Depression Days

Positive Thoughts

2007-06-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

After some major panic attacks about a month or so ago, I have been seeing a counsellor and attending a 'worry and anxiety' seminar once a week.

I saw my counsellor today and she told me that I should keep a diary or write down each day my thoughts and in particular my positive thoughts.

I have a book called "You Can't Afford The Luxury Of A Negative Thought' which is a very good book and I remember when I read that a long time ago it had a section about the same thing. Saying to keep a good thoughts diary.

So I've decided to use this blog as my 'good thoughts diary'. So you may read a load of crap some days because I'm just going to type my thoughts or my positive things that happened during the day.

You never know I may even put in some negative things too. Not that anyone wants to read negative things but my counsellor did say that it can be helpful to write those down too.

So my positives for today:

I bought a laptop - I have been waiting and saving for this laptop for so long its not funny. I'm still trying to work out how to use it all, but I've just about had enough for today, so I'm writing this post and then heading off to bed.

The kids have swimming at school this week. My youngest is 5 and just started school this term so this is his first time at swimming lessons. He loved it, he was so confident in the water they moved him up to a higher class - which was the class his older (7 yr old) brother is in. Which worked out good for me since both being in the same class made it easier for me to watch, I didn't have to walk back and forward between two classes.

The school takes them in 2 groups, the younger children first and the older children in the next group. So I was pretty much there all day, I had the youngest 2 in the first lot, then they left and my oldest one came then with the older group (he's 9).

Well that's about it for today, that was pretty much my whole day - laptop and swimming.

Thanks for reading, take care
Sheryl
www.depressiondays.com

Inhuman Stamina

2007-05-19T00:08:00.000-07:00

Inhuman Stamina is a book I came across a little while back that I have found really helpful.

Inhuman Stamina is about weight loss, getting fit, achieving more energy and living healthy.

I truly believe having a healthy and fit lifestyle helps dramatically with depression.

This book has really helped me to pull myself together - get more energy and with more energy it is amazing what you can do, and how you feel and think changes.

So although this book is not directly a book about depression, it really can help with depression.

I have spoken to the author of this book and he is fantastic, he answers any questions and gives you support.

My rating of Inhuman Stamina - 10/10

Click Here to visit the Inhuman Stamina website

Take Care
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

Are You Having A Panic Attack?

2007-04-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a panic attack? Have you ever felt so scared and panicky but had no idea why?
Panic or anxiety attacks are suffered by a large number of the population and they are very, very scary. Especially the first one, when you have no idea it is coming and no idea what is happening to you.
What are the symptoms of panic attack?
Symptoms include:
A racing heart accompanied with an anxious feeling
General anxiety about every day life
Scary thoughts and feeling like you’re losing control
Dizziness and light headed
Sweating, shaky and even weak
Feelings of unreality and perhaps even disorientated
Feeling like you just want to run away
Can’t relax, feel like you’re ‘on the edge’

Sometimes you feel depressed and anxious for a couple of days leading up to a full blown panic attack and then after the attack you can feel very tired and have a general ‘feeling down’ feeling for a few days following.
When you have a panic attack your body thinks something is happening that it needs to fight against, so you have an adrenalin rush as your body prepares itself for battle. Then however, there is no battle and all that adrenalin is left in your body making you tense. Your body can also feel very tired and run down after the adrenalin rush.
Your mind can’t relax because you are constantly thinking about the attack and absolutely terrified of it happening again.
If you experience panic attacks like these quite often it can really effect your life. You can spend your life scared and depressed.
Try to remain positive and try to distract your mind by keeping busy. Seek treatment for your panic attacks.

Take Care
ShezzP
Click Here to read testimonials on panic away - how to stop having panic attacks

Lazy To Fitness Freak - Can It Be Done?

2007-02-26T15:01:00.000-08:00

I was doing a bit of cleaning yesterday (which I hate doing and don't do as often as I should) and I was thinking - is it possible to turn someone that is fairly lazy, messy and unenergetic into someone that is a fitness freak and compulsive cleaner?

Perhaps it doesn't need to go to the full compulsive length but you know what I mean.

I'm lazy - I admit it. I'm messy and usually just don't have the energy to get up and clean so I don't do it as often as I should.

This whole lifestyle however contributes to my depression I'm sure. So I wonder if I tried hard enough if I could convert myself from lazy to fitness/clean freak. I'm sure it would do wonders for the way I feel in general.

I'm sure if I wasn't so messy and was more organised, things would run a lot smoother and be less stressful too.

So, I think I might give it a go. I need to eat better for a start to try and get a bit of energy. I recently bought a treadmill, so will start there with the fitness bit. Clean, clean, clean. Not easy when you've got three young boys either.

How annoying is it when you wash the floors and half an hour later the kids get home from school, then run in and out the house, and your floors are filthy again!!! Makes you wonder why you even bother doing it in the first place.

Anyway, enough raving - I'm going to do it.

I am going to try to convert myself from lazy to fit, from messy to clean........

Just as soon as I get the energy :)

Be Good
SherylP
www.depressiondays.com

Tips To Help Beat Depression

2007-02-26T03:41:00.000-08:00

Depression can be caused by many different things and one of the first things we need to do to help beat depression is to avoic any circumstances that might make you feel depressed or sad. In knowing the symptoms of depression and being able to tell when depression is 'coming on', then this is the time to use some strategies to help reduce the problem.
If depression is lingering it is very easy for it to become full blown, especially when we are confronted with sad and depressive stories every day. Even if not in our own lives, we still constantly hear sad stories in newspapers and on television. We hear stories of poverty, war, crime, destruction and despair and hearing this things daily will only aggravate depression. If you suffer from depression it is a good idea to try to avoid reading the newspapers or watching news on television. Feeling empathy towards the people involved in these tragic situations will only add to your depression.
Try and assert some positives in your life. I know its hard when you are depressed to see the positive side of things, you tend to be always focused on the negatives. It does help, however, to make a huge effort to see the positives. Write it down at the end of the day, keep a notebook where you right down all the positive things that happened throughout that day and try not to think of the negative moments. When you are with your friends, try and see the positive things about them and tell them.
A healthy body is a healthy mind. Start doing some exercise and get or keep your body in shape. How fit and healthy you are can have a huge impact on your mind, your attitude and the way you think. Start of slowly and gradually increase the amount of exercise and keep going until soon it will become a routine. Change your diet and make sure you have the correct amount of fruit and vegetables each day. You will be amazed how much better you will feel within your mind as well as your body.
Be organised. A cluttered, unorganised house or workplace can also results in a cluttered mind. Being unorganised can make tasks twice as hard. At the beginning of each day, set some goals for the day and write a list of what you need to achieve. Don't be realistic and try to achieve too much. If your goals are unrealistic there's a good chance you wont meet them all, which will seem a failure and make you more depressed. Keep your goals simple and realistic, then once you achieve them you will have a feeling of success and happiness.
Go out and socialise with your friends. Being depressed makes you less sociable and often you will just feel like being alone, staying home and just can't be bothered going out. Although you feel like this, you will often find that if you do go out, it will help to forget some of your worries and make you feel better. Part of depression is the constant thoughts going through your mind, negative thoughts, so the more occupied you are the less thoughts that are likely to invade your mind.
Listen to your favourite music. Listening to your favourite music can always make you feel better and give you a little more energy. Dance around a bit and try and have some fun. Don't let depression keep you down, you need to fight it to stay on top and win.
If you have an argument or a fight with a good friend or loved one, try and work it out, don't hold a grudge. Holding grudges does nothing to help a situation it only makes you feel worse. If you're friend or loved one is really an important person in your life, then you should be able to talk and work it out. If they aren't important enough to work out the problem, then let them go and try to forget about it, but DON'T let an argument keep you feeling down.
Make some time for yourself. This doesn't mean to isolate yourself, but do make a bit of time each week just for you. Do something that you like doing, whether its going for a walk, having a bath, whatever you enjoy doing, find the time to do it.
It is always good to still seek medical help for your depression and perhaps see a counsellor. As much as these tips can help depression, some of these things can be hard to accomplish for someone who is depressed. It can be hard to get out of your 'rut' and begin doing these things. Talking about these problems with a counsellor or even a friend or family member, can motivate you to change the way you deal with these things and help you to overcome your depression.
Don't be ashamed of having depression, it is a disease that a large number of people suffer from. Just like any other illness it needs treated and needs full support from your family members. Always try to be positive and tell yourself that you can beat this. It is very important in overcoming depression to have the positive thought that 'you CAN do it'.

Be Safe, Be Happy
SherylP
www.depressiondays.com

Vitamins To Help With Depression.

2007-02-07T19:50:00.000-08:00

Depression is an illness that is suffered by a large percentage of the population. Symptoms of depression include feeling down, unhappy, lack of interest in daily activities, often tired, irritable and more. Depression may result from chemical imbalance or stressful events. Sometimes vitamin deficiencies could contribute to depression so the intake of certain vitamins could in some situations help with depression.
When undergoing treatment to overcome depression, it can also help with your recovery to change your lifestyle for the better. Start exercising, eating a good diet and perhaps taking some vitamins. If you also make these changes there is no reason why your treatment will not be successful.
Studies have shown that deficiency of certain vitamins can have an effect over a persons mood. Certainly if you think that you may have a vitamin deficiency that may be effecting your moods then start taking a vitamin supplement. You should also always try to increase your intake of that vitamin through your diet.
Some vitamins that could help with depression are:
Vitamin B-complex - this vitamin can help to keep us mentally and emotionally balanced. Vitamin B-complex cannot be stored in our bodies so we must have an intake of this vitamin on a daily basis. Substances such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and refined sugars can also destroy the B vitamins so try to reduce any intake of these substances.
Vitamin B1 or Thiamine - our brain needs this to convert glucose or blood sugar into fuel for the brain to function at its best. Without enough of this vitamin we can become depressed, irritable, anxious, tired and be prone to negative thinking. Insufficient amounts of this vitamin can also result in memory problems, insomnia, lack of appetite, and constipation.
Vitamin B3 or Niacin - some deficiencies in this vitamin may produce anxiety, agitation, mental and physical slowness.
Vitamin B5 or Pyridoxine helps to process amino acids, which is the building blocks of proteins and other hormones. It is essential in the manufacture of serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. Deficiencies can result in impaired immunity, skin wounds, and mental confusion.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of red blood cells. Insufficient amounts of vitamin B12 will lead to an oxygen-transport problem, known as pernicious anemia. This condition can possibly cause mood swings, paranoia, dementia, hallucination, irritability, confusion, or mania and eventually followed by loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, shortage of breath, palpitation, and more.
Folic acid is needed for DNA synthesis and for the production of Sadenosyl Methionine. Usually this is taken together with vitamin B12.
Vitamin C is needed, especially if you are pregnant or lactating, or under a lot of stress.
Along with vitamins it is also important to make sure you are not deficient in minerals. Insufficient intake of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and zinc can lead to depression, so make sure to also take supplements for these minerals.

Take Care
Sherylp
www.depressiondays.com

What Could The Cause Of Your Depression Be?

2007-02-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

The way we think can be a big influence on whether we are likely to develop depression. There are many articles available about how positive and negative thinking affects the body. A person who generally is a positive thinker is more likely to be a happy, carefree individual, while a person who generally thinks negatively would be an unhappy person and much more likely to develop depression.
For someone who is a naturally positive thinker, they wouldn't think twice about 'how they think' because they don't need to. They are happy, they are doing everything right, there's no need for change so no need to think about it. However, for someone who is habitually a negative thinker, it can be very hard to change to the positive thinking attitude. Even when you try your hardest, you may succeed for a while but often that negative thinking gradually works itself back into your mind, it is very, very easy to fall back into the negative pattern.
There are many aspects of daily life that cause you to start thinking negatively in the first place. Things like finances and whether you will have enough money for your future. It can bring you down if you can't afford the nice luxury items that your friends may all have, if you don't have nice clothes and a nice big house, these things you are reminded of every day so it is hard to think positively about them.
Some people get very stressed about something they may have done and later feel bad about it. A positive thinker would probably just brush it off and forget about it, but a negative thinker is likely to dwell on it for quite a while.
Unable to break habits like smoking, drinking, eating, all of these are hard habits for anyone to break, but for the negative person, the longer you continue with the habit and not being able to break it, the more negative you feel about yourself.
The type of diet a person has can ultimately cause depression. The foods you eat has such a major effect on your health. Eating the wrong types of food over a long period can lead to diseases like heart disease, obesity and diabetes, these conditions can be a major cause of depression and stress.
People are faced with difficult situations throughout their lives and some people deal with them better than others. The way we deal with these situations may cause depression. Stress is something that everyone deals with from time to time and for the negative person, stress can really effect your mind and body. The longer you go through life not being able to deal with stress the more effect it will have on your body and depression is quite likely to develop.
Everyone should learn coping techniques and ways to deal with stress. Stress can sometimes be avoided but unfortunately it cannot always be avoided, we will all encounter stressful situations and so it is vital that we learn to cope with them. We need to be able to deal with it, then forget about it. We need to learn to 'let go'.
If you do suffer from depression it can help to sit down and reflect on your day or week and pick out moments that could be contributing to the way you feel, and see if there is a way that you could deal with it differently.
For the negative thinking person, it helps to keep a notebook or diary and on a daily basis write down all the positive things that happened throughout that day. By writing it down it helps to focus on the positive and not on the negative.

Take Care
SherylP
www.depressiondays.com

Lifting Depression

2007-01-27T23:50:00.000-08:00

I just had to do an update on my last entry about panic away. I am so stoked with the outcome I am having as a result of this ebook. I haven't had any panic attacks at all since reading this book and using the methods in it. My general anxiety level has improved also, I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch, I know its still early days and I need to keep trying to get on top of it.

I am very happy with the way I'm feeling so far though.

So Far So Good!

I am also pretty happy today as I haven't been online for about 4 days, and today I came on and noticed my depression website has gone from a zero page ranking in google up to a 2 page ranking - thanks to anyone that visits my website.

I'll keep you updated on my progress with the panic away methods. For anyone interested in the ebook click here to go to the panic away website.

Take care
SherylP
www.depressiondays.com

Panic Attacks

2007-01-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

I have suffered from panic attacks in the past and they are the most awful things. Since I've been on anti-depressants I haven't had any - until a few weeks ago, they started again.

I hate these things, they are just awful - I was sure I was dying.

However, I seem to be pulling myself together with the help of a self help book I purchased.
I don't normally like to recommend these things as there are so many of them available on the internet and I'm sure most of them are just rubbish, sold for the sole purpose of making money.

But I was desperate so when I came across Panic Away I purchased it. Thankfully it wasn't a waste of money, it has probably turned out to be the best purchase I have ever made.

Panic Away has what they call the 'one move' technique to help you not only get through panic attacks, but avoid panic attacks all together. I have had a few -almost panic attacks, where I have felt them coming on - and used the 'one move' technique and they have gone.

This actually works.

It also covers general anxiety and how to overcome general anxiety. I know I have A LOT of anxiety, in fact usually every waking minute is spent worrying about something, but Panic Away shows you how to overcome that also. I'm working on that but I've had a few good days the last few, so I'm very positive about that also.

So of all these types of ebooks on the internet I will not recommend any, I'm sure most of them are rubbish, but I thoroughly recommend Panic Away I really do. They also have a money back guarantee - but I wont be asking for that. The price is worth it if it will rid me from those awful attacks.

Take Care
SherylP
www.depressiondays.com

Teen Depression

2007-01-21T23:38:00.000-08:00

Teen Depression

Teen depression can happen for a number of reasons and tends to occur quite often when a teenager needs more help fitting in during their high school years. Teen depression can be triggered by something as simple as not being popular, not having great grades or not making the football team. Some teens get depressed because they come from a poor family and can't afford to buy the right kind of clothes. Most schools have school counsellors, but quite often they are over burdened and some students may not get a chance to speak with them. When a teenager becomes depressed they often feel alone and feel like they can't turn to their parents or friends for help. Some teenagers even turn to self medication to make themselves feel better.

So instead of receiving the right kind for counselling ot treatment, some teenagers will instead turn to drugs, alcohol or sexual activity. Sometimes teen depression can be prevented if we notice the warning signs of them becoming depressed. When a teenager becomes despondent and isolated, those are usually signs of teen depression. Others signs that your teen may be suffering from depression is over or under eating or staying in bed until midday and having no interest in getting out of bed and enjoying life.

You really do need to get your child help if you think they may be suffering from depression. If not treated they may carry on this depression for their whole lives and therefore will have fairly miserable lifes. Also if they received the correct treatment straight away it may prevent the drugs and alcohol from becoming a major part of their life. There are many prescription drugs and counselling treatments available for your child.

Help your teen get through the adolescent years and look ahead to the future. If you are not comfortable with putting your child on anti-depressant medications, there are also herbal treatments available that you can try, like St. John’s Wort, that can alleviate teen depression. Many parents who can’t get help from counselors at school or therapists, have started to look around the internet. There are many different solutions for teen depression.

As a parent you may even want to attend couselling sessions with your teenager and create an open environment so they may learn to open up and share their feelings. Adolescent years are difficult for more teenagers and increasing peer pressure drives some children to the edge. You can make a difference. Talking to a therapist or a psychiatrist or even going on the internet can give you more information on teen depression; and make your child safe and happy. A teenager who is well adjusted is less likely to get into trouble and more likely to succeed in life. A successful life is important for the future of your child and important for a parent as well.

Take Care
SherylP
www.depressiondays.com

Revamp of Depression Days Website

2007-01-20T18:18:00.000-08:00

I have spent the last couple of weeks working on my depression days website. I have completely changed it and will be added more articles on depression in the upcoming weeks.

I now have a fairly simple, easy layout, so hopefully it will be easy to the eye and have the information that people are looking for.

I am planning to add a section on 'peoples depression stories' so if anyone is interested in telling me their story and having it on my website then send me an email with your story to shezz@depressiondays.com

Check out the new look site www.depressiondays.com

Take Care
SherylP
www.depressiondays.com

Extreme Dizziness Led To Bad Panic Attack

2007-01-04T23:58:00.000-08:00

About a week ago, just after I went to bed I had a really bad dizzy attack. I had been feeling quite stressed and depressed for a few days and was very tired, which I'm thinking may have contributed to it. As soon as the dizziness started - it was really bad, I thought I was going to pass out - then I started having a panic attack. I thought I was having an aneurism or something and that I was going to die.

Then once the dizziness went away I had tingling and burning in my hands and shoulders, it was really scary, I was sure I was dying. For the next few days I was really depressed and terrified of it happening again.

It hasn't happened since and I hope it doesn't happen again. I have decided to try and organise my life a bit more, spend less time on the computer and more time with the kids.

How do you cope with things like this, I don't want to have these attacks.

ShezP
www.depressiondays.com

Post Partum Depression

2006-11-12T01:24:00.000-08:00

Depression During and After Pregnancy
Depression that occurs either during or within a year after pregnancy is called perinatal depression. Perinatal depression is a very common form of depression and a large number of women will experience it. This type of depression can sometimes be hard to diagnose as there are a lot of changes going on within our bodies during and after pregnancy anyway. Some signs of perinatal depression are tiredness, changes in body weight, emotional changes and problems sleeping, but these also occur during pregnancy without necessarily having depression.

Causes of Depression During Pregnancy
Chances of becoming depressed during pregnancy could be increased by any of the following factor:

Family history of mental illness
History of depression
History of substance abuse
None or little family support
Anxiety about the baby
History of problems with pregnancies or births
Marital problems
Financial problems

Becoming Depressed after Pregnancy (Post Partum Depression)
Hormonal changes after pregnancy may trigger symptoms of depression. The amount of two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, in a woman's body increases greatly during pregnancy. In the first 24 hours after childbirth, the amount of these hormones rapidly drops back down to their normal non-pregnant levels. Tthe fast change in hormone levels may lead to depression, just as smaller changes in hormones can affect a woman's moods before she gets her menstrual period.

In some women thyroid levels can decrease after pregnancy. Especially if there is a family history or you are more prone to have hypothyroidism, it can be brought on by pregnancy. When thyroid levels drop it can cause symptems of depression including depressed moods, fatigue, irritablility, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating and a decreased interest in things. Hypothyroidism can be picked up by a blood test and can be treated with medication.

Other factors that may contribute to postpartum depression include:
Tiredness after delivery, broken sleep patterns, and not enough rest may keep a new mother from regaining her full strength following the birth

Feeling overwhelmed with a new, or another, baby to take care of and doubting your ability to be a good mother.

Stress from changes in work and home routines. Some women want to do everything perfectly, which is not always possible with a new baby, you need to be realistic and not stress over things that don't get done.

Having feelings of loss — loss of identity of who you are, or were, before having the baby, loss of control, loss of your pre-pregnancy figure, and feeling less attractive.

Less free time. Having to stay home indoors for longer periods of time and having less time to spend with the your partner and loved ones.

Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression
Baby blues are quite normal to experience usually on about day 3 after the birth. They should only last a day or two and then go away. Most new mother will experience baby blues and will also experience other symptoms that can be similar to depression symptoms, including sudden mood swings, sadness, crying spells, loss of appetite, sleeping problems, and feel irritable, restless, anxious, and lonely. If you are experiencing these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have postpartum depression but may just need a good rest. Try having a sleep when the baby sleeps. Ask for help from friends or family, you're not a failure because you ask for help, in fact the opposite, it could make the difference between coping well or falling into depression.
Postpartum depression can happen anytime within the first year after childbirth. Symptoms include sadness, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, anxiety, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness. The difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues is that postpartum depression often affects a woman’s well-being and keeps her from functioning well for a longer period of time. Postpartum depression needs to be treated by a doctor. Counseling, support groups, and medicines are things that can help.

What To Do If You Are Suffering From Perinatal Depression
Don't feel ashamed about having depression, it is very common and can happen to anyone. Some people deny it and don't talk about it because they are ashamed or embarrassed. Don't deny it, get help. Depression can be treated and the sooner you get help the better. Denying it wont make it go away it just prolongs your suffering which can affect the baby also.

You can join a support group and talk to other mothers that are experiencing depression also. It helps to talk to others in the same situation, to know that you're not the only one going through it. See your doctor, you may be prescribed anti-depressant medication.

Tips for Dealing With Depression:
Get as much rest as you can. Try to sleep when the baby sleeps.
Don't put pressure on yourself to get everything done. Do as much as you can and leave the rest!
Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings.
Talk about your feelings, don't keep them bottled up. Talk to your husband, friends and/or family.
Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house. Run an errand or take a short walk.
Spend time alone with your husband or partner. Ask family or friends to watch the baby even for a couple of hours so you and your partner can have some time together.
Talk with other mothers, so you can learn from their experiences.
Join a support group for women with depression.
Don’t make any major life changes during pregnancy. Major changes can cause unneeded stress.

How is Depression Treated?
Depression is treated by
Medication - your doctor will prescribe the type and dose of medication they think is appropriate for you
Counselling - it helps to talk about your feelings
A mother’s depression can affect her baby’s development, so getting treatment is important for both mother and baby. It is important to discuss with your doctor if there are any risks involved with medication while you are breastfeeding and working out what is the best course of treatment for you.

If Depression Is Left Untreated
Depression not only hurts the mother, but also affects her family. Postpartum depression can affect a mother’s ability to parent. She may lack energy, have trouble concentrating, be irritable, and not be able to meet her child’s needs for love and affection. As a result, she may feel guilty and lose confidence in herself as a mother, which can worsen the depression. This can lead to behavioral problems, lower activity levels, sleep problems, and distress. It is important for the father or other family members to help out with the baby or children while the mother is depressed.

Don't suffer alone - there is help out there if you ask for it. Talk to your family or visit your doctor straight away if you think you have post partum depression. Your child deserves a happy mother. You deserve to be happy and enjoy your babies childhood.

ShezzP
Depression Days

Depressing Depression

2006-10-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

I don't really have much to write about today other than its very depressing trying to create websites.

Today I went into a forum and asked for opinions on my latest website, only for it to put me into a mood of depression, I was hoping for more positive feedback, but got a few criticisms. Then of course I went in to try and change a couple of things, then my whole page went out of whack and I couldn't fix it again - took me ages.

I think I'll just leave it as it is.

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
www.workfromhome-internetbusiness.com

Beat Depression the Natural Way

2006-10-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

I know it is said that you cannot beat depression by telling yourself to 'snap out of it'. I must say I agree with this, but that's not to say you can't beat it WITHOUT using medications.

Its more than just telling yourself to snap out of it and it certainly wont happen overnight, it needs work. There will still be plenty of bad days, but we need to work at having less bad days and more good ones.

Positive Thinking
I truly believe negative thinking plays such a massive part in being depressed. I know from my personal experience anyway, its those negative thoughts that run constantly through my head that make me depressed. Gradually it gets worse and worse until eventually your whole day is just full of negative thinking, from the moment you wake to the moment you go to sleep at night. And your whole day is just one big day of depression. Everything that happens in your day gets you down, you look at the negatives of everything. Its almost impossible to see the positives.

You need to make it your goal to think positively. Its not going to come easy, its going to be bloody hard, but you need to really make a huge effort to try and see some of the positive things throughout your day. Everything that happens, don't automatically think the worst but stop - stop what your doing and search for the positive, there has to be a positive in there somewhere. At the end of each day sit down and write a diary, it doesn't need to be long, but just right all the positive things that happened that day. Don't write any of the negatives, only the positive.

Each morning when you are planning your day, plan something you like to do. Something that you enjoy. Make sure you do at least one activity during the day that you will enjoy. What do you love to do? Or perhaps used to love to do but never get the time anymore. Well do it, stop saying you don't have the time or energy, make the time, make the energy to do at least one thing a day.

Gradually increase it to more than one, and keep up with writing down all the positives at the end of the day. Soon there will be more positives and less negatives, it will get easier to start seeing the positives and not EVERY negative.

Try some exercise. Exercise is always great for depression, allthough most depression sufferers don't feel like they have the energy to exercise, but make it, call the energy and it will come. It wont just come on its own. The more you do it the easier it will get and the more energy you will have.

Lastly, eat right. Have a good diet high in fruits and vegetable. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel and how much more energy you have when you eat right.

Good Luck and Be Happy
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
www.workfromhome-internetbusiness.com

A Poem about Depression

2006-10-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

The Bubble Of Depression

A bubble of depression
I'm caught deep inside
There's no escape, no way out
I just want to hide

The circle engulfs me
its elastic walls
whenever I get near them
I bounce and I fall

There are so many things
outside my bubble I can see
but I just can't get near them
I cannot break free

Things I so dearly want to do
eat right, exercise and yoga too
The career that I long to achieve
my family can be happy I need to believe

But each time I'm close
I want it so bad
Its just out of my reach
it makes me so sad.

The walls of my bubble
bounce me away from my dreams
deep, deep back inside
I'll never get there it seems

All alone in my bubble
there is no one else here
just me and my thoughts
bad thoughts and my fear

Can I ever get out
this circle of despair
will I ever achieve
all my dreams out there?

Depression is cruel
a cruel hand of fate
But I aim to get out
of this bubble I hate

There's a long road ahead
but the light I can see
I must do it for my children
for my family and for me.

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

How To Recognise The Symptoms Of Depressions

2006-10-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

When symptoms of depression are affecting quality of life, a person may find himself asking the following questions. Why is life so frustrating? Why do I feel so irritable? Why do I feel so exhausted all of the time?
If you find that coping with everyday challenges is getting the best of you, it may be time to reassess your emotional well-being. Although life can be stressful, at times, and external events can and do influence mood, it may be that you are suffering from a condition that afflicts millions of people each year. Depression symptoms may be influencing the way you perceive life and how you react to it. You may, in fact, be suffering from depression.
When it comes to recognizing symptoms for depression, surprisingly, these can be missed. Feeling frustrated or irritable is common and many people have, at times, experienced exhaustion, so people suffering from depression may live with a particular set of symptoms that persist for years, failing to recognize that something more serious is at work. “This is just the way I am. Doesn’t everyone feel this way?” a sufferer might ask. People are often harder on themselves than they would be with others and this also can influence how they view their emotional state. “I don’t want to be too soft on myself,” they think, downplaying their symptoms of depression.
When discussing depression symptoms, it is important to realize that these are multi-faceted and wide-ranging. Intense sadness can mar existence. Anxiety can feel alarming. Confidence may be lacking, which can make social functioning difficult. Life may be viewed as a series of mishaps. Preoccupation with personal mistakes or self-criticism can be ongoing. Small tasks can sometimes feel larger than life. Lack of energy and feeling exhausted can be accompanied by sleep disturbances that don’t ease that tired feeling. Irritation and anger may have the upper hand. Loss of interest in everyday activities may make it seem that life is dull, something that has to be gotten through. Hope may have fled and it may be hard to picture a satisfying future with these symptoms for depression can seriously impact quality of life.
Thankfully, when it comes to treatment for symptoms of depression, help is readily available. Conventional treatment may draw on medication and psychotherapy and these two methods may prove helpful. Alternative treatments have also been shown to be very effective in treating and alleviating depression. Natural supplementation is becoming popular because it doesn’t necessarily present the same side effects.
Research has shed light on neurotransmitter, brain, and nervous system malfunctioning and has provided insights on how nutritional deficiencies can play a role in how and why imbalances occur. Natural remedies act to correct malfunctioning and restore balance, there-by improving mood and well being, reducing depression symptoms.
Natural, good quality supplements contain vitamins, minerals, and co-factors, amino acids and enzymes, herbal extracts, and specialty supplements. Specific ingredients may include ginkgo biloba, for concentration and mental clarity, beneficial for treatment of cognitive decline and depression symptoms; green tea with polyphenols, used for improved cognitive performance; valerian which has been used to treat restlessness and anxiety-induced sleep disorders, insomnia, and depression; B6, which supports nerve tissues and is used in the treatment of depression. Natural remedies incorporate essential and effective ingredients that reduce symptoms for depression sufferers.
More information about natural supplements and recognizing symptoms of depression, can be found at our site.
Help and hope are available. Depression symptoms don’t have to go unrecognized and untreated. If you think you may be suffering from this condition, it is comforting to know that treatment options are flexible and can bring about a reduction in symptoms for depression sufferers.
Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She is a regular contributor to several health sites, including Symptoms Of Depression, a site dedicated to treating depression safely and effectively.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athlyn_Green

Shezz
www.depressiondays.com

Antidepressants - Are Side Effects Worse When Tired

2006-10-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

Some side effects from Anti-depressants include:

Headache
Dizziness
Dry Mouth
Jaw Clenching/Teeth Grinding
Anxiety
Insomnia
Nausea

and I know there are more that I just can't think of at the moment.

The main side effects that I suffer from are Jaw Clenching and Dry Mouth. My question is can these side effects be worse if you are tired or run down?

My mouth has been so dry the last few days - more so than normal. I have just returned from a camping trip - during which I didn't sleep well - and have been extremely tired since I got home, so this is why I'm wondering could this be causing the dry mouth to be worse???

I know stress can cause dry mouth also and jaw clenching so perhaps that could be it, I had some stressful days over the last week or so. I also didn't drink enough while we were away due to the lack of drinking water.

Well, hopefully now that I'm home and getting back into my usual routine and drinking more water, hopefully it will settle down a bit. There's nothing like becoming depressed over side effects of anti-depressants!!!

Isn't it ironic when anxiety is a side effect of anti-depressants. For me thankfully it has helped my anxiety to a certain extent, although I do still suffer from it - not as bad as I use to. For me depression, panic and anxiety kind of all go hand in hand, so it would be dreadful to take medication for depression only to find it makes your anxiety worse - which would then make your depression worse wouldn't it???

I really need to get stuck into better eating, exercise and yoga and try to pull myself out of depression so I don't need medication for the rest of my life. I would hate to have to put up with the side effects forever.

WE NEED A CURE!!!! A cure for depression, a cure for panic attacks, a cure for anxiety. Wouldn't it be great.

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
www.kaibamyrhodesianridgeback.blogspot.com

Depression Days - Feeling Down

2006-10-07T17:15:00.000-07:00

I played around with my website a bit the last couple of days and changed the colour scheme a bit. I had grey before and when I thought about it grey is a 'down' colour really so I thought I'd change to a pale yellow. Took me forever to change every page, now that its done I'm not sure that I like it. Not changing it again just yet though it took too long.

I woke up this morning feeling down, not sure why, I have no idea what is wrong with me today. My mouth was really dry to the extent I felt like my tongue was swelling. My nose and ears are blocked and generally feel yuk. Then of course I do my usually and start worrying about these feelings and the more I worry the more depressed I feel, vicous cycle. I wish there was just an instant cure for this, how can people struggle with these feelings forever, I am on medication, gee I'd hate to think what my feelings would be like today if I wasn't on medication.

The medication does help, but it doesn't cure it that's for sure, it only helps to a certain extent. If I increase my dose then I can't stand the side effects and they depress me. Its a no win situation.

I HATE THESE FEELINGS!!! I just want to lie in bed and cry. I don't even know why I am on here, maybe I should be out in the fresh air or doing something active, I really don't have the energy. Hopefully tomorrow will bring better feelings.

Shezz
www.depressiondays.com

Depression Days - Types of Depression

2006-10-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Types of Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses with 10-15% of people suffering from depression at some stage in their lifetime. The general symptoms of depression include irritability, difficulty to concentrate, feelings of guilt or helplessness, reduced appetite, anxiety, loss of interest in activities and personal appearance, difficulty sleeping, difficulty getting up in the morning, constant tiredness, lack of energy, changes in weight and headaches.
Most people are aware of common depression, however depression has different types which I have summarised below:

Major Depression
Major depression is the most common form of depression and most people will probably know somebody that suffers from it. Major depression will have the symptoms listed above. Depression symptoms may vary from person to person so not everyone will suffer all of the symptoms. The person will lack interest in most activities and be saddened with the thought that they will never pull out of these feelings and will always remain in this hopeless state. Of course the more the person thinks this way the more depressed they become.

Atypical Depression
Atypical depression is slightly different from major depression. Someone suffering from Atypical depression will not always be depressed but will sometimes have feelings of happiness and elation. Symptoms are similar to major depression and include weight change, fatigue, oversleeping and overeating. Sufferers believe that their moods are controlled by outside events such as praise, attention, success. Atypical depression episodes can last for month and some people may suffer from it forever.

Psychotic Depression
People suffering from Psychotic depression will imagine they hear or see things that aren't actually there. They may hear voices or sounds and see visions that don't exist to anyone but them. These hallucinations are more common to someone suffering from schizophrenia. A person with Psychotic depression has hallucinations that are frightening and threatening, negative sounds and images.

Dysthymia
Dysthmyia is a condition that sufferers don't even know they have depression, it is just a daily part of their lives and always has been. People suffering from Dysthmyia are people that are simply sad, blue, always depressed but for them it is completely normal and are not aware of it. They go through life feeling unimportant, frightened, dissatisfied and simply don't enjoy life.

Post Partum or Post Natal Depression
Depression that occurs either during or within a year after pregnancy is called perinatal depression. Perinatal depression is a very common form of depression and a large number of women will experience it. This type of depression can sometimes be hard to diagnose as there are a lot of changes going on within our bodies during and after pregnancy anyway. Some signs of perinatal depression are tiredness, changes in body weight, emotional changes and problems sleeping, but these also occur during pregnancy without necessarily having depression.

Manic or Bipolar Depression
Manic depression can be defined as an emotional disorder characterized by changing mood shifts from depression to mania which can sometimes be quite rapid.
Every individual with bipolar disorder has a unique pattern of mood cycles, combining depression and manic episodes, that is specific to that individual, but predictable once the pattern is identified.
Effective treatment is available for bipolar disorder. Without treatment, marital breakups, job loss, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide may result from the chronic, episodic mood swings.

Take care - keep smiling :)
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com
www.kaibamyrhodesianridgeback.blogspot.com

Depression Days - Back from holidays

2006-10-06T05:19:00.000-07:00

Have just arrived home this afternoon after a week camping in the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Had a good time, great to spend time in the outdoors so close to the wonderful wildlife we have here in Australia. We had kangaroos jumping past our caravan, we saw emu's, wallaby, kangaroos, echidna's, monitor lizards, blue tongue lizards, lots of flies (could have done without those), tadpoles, corellas and possums. I love seeing all these animals in their natural environment, it is just fantastic.

Although the one natural thing we could have done without was the massive wind storm we had 2 nights ago, I have never felt such strong winds it was so scarey, I was crying I was so scared. Some people near us packed up their tent and went to find a pub to stay in for the night. That was really scary and not the best night, didn't get a lot of sleep that night and was glad when the night was over, by morning it was nice and calm and turned out to be a beautiful day.

We blew a tyre on the 4wd on a dirt track and were quite worried about the spare tyre going very far as it was quite bald and half flat, it made it though to a town where we had to spend the night while they ordered some tyres to arrive over night.

Overall though the week was quite good, kids and dog had a ball. Glad to get home though to my own bed, a nice hot shower, water that I can drink out the tap and a toilet - not real keen on peeing in the bush.

Shezz
www.depressiondays.com
www.kaibamyrhodesianridgeback.blogspot.com

Depression Days - Off for a week

2006-09-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

Today I am spending about 5 minutes online as we are off camping for a week. So excited!!!
Actually its caravaning really, we purchased a caravan a couple of months ago and have only used it for one weekend so far, so now we are having a whole week in it, its going to be fun. The boys are so excited too.

A great therapy for depression going camping!! Except the drive there and back that can be quite worrysome.

Well have a good week all

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

Depression Days - Side Effects of Anti-depressants

2006-09-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

There are a few side effects of anti-depressant medication, most are more of a nuisance than actual dangerous side effects.

Side effects may include:

Nausea
Dizziness
Insomnia
Headache
Dry Mouth
Blurred Vision
Altered Bowel Function
Teeth Grinding
Jaw Clenching

Some side effects only occur for the first week or two, mainly the nausea and dizziness, once your body adjusts to the medication these side effects usually disappear. Although in many cases medication will be started on a low dose and gradually increased over time until your GP feels you are at the correct dose needed. These symptoms can re-occur each time the dose is increased.

Insomnia is quite a common side effect of anti-depressant medication and because of this it is best to take the medication in the mornings with breakfast. If taken in the morning insomnia should not be a problem.

Personally I suffered the nausea and dizziness each time my medication was increased and also when it was decreased. It soon passed though and was not a major issue. The side effect that has been the most annoying for me personally is the teeth grinding and jaw clenching. This has affected me to the extent that I have problems with my teeth and problems with my jaw bones and my ears. I get lock jaw which can be quite painful and I can have problems with my jaw locking and/or hurting when eating hard foods. I also suffer from headaches caused from the constant jaw clenching, it can affect the muscles in your face, head and neck and because the joints of the jaw bone are near the ears I have problems with my ears feeling blocked and having to 'pop' them all the time.

I have had a mouth guard made to fit to try and relieve the jaw clenching although I haven't found this all that successful, I just clench on that, and even though it was made to fit, I still find it quite uncomfortable. I have found probably the most effective in relieving the jaw clenching is relaxation. Yoga is good and also jaw and facial exercises. I have reduced my medication slightly as the higher the dose the worse the jaw clenching was and it got to an extent that the effects from the jaw clenching were making me more depressed and kind of defeated the whole purpose of being on medication. So I have reduced the dose just enough that it has reduce the jaw problem a bit but am still having the benefits of the medication also.

So if side effects of anti-depressants are to an extent that you can't cope with them, see your GP, you can change your doses (under GP supervision of course) until you get the right dose to help with the side effects, or even try a different medication, some effects vary with different medications. Also try relaxation such as yoga or exercise to help with side effects.

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

Depression Days - Feeling Blah

2006-09-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

Feeling Blah

We are not going to discuss 'clinical depression' here. Today we are discussing general run of the mill depression - feeling blue - feeling down - feeling 'blah'.

There's a sort of heaviness to depression. You feel lethargic and sluggish. You feel down and out, you have the general feeling of "I'm depressed". You feel heavy and tired and just want to stop fighting with gravity and just lie down and stay there for as long as you can.

What is the best cure for feeling like this?? Lying down and resting? No!!! The best thing is physical movement - some activity. Get up, take the dog for a walk, wash the car, clean the house. I know when you are feeling like this, these are the last things you feel like doing, but amazingly enough you DO actually feel better after doing them.

You need to get your energy moving, it definately helps the feelings of depression to get your energy moving. Doing something productive helps even more, that way you have a sense of achievement when you've finished which will lift your spirits a bit. You will get the boost of accomplishment as well as the boost of movement.

But you don't have the energy to get up and do anything!! Trust me I know how you feel! But you can't wait for the energy to come - it wont, so don't wait until you feel like you have the energy to do it - start moving and then the energy will come. Its a bit like the supply and demand theory, energy follows demand. When we demand the energy by getting up and starting a physical activity, it is there.

DEPRESSION?

'MOVE IT TO LOSE IT'

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

Depression Days - Taking The Kids Shopping

2006-09-23T23:54:00.000-07:00

Today I made the silly mistake of taking my oldest two boys - aged 8 and 7 - to the shops with me. I tell you what, if you're not depressed already, taking two boys like mine shopping will certainly make you depressed. Oh my goodness did they play up. I can tell them til I'm blue in the face to stop mucking around but do you think they listen to me. Of course you can't smack your kids in public these days either or you'll get reported for child abuse. I'm sorry, but in my opinion kids need disciplined. Perhaps if it was acceptable to smack your children, they wouldn't act so feral when you take them to the shops since they know you wont smack them there.

So did they get any punishment??? Of course, no smacks I'll admit, I think the punishment they got was much more annoying to them than a smack anyway. They had to write out their times tables, all of them. Actually for the 7 year old, not such a problem, he's the smarty pants and quite enjoys anything like that, and of course he thinks he's very good since he knows them. The 8 year old however just really can't be bothered with learning anything like that, and literally sat at the table for hours because he didn't want to do it. Well, I wonder if he'll think twice about the way he acts next time we're at the shops.

Although, I have vowed never to take them to the shops ever again. But now that I have, and am still not completely calmed after the experience, I might go out for a jog and release that negative energy.

Question is, to take the dog or not to take the dog, he'll never forgive me if I don't. Big dog though, I have a really sore hand from the last time I took him a few days ago.

Well, over and out. Have a lovely day.
Shezz
www.depressiondays.com

Depression Days - Anxiety Depression

2006-09-23T00:36:00.000-07:00

Many people who engage in various multi-tasking activities tend to exert too much of their brain power and as a result usually exhaust not only their physical strength, but they also tend to over extend their brains to the extent when it obviously needs some good old relaxation time. Busy people sometimes ignore the need to relax and take time off work, as well as their worries. It is these people who tend to start having nervous breakdowns, anxiety depression and other mental illnesses. Fortunately, if you're one of those poor unfortunate people who are unable to de-stress and is constantly fussing and worrying over things, there are various treatments available for treating anxiety depression.

Anxiety depression symptoms can vary from person to person but are usually characterized by irregularities and erratic behavior, this can be due to certain stress triggers that may tend to cause a person undue jitters and stress. Some people are naturally more nervous people and don't handle stressful situations as well as others, these people are more prone to having anxiety depression. They need to teach themsleves to be strong-willed when it comes to facing difficult and stress-prone activities. This is easier said than done and may be pretty hard to overcome at first, but trying to be calm and cool in times of extreme pressure is what will actually save your mental health from going in a totally downward spiral.

You will not be able to be cured from mental illness unless you are willing to admit that you have a mental illness in the first place. You have to be honest with yourself and assess what kind of depression or mental illness you actually have, go to your doctor to get yourself diagnosed correctly and to be placed on the right treatment for your condition. Here are the various types of depression:

Manic or Bipolar depression - symptoms include sudden and extreme changes in one's mood. One minute he or she is in an elevated state of euphoria while the next minute (day or week) he or she is feeling to be in a personal hell.

Postpartum depression - characterized by a prolonged sadness and a feeling of emptiness by a new mother. Physical stress during child birth, uncertain sense of responsibility towards the new born baby or over tiredness can be factors that can contribute to developing postpartum depression.

Dysthimia - characterized by a slight similarity with depression, although this time, it's been proven to be a lot less severe, but of course with any case, should be treated immediately.

Cyclothemia - characterized by a slight similarity with Manic or Bipolar depression wherein the individual suffering from this mental illness may occasionally suffer from severe changes in one's moods.

Seasonal Affective Disorder - symptoms of falling in a rut only during specific seasons (i.e. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall). Studies have shown that more people actually fall in to a rut more during the Winter and Fall seasons. Mood swings, wherein a person's mood may shift from happy to sad to angry in just a short time.

Anxiety depression has proven to be one of the most common types of depression and quite a high number of the population suffer from it. Anxiety depression is characterized by the state of being overly anxious about things. Anxiety, a supposedly normal behavior that actually helps a person adjust more to a certain stressful activity like first date jitters or a grueling exam the following day. Anxiety actually helps you get psyched up towards facing certain "difficult situations"; and therefore anxiety is actually a good thing. Anxiety depression however, is simply the opposite, not to be easily dismissed as a "case of the nerves"; Anxiety depression is actually an illness that can be caused from the biological makeup of an individual, or in other words, a hereditary illness.

Also, there are actually various types of Anxiety depression, each having its own unique characteristics. Take for example Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD, this kind of Anxiety depression is a lot more complicated than the average Anxiety depression, in spite of possibly being a day-to-day habit for those who suffer this kind of Anxiety depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder can make a person more paranoid than usual, anxiety attacks are more frequent, even absurd at times. They can even be anxious when there is no apparent reason that calls for them to behave in such a way. People suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder actually show a lot of symptoms, from lack of sleep, to being unable to relax, getting tired easily, cannot concentrate on what they're doing and even suffering from depression. This kind of Anxiety depression is curable but takes a bit of work to be cured.

Consult your doctor or therapist who will help give you the therapy that you need to help you loosen up. They may also prescribe medication to help with anxiety and help to calm and relax you.

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

Depression Days - Steve Irwins Memorial Service

2006-09-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

What can you say??

I have just finished watching Steve Irwins memorial service. I don't think I have ever watched a more emotional service, my husband and I both sat and cried. How can such a strong, energetic, passionate man be taken from this world.

He said he was put on this earth to save and protect the animals, then why was he taken so young, why wasn't he kept here to keep on saving and protecting them. He had such an important job, such an important part in conservation of this world, could anyone ever compare.

I feel for his lovely wife and children. He was their world and they were his, now their whole life has changed in the blink of an eye.

I know when you suffer from depression it is a very hard disease to take control of. But you know Steve Irwin in his death has inspired me. When I look at how fulfilled his life was, at how much he could fit into every day. To live on the edge - I am so the opposite, too scared to do anything - but he enjoyed his life, he had so much energy and was so happy and made such a difference to everybody. He truly LIVED his life to the fullest. It is such a tragic, tragic loss, but at least he LIVED. How many of us spend our lives depressed and stressing and worrying over everything, instead of being out their really living our lives and enjoying every minute of them.

Even knowing this and having Steve as inspiration, I know it will still be hard to overcome depression, but he had made me more determined to do so.

Shezz
www.depressiondays.com

Depression days - depressing dressing

2006-09-18T00:44:00.000-07:00

No site update today, instead today I went out shopping with my Mum.
She wanted to take me out to buy me some clothes for my upcoming birthday. Man oh man thats depressing, I hate trying on clothes.

Generally I'm not overweight, its just that tummy flab that you get after having babies, that I have been too slack to get rid off yet. Its got to go though. So I came home, picked the kids up from school, then as soon as my hubby got home I took the dog for a walk. Didn't jog today, don't know why maybe because its hot, just wanted to walk - a fast walk though I worked up a sweat.

No more depressing dressing at the shops for me - soon anyway hopefully. Tummy flab your days are numbered, soon you will be no more.

Then I can go happy shopping!

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

Depression Days - Hypothyroidism

2006-09-17T04:37:00.000-07:00

Today I was reflecting on the page I added to my website yesterday. It was a page on post natal or post partum depression. In my blog yesterday I commented on whether you can get post natal depression outside of the suggested time of 1 year following birth. I didn't suffer from depression until a couple of years after my 3rd birth.

As I was thinking about this today, I thought about part of my content yesterday in which I talked about hypothyroidism, and how this can cause depression, also has similar symptoms to depression and how pregnancy and hormonal changes to your body can bring the onset of hypothyroidism.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last year also, probably a couple of months before I was diagnosed with depression, although I suffered from depression for a while before I saw my GP.
Anyway, my thinking now is although I didn't suffer from depression until a couple of years after the birth of my 3rd child, I also have the underactive thyroid - which was possibly brought on by pregnancy hormonal changes, which could have caused or contributed to the depression. So if this is the case, then the pregnancy ultimately did contribute to the depression - therefore post natal depression in my opinion can occur over 1 year after the birth.

Or it could all just be a big coincidence and the fact that I had 3 reasonably close pregnancies may have had nothing to do with either the hypothyroidism or the depression.

I wonder

Take care all
ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

Depression Days - No clicks with adsense

2006-09-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

Today I have updated my site, I have added a page on Post Partum or Post Natal Depression. With my research everything I came across says that postpartum depression can happen within a year after childbirth. I personally wonder though whether it can take longer. Or does it just mean that if you get depression 18 months after childbirth that its then considered normal depression as opposed to post partum?? I don't know the answer to this. All I know is my depression started probably a couple of years after my last child was born.

I'm beginning to wonder if its worth having a site for adsense, what am I doing wrong???? I am getting visitors to my site but I'm not getting any clicks. I have changed my adsense around so many times, according to ebooks and advice on forums but NOTHING seems to be working.

I have stated in previous blogs that I am going to start doing everything that I say to do on my site. I took up jogging last week, I went jogging with my big puppy for 3 days in a row, then it stopped because my kids have been sick so I haven't managed to get out. I'm going to start again today though.

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

Depression days - depression blues

2006-09-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

I've had a reasonably constructive day today. I added an article onto my website called Depression Blues as well as submitting it to some article directories. I came across a program called Article Submitter, which saves a lot of time.

I have changed around my adsense a bit on the site, after asking for advice on a forum as I wasn't getting many clicks. So with the advice I received I have changed it a little. I have started reading Joel Comms Adsense secrets, although there are so many different opinions. I changed it around a week or so ago to what Joel Comm said but still not getting the clicks, so have changed around slightly again. I am only about 1/4 way through Adsense Secrets so will keep going and see what else I can learn.

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

Depression day Tribute to Steve Irwin

2006-09-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

A fitting tribute to one of the good guys from Oz

THE CROCODILES ARE CRYING by Rupert McCall

Endless visions fill my head, this man as large as life
And instantly my heart mourns for his angels and his wife.
Because the way I see Steve Irwin just put everything aside
It comes back to his family, it comes back to his pride.

His animals inclusive, Crikey light the place with love!
Shine his star with everything he fought to rise above
The crazy-man of Khaki from the day he left the pouch
Living out his dream and in that classic 'Stevo' crouch.

Exploding forth with character and redefining cheek
It's one thing to be honoured as a champion unique.
It's one thing to have microphones and spotlight cameras shoved
It's another to be taken in and genuinely loved.

But that was where he had it right, I guess he always knew
From his father's modest reptile park and then Australia Zoo.
We cringed at times and shook our heads but true to natures call
There was something very Irwin in the make up of us all.

Yes the more I care to think of it, the more he had it right.
If you're going to make a difference, make it big and make it bright!
Yes - he was a lunatic! Yes - he went head first!
But he made the world feel happy with his energetic burst.

A world so large and loyal that it's hard to comprehend
I doubt we truly count the warmth until life meets an end
To count it now I say a prayer with words of inspiration
May the spotlight shine forever on his dream for conservation

My daughter broke the news to me, my six year old in tears
It was like she'd just turned old enough to show her honest fears
I tried to make some sense of it but whilst her Dad was trying
His little girl explained it best, she said "The crocodiles are crying"

Their best mate's up in heaven now, the crocs up there are smiling!
And as sure as flowers, poems and cards and memories are piling
As sure as we'll continue with the trademarks of his spiel
Of all the tributes worthy, he was rough but he was real

As sure as 'Crikey!' fills the sky
I think we'll miss ya, Steve .. goodbye

RUPERT McCALL 2006

www.depressiondays.com

Depression days - bad day

2006-09-13T03:54:00.000-07:00

Haven't done a thing on my site today, feeling rather depressed and panicky again. My oldest son is still not 100% but my 4 year old is sick now, headache and fevers, why do I panic as soon as they get sick. Its so hard to explain how it makes me feel, I feel sick to my stomach, when my husband came home from work I just burst into tears, I wish I didn't feel like this.

Does anyone ever beat depression and panic attacks??? Or is it something I'll have to deal with forever.

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

Depression Days - Panic

2006-09-11T22:28:00.000-07:00

I haven't done any work on my site today, I have one child whos been sick. He's had a headache and fever for 2 days, now the headache has gone but still has the fever and been vomiting all morning. Vomiting seems to have stopped now, hopefully that will be it and perhaps his fever might come down too.

I hate it when my kids get sick, I'm waiting for the others to get it now. I wish I could deal with sickness like normal people. I panic, I feel sick to my stomach and can't eat, I have thoughts going through my head constantly wondering what exactly is wrong, why does he have a headache, what is causing the fever, I hate not knowing exactly what is wrong because I worry incase its something serious. I know all parents worry when their kids are sick but I think I go beyond normal worry. My husband tells me to get over it, kids get sick it happens, he's ok. I wish I could have his attitude. It doesn't seem to matter how hard I try I just can't help feeling this way when they are sick. I come very close to having a panic attack, which I use to have before I was on antidepressant medication.

Why can't they have a miracle cure than can just change feelings instanty????

Tired, I slept with my boy last night and he tossed and turned and moaned and groaned all night, I got up at 3:30 and went to my own bed so I could get some sleep, managed 4 hours before my other son came in to tell me Ben was vomiting all over his bed. - Yuk. I think I'll have an early night tonight.

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

depression days - positive thinking

2006-09-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

After a couple of days off I am back on track now. I have added a page on positive thinking to my website. I am a big believer in how our thoughts affect our lives, although I know if all in my head, putting it into practise is another thing alltogether. I have a book called "you can't afford the luxury of a negative thought" by John Roger and Peter McWilliams, and it is the most fantastic book, I have had it for years and gotten through quite a few rough times with the help of this book. I have a link on my site to where you can purchase the book, it is the only book I have recommended because in my opinion its the best. I know my problem is one of forever thinking negatively and even overthinking everything - don't get me wrong I don't want to imply that the book can't be that good if I still think negatively, my problem is I don't stick to things. This book has gotten me out of my negativity a lot of times, unfortunately I put the book away and stop doing what they say and slip back into it, even though it stressed in the book not to do that. I'm going to make a super huge effort to get back on the positive track.

I noted in my story on my website that I hoped building this site will help me in my recovery from depression and that I am going to start doing everything that I write about. So far I've been a bit slack until a couple of days ago, I got off my butt and went for a jog, I went again yesterday and intend to go again today. I'm going to get fit and healthier and feel better for it. Mind you it helps when you have a large dog that can pull you along too.

As my final word for today, I just wanted to give my condolenses to the family and friends of Peter Brock. Another tragic loss for Australia, we have lost 2 great men in one week.
RIP Brocky.

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

Depression Days - Logo

2006-09-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

Not a big day as far as the progression of the site goes today.
Although I did work out how to make a logo, so the logo on my site has now changed
Actually getting the logo was the easy part, getting into all the pages in the right spot was harder than making the actualy logo.
Have also been doing a bit of work on another site which I will hopefully get up and running soon. I know I should probably just concentrate on just one site at a time, but I just can't help myself.

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

PS - Germaine Greer I was a fan of Steve Irwin, if that makes me an idiot then so be it. At least I'm not an inconsiderate cow who picks the most insensitive time to make stupid, pathetic, insensitive and untrue comments about a person while their family are grieving for them.

Depression days - natural treatments

2006-09-05T21:37:00.001-07:00

Today I have added a page on the natural treatments that may help with depression. This has probably been my hardest page so far as far as content goes, but I am fairly happy with the result. I learnt how to use anchor points today too, another achievement!!!

Now I need to start putting into practise all that I have published on the natural treatments page, good information for everyone whether you suffer from depression or not.

Back to work - bye
ShezzP

Depression days - natural treatments

2006-09-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

RIP Steve Irwin

2006-09-04T23:58:00.000-07:00

Australia mourns the loss of our 'crocodile hunter' Steve Irwin.

Such a tragedy for such a brave man, who loved animals and nature and devoted his life to it.

Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

May you rest in peace Steve.

ShezzP
www.depressiondays.com

Depression Days - Looney Tunes

2006-09-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

I had an email sent to me by my sister and it was really cute. It was some lovely quote and each one had a looney tune picture background, real cute. I couldn't help myself I had to add them to my website. So now I have a whole page called Looney Tune Quotes.

Thats about all I have done on my site over the last couple of days though. I must try and get back into it a bit more this week.

Take care guys

Come and visit me - www.depressiondays.com - and check out my new looney tunes quote page!

Depression days diary

2006-09-01T04:46:00.000-07:00

Well how did today go??? This morning I got a bit depressed when I was told that all my head tags were all wrong on my website, I really don't know much about tags, hey I've only been working on websites for about 3 weeks. I'm learning every day though. Thankfully it all came good fairly quickly, I met a lovely lady on a forum who talked me through fixing it all up, so all is good now.

I haven't had much of a chance to work on the site today though other than fixing the head tags but I didn manage to add one article to the site.

I am thinking of adding a page where I can publish peoples stories about depression. So if there is anyone out there who has suffered from depression and would like to add their story to my site you can contact me via my site - www.depressiondays.com

Well thats all for today.
Goodnight

Diary of Depression Days

2006-08-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

This blog is for the purpose of writing my thoughts and my progress on the website I am creating called Depression Days.

Depression Days is an information site about depression, which currently includes a home page discussing what is depression, a page on treatments available, a page about counselling, a page with some quotes and articles.

The home page also includes my depression story. I am producing this website for the purpose of having the information available to people with depression, and also to share my experience and with the hope that producing this site will also assist me in my recovery.

This is the first ever website I have created and it has taken me a while and a lot of playing around to get it where it is, its quite basic but for me I think its ok, I am very happy with it, I have a great sense of achievement in having built what I have so far.

One day I hope to do a course in web design but for now I'm just feeling my way.

I hope to add to my site regularly and will post as I do so.

My site can be found at www.depressiondays.com

ShezzP