headaches, digestive disorder, skin problems, high blood pressure, depression and cardiac ailments. Moreover, it can also set in emotional disturbances that might result in violent behavior and crime.

How can you deal with your anger?

When you are overwhelmed with anger, try to rationalize the cause of your anger in a positive way. Take deep breaths slowly. Say to yourself words like ‘calm down’ or ‘take it easy’ in order to soothe your soul. Go on doing this till you are able to take control of your anger.

• It is a fact that venting your anger is better than suppressing it. Venting it properly is important; otherwise it may cause both emotional as well as social problems. Bouts of anger put pressure on the cardio-vascular system of the body, apart from creating stress and anxiety. It is important to channelize your anger in a positive way. Instead of being driven by rage, it is better to deal with things in an assertive manner.
• Talk to your family and friends about it. Proper counseling goes a long way in keeping your anger in check.
• Maintain a record of the situations and times that drives you to bursts of anger. This would give you an inkling of the impending bouts of anger.
• Try to rationalize the reasons of anger by putting yourself in other shoes.
• Look at the funny sides of life and develop a sense of humor.
• Be a good listener. It not only helps you to develop effective communications skills but also inculcates a good inter-personal relationship. This also helps to impose trust on others, thereby enabling you resolve issues of anger.
• Be assertive instead of being defensive or charged up with suppressed anger.
• Expressing yourself in a calm but sure way helps to deal with emotions. For this, you can learn the techniques of assertiveness from self-help books or even seek counseling from an expert.

Other ways to deal with your anger

In cases where it is not possible on your part to keep your anger under leash, then it is better to consult a psychologist or even a psychiatrist. At times, uncontrolled anger can become morbid. In such case, the psychiatrist would prescribe drugs to keep it under control.

But before that, other behavior change techniques should be tried. Hence, it is important to choose a mental health expert carefully. An able mental health will be able to thoroughly evaluate your behavior patterns and mental conditions and recommend methods of anger management.

This original article is presented to you by MyHealthToday.com © 2010

People are stressed throughout the day due to different reasons and it is important that they have some effective stress relievers to help them keep their stress level under control. There are many stress relievers in the present day scenario, and one can choose from the list of effective stress relievers mentioned in the sections below.

Variety of effective stress relievers

Most of the people find relief in going for a walk, breathing fresh air. This can be done either early in the morning or in the evening, when the surroundings are calm and serene. Exercising is also a good means of keeping oneself healthy and relieved from stress of daily life.

People who cultivate the habit of putting down their thoughts on a diary can use this habit of theirs as effective stress relievers.

This provides them freedom from their worries, as they put down their thoughts on paper. One can analyze himself and the way in which he spent his day, thereby arriving at solutions for his problems in life.

In case you have good friends, then do feel free to talk about your problems to them. There is no doubt about the fact that quality time with friends is one among the effective stress relievers. In case, problem is with your place of work, try resolving matters with a higher authority.

Sometime is so happens that even after trying to calm our mind, we fail to do it. Under such circumstances the effective stress relievers to resort to, would be meditation and yoga. It not only helps you attain the peace and tranquil state of mind you have been craving for, but also ensures that your blood pressure and heart beat are maintained at normal rate.

Meditation is one such technique that has flown down through generations and hence, one can benefit greatly from this method. Though the results might not be seen right away and it might take time for you to find your groove, meditation will prove out to be one among the effective stress relievers for you.

Yoga – the most trusted effective stress relievers

The number of people, who have resorted to technique of yoga to relive their mind of stress, is very high. Having control over ones thoughts and meditating on a regular basis are a part of yoga. It makes the body flexible too, thus keeping ailments away.

Everybody is aware of the fact that, a smile shines its way through all problems. Thus, the next on list of effective stress relievers is smile and laughter. Find a reason to laugh and spend quality time with people you love to be with. This will do lot of good to your mind and soul, thus, preparing you to take on whatever comes your way.

Cultivate good hobbies like gardening, painting, or anything that provides you with relaxation. It has been proven that such hobbies can be effective stress relievers.

Here are the top ten ways that you can spoil yourself, if only for a little while.

1. 1) Find ways to make work fun. Adding laughter into a day can make it much less stressful overall, and it’s better for your health.
2. 2) Take leisure time in small bites, rather than in large chunks. You can’t always get away for a weekend, but you can get away for an hour or two.
3. 3) Put personal time on your calendar so it’s part of your schedule. If it’s scheduled, it’s difficult to say no to, because you’re already in the habit of following your schedule.
4. 4) Take a weekday off, instead of the weekend. Who says you can only have leisure time on the weekend? Why not take a mid-week break instead?
5. 5) Do something unconventional with your time off. If you would normally exercise, take some time to snuggle up on the couch in your pajamas and watch TV. Break your routine and truly relax.
6. 6) Be sure to acknowledge your accomplishments. When you’ve done something good, you should recognize that, because it’s important to remind yourself that you’re moving forward.
7. 7) Reward yourself when you complete something. Whether it’s big or small, if you’ve gotten something done you should get something for your trouble.
8. 8) Get reacquainted with nature. Walk in the park in a light rain. Feed the ducks. Go to the seashore. Nature helps to put other things in perspective.





9. 9) Go to a spa break. Spas can be a great way to relax and unwind. There are a lot of different options at a spa, so you can get whatever treatment you like most and feel best about, and you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated.
10. 10) Make the reward fit the project. You don’t get a week long cruise because you finished an estimate for a client.

No matter what you do to spoil yourself, there are a lot of great ways to make yourself happy and still get plenty of work done. If you pamper yourself sometimes and take a few breaks, you’ll be happier, more relaxed, and more productive. You’ll actually get more work done. That helps you out, and the people you’re working for like it, too.

This article is brought to you by our contributor.