According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) estimations it has been observed that ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) or Electroshock has been used in Canada to treat severely depressed patients more than 15,000 times in 2007. This treatment involves subjecting the brain of the depressed patients to electric shock. It is known to cause serious and irreparable damages like memory loss and other impairments to the brain. Moreover the patients who have undergone this treatment have described their experiences as traumatic. A rally was held in Ottawa on Sunday in support of banning this medical procedure by Sue Clark –Wittenburg who had undergone this treatment 35 years ago. According to her, the ill effects of this form of treatment have proved to be obstacles in her career establishment. She opines that it always causes memory loss and brain damage. ECT dates back to 1938 and has been used as a part of psychiatric treatment for psychotic depression when all the other forms of treatment fail. In Canada this form of treatment seems to be going strong with the mental health physicians and since 2002 there is no decline in its usage. According to CBC News, Dr. Nizar Ladha, a psychiatrist from St. John’s, who has been using ECT for the last thirty years, says that ECT is a life saving treatment and even though it causes seizures it is not painful. He says that there were many cases where ECT was successful in combating depression preventing suicide. The Canadian Psychiatric Association and the Canadian Medical Association differ in their opinions regarding the effects of ECT. The former say it is safe and effective while the latter say that it causes brain damage. Dr. Paul Breggin is one of those few psychiatrists who acknowledges the ill –effects of ECT and feels that it should be banned. Dr. David Goldbloom, a Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Toronto) psychiatrist feels that this form of treatment has survived despite repeated pleas to ban it and it is going to become more popular in future. It is seen that generally the psychiatrists seem to favor the ECT while the rest including the patients feels that it is a traumatic treatment with very serious side effects. This form of treatment has both pros and cons. The pros are that there have been evidences showing that in the most severe types of clinical depression and suicidal tendencies, the ECT seems to have worked as a life saving treatment. The cons are of course the numerous brain related impairments. Given that the treatment of any form of serious ailments has side effects that may be traumatic, for example, chemotherapy for treating cancer, it is upto the common man to weigh the pros and cons and decide upon the acceptability of the treatment. ECT under expert medical guidance may not be that harmful after all. Image Source via: CBC News,
Today’s youth experiencing high levels of stress
Youngsters today are experiencing high levels of stress. The sources of stress are diverse for youngsters in different age levels. Among 13-17 year olds, academics is by far the most commonly mentioned source. Among 18-24 year olds, it is jobs and financial matters. Academic and career related pressures are ruining the life of young people. An average teenager today wants to excel in school, perform well in sports, keep up with the latest trends and choose the right higher education stream. Youngsters in there 20′s want a well paid job, they want to start saving for buying assets and also want to choose the right life partner. Added to this is the pressure to try and meet the expectations of the parents. Another type of stress which is latent in the minds of youth but still present is the threat of terrorism and vandalism. Females particularly feel unsafe in many public places and this adds to their stress level. After a series of terrorist activities which have rocked the world, the fear is nagging in the minds of young people who find themselves helpless and not able to contribute towards its eradication. According to surveys young females are more stressed out then males and incidences of high stress level are more in urban areas. The incidences of anxiety and depression are rising at an alarming rate and we keep hearing of teenager suicide cases around the world. Cut throat competition to keep up with peers is robbing youngsters of the pleasures of being young and healthy. Via:MSNBC Image1 Image2
The Preteen Years
Talking About Sex and Drugs The conversations started out simple. You taught them to share, to never touch a hot plate when it is put in front of them, and even to be cautious of strangers. Over the years conversations with your children have become more and more complicated. If you are parenting a preteen you might feel overwhelmed and confused on how to approach some of the more serious topics and issues. If you are parenting a preteen how do you start the conversation about sex and drugs? The Three Letter Word That Changes Everything By the time your child reaches the preteen years they have likely been through some sex education courses in school. For example, in the state of California the schools teach a few lessons on sex education in the fifth grade. In addition, it is likely that your child and their friends have chatted about the subject from time to time. Your preteen might understand what sex is, but not understand the many complications that come along with this serious life step. Your child can easily think that you cannot tell them anything they don’t already know. If you are about to take the “talk” to the next step you should ask yourself if your preteen is mature enough to handle the information. Timing is key to any discussion. Once you determine if your preteen has the maturity it takes to openly discuss sex and more importantly safe sex you have to set some time aside where you can be alone and comfortable. Your child must understand how babies are made, the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases and also unplanned pregnancy. This may sound simple, but it is very complicated for some parents. Additional support from adolescent treatment centers can provide you with multiple resources. Sex is often intertwined with body image and gender differences. Adolescent treatment facilities can provide you with resources and your preteen with classes and support groups for a variety of issues including healthy body image and avoiding drug use. Drugs can appear in your child’s life at any point in the elementary or middle school years. As a society, sex, and drugs are appearing to our youth sooner than we could imagine. Preteens have been told that drugs are bad and harmful to their health yet that normally does not completely eliminate their curiosity and access to harmful substances. A complete discussion with your child should do more than bring across the message that drugs are bad. Parents can show their children the results of drug use including but not limited to other teens with drug addictions, teen death from drug use, and other hard facts that bring the message across. Adolescent treatment facilities can provide you with tools to start both conversations on sex and/or drugs. They can also provide you with preteen groups that your child can attend and share their questions and concerns with other children their age. These forums can be a positive step in your child’s most influential years.
Depression – A biochemical process?
With depression making rounds in the society in a grand manner, scientists may be on the verge of discovering a bio-chemical indicator for the assessment of depression. A condition which hitherto was diagnosed solely on the subjective opinion of a practitioner may now have a ‘lab test’ to determine the severity of the condition as well as the effect of different treatments and therapies on a particular patient. Scientists at the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program at the University of Illinois suggest that depression involves a bio-chemical process wherein the brain releases specific substances which can be detected by laboratory tests. The researchers conducted a post–mortem study of depressed people who committed suicide and compared their findings to that of normal people. They established that a certain protein called Gs alpha which relays information between the brain cells and the neuro-transmitters seemed to have been less effective in depressive people. One of the main concerns faced by psychiatrists while treating a patient with anti-depressants is the unpredictability of the drug’s effect. Rasenick and his team are hopeful that this proposed technique would significantly step up the efficacy and quality of management of depressive disorders. Source: Forbes Image: Pinkfridge
Suicide rate among elderly rises
Statistics say that apart from the youths, another age group that is particularly vulnerable to suicide is the people in the age bracket of 65 years and above. The overall U.S. suicide rate is 11 per 100,000 people. But for those 65 and older, that figure rises to 14 per 100,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although taking one’s life can be an acute, impulsive act at any age, suicide among the elderly is more often a drastic solution that has been contemplated for some time. Change, in the form of retirement, moving to a nursing home or losing the ability to drive or walk can be a trigger. Depression is the most frequent cause of suicidal thoughts and alcoholism triggers depression. Studies of alcoholics reveal that between 30 percent and 60 percent suffer from depression, and a significant proportion of alcoholics have other persons in their families suffering from depression. Sometimes the elderly are suffering from painful diseases and they put themselves out of misery by committing suicide. But, this tragic situation can change! Most elderly people don’t really want to die. Family, friends and health providers can step in to help prevent the suicide of elderly people. In the elderly people around you look for persistent sad or anxious mood, feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, loss of interest in hobbies or activities and signs of decreased energy. A mere reminder to the elderly that they are still a part of a family or a community can give them hope to live. Via:MSNBC Image1
Exercise: The best antidepressant!
Do you depend on antidepressants to see the world in psychedelic colours instead of shades of Blue? Do you know that exercise is the best and the cheapest antidepressant? Exercise is the last thing on your mind you are down and anxious but research has shown that even a 10 minute walk down the block could help you feel better and lift your spirits. A study was conducted by Italian researchers on the effects of exercise on people who are suffering from depression. About thirty women aged between 40 and 60 who had been diagnosed with major depression were randomly assigned to stick with antidepressants alone or to include exercise twice a week while taking antidepressants for eight months. It was found that women who exercised showed remarkable improvements in their depression symptoms when compared to those women who were in antidepressants alone. It’s not a magic bullet, but increasing physical activity is a positive and active strategy to help manage depression and anxiety says Kristin Vickers-Douglas, a psychologist at Mayo Clinic. How does exercise help? * Exercising when you are depressed firstly helps you get distracted as you concentrate on your workout instead of life’s misery. * If you are out taking a walk, you get to interact with people, which may help you forget your worries and make you feel better when you know that you are not the only person in the world having problems. * Identify the activity that you enjoy most or you are likely to give up the instant you hit the blues. So, get going and the next time some one asks what stands for D – Say Dance and not Depresssion! Image Source
Today’s youth experiencing high levels of stress
Youngsters today are experiencing high levels of stress. The sources of stress are diverse for youngsters in different age levels. Among 13-17 year olds, academics is by far the most commonly mentioned source. Among 18-24 year olds, it is jobs and financial matters. Academic and career related pressures are ruining the life of young people. An average teenager today wants to excel in school, perform well in sports, keep up with the latest trends and choose the right higher education stream. Youngsters in there 20′s want a well paid job, they want to start saving for buying assets and also want to choose the right life partner. Added to this is the pressure to try and meet the expectations of the parents. Another type of stress which is latent in the minds of youth but still present is the threat of terrorism and vandalism. Females particularly feel unsafe in many public places and this adds to their stress level. After a series of terrorist activities which have rocked the world, the fear is nagging in the minds of young people who find themselves helpless and not able to contribute towards its eradication. According to surveys young females are more stressed out then males and incidences of high stress level are more in urban areas. The incidences of anxiety and depression are rising at an alarming rate and we keep hearing of teenager suicide cases around the world. Cut throat competition to keep up with peers is robbing youngsters of the pleasures of being young and healthy. Via:MSNBC Image1 Image2
The Preteen Years
Talking About Sex and Drugs The conversations started out simple. You taught them to share, to never touch a hot plate when it is put in front of them, and even to be cautious of strangers. Over the years conversations with your children have become more and more complicated. If you are parenting a preteen you might feel overwhelmed and confused on how to approach some of the more serious topics and issues. If you are parenting a preteen how do you start the conversation about sex and drugs? The Three Letter Word That Changes Everything By the time your child reaches the preteen years they have likely been through some sex education courses in school. For example, in the state of California the schools teach a few lessons on sex education in the fifth grade. In addition, it is likely that your child and their friends have chatted about the subject from time to time. Your preteen might understand what sex is, but not understand the many complications that come along with this serious life step. Your child can easily think that you cannot tell them anything they don’t already know. If you are about to take the “talk” to the next step you should ask yourself if your preteen is mature enough to handle the information. Timing is key to any discussion. Once you determine if your preteen has the maturity it takes to openly discuss sex and more importantly safe sex you have to set some time aside where you can be alone and comfortable. Your child must understand how babies are made, the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases and also unplanned pregnancy. This may sound simple, but it is very complicated for some parents. Additional support from adolescent treatment centers can provide you with multiple resources. Sex is often intertwined with body image and gender differences. Adolescent treatment facilities can provide you with resources and your preteen with classes and support groups for a variety of issues including healthy body image and avoiding drug use. Drugs can appear in your child’s life at any point in the elementary or middle school years. As a society, sex, and drugs are appearing to our youth sooner than we could imagine. Preteens have been told that drugs are bad and harmful to their health yet that normally does not completely eliminate their curiosity and access to harmful substances. A complete discussion with your child should do more than bring across the message that drugs are bad. Parents can show their children the results of drug use including but not limited to other teens with drug addictions, teen death from drug use, and other hard facts that bring the message across. Adolescent treatment facilities can provide you with tools to start both conversations on sex and/or drugs. They can also provide you with preteen groups that your child can attend and share their questions and concerns with other children their age. These forums can be a positive step in your child’s most influential years.
What to do in case a loved one will be Taking once life
What to do in case a loved one will be Taking once life 
epression, seen as a inconsistent moodiness, lack of fascination with interests and also routines is definitely a serious psychological condition influencing about In search of.Your five % of the nation. Naturally, it is can be quite a many more fatal if the despondent person is going in the direction of committing suicide.For that reason, below are a few signs to understand if the cherished one is actually taking into consideration suicide due to depressive disorders.
epression, seen as a inconsistent moodiness, lack of fascination with interests and also routines is definitely a serious psychological condition influencing about In search of.Your five % of the nation. Naturally, it is can be quite a many more fatal if the despondent person is going in the direction of committing suicide.For that reason, below are a few signs to understand if the cherished one is actually taking into consideration suicide due to depressive disorders.
Depressive disorders Committing suicide: Symptoms to be familiar with
One. Mentions associated with Suicide or perhaps Dying
Two. Looking to complement reduce ends or hand out private belongings
Three or more. Starting foolhardy habits for example heavy alcoholic beverages and also drug use
Four. Extracting coming from friends and family
Five. Irregular moodiness
Some. Unnecessarily declaring goodbye.
Several. Mental behavior which is ambiguous or even oblique: (as an example:“I
wish to hit the sack and don’t get up.Inches, “I’m thus frustrated, I just cannot continue.“, “Does Lord discipline suicides?”
The signs and also warnings are vastly different individually for each person, it is essential that it is possible to identify such warnings and find a wa to help your spouse.
Aiding a family member that is showing warning signs of Despression symptoms Suicide
If you feel somebody is actually considering destruction perform find assist quickly, nevertheless there’s a a number of destruction avoidance internet sites along with hotlines available to support those in require, however in circumstance these are not as part of your achieve, you can look at these:
A single. Develop Actual Closeness: Basic cuddles, smooches on the cheeks, caring pats along with words of flattery significantly help in curing a damaged heart or even depressed mind. Don’t forget, occasionally the little things Carry out count.
Only two. If your individual is finely taking once life, don’t depart your ex alone.
Several. Remember: taking once life actions is a yowl with regard to support. Thus when someone contemplating suicide turns for your requirements, it is likely that he thinks that you’re more patient plus more informed regarding dealing with depressive disorders, and much more happy to assist. This in itself is often a positive, as a result it will be time for you to allow you to ultimately end up being what a taking once life man or woman sights one to be; better and you’re simply.
Some. Various other steps to take contain encouraging them that help can be acquired understanding that together with correct therapy they can feel great. Do not patronize these through telling them that “everything will probably be fine,Inch or even which “they have everything to reside regarding.
Five. Try and search your house pertaining to hazardous products such as guns and also kitchen knives that could be possibly damaging.
As well as the elements above, in case you are of the spiritual desire, this will be fun to pray in accordance with the construction of the trust. In fact, prayer whenever utilised effectively could work miracles to help in limiting depression suicide.
Moreover, in the hopes that your beloved begins to demonstrate signs and symptoms of enhancement from your dire warnings indicating depression destruction, it’ll be fantastic to begin to add this kind of drug-free methods for depressive disorders therapy such as physical exercise: that is Pilates, an appropriate diet regime with regard to physical health which often heals your brain and optimistic thinking along with positive affirmations.
Of course we all might find worried or even terrified in case a family member would seem for the edge regarding committing suicide resulting from despression symptoms, however as with every life is difficulties, as we can find the idea early and also go this inside the friend, depressive disorders committing suicide might be stopped. In case points could possibly have received more complex, it may be time to seek specialist help or rather dual up on the endeavours to help the beloved back to a positive outlook on existence.
50 Reasons to be Grateful for Hugs
50 Reasons to be Grateful for Hugs :
Hands covered about yet another physique, heart, human being, or even your self. Some individuals prefer to embrace frozen goodies containers, new frames of trainers, pillows or a image coming from a pleasant storage.
I enjoy cuddles. They are a special method to join other folks that compares to nothing else. Going to a friend without having definitely any hug is much like getting freshly prepared bananas cobbler looking at us as well as saying My partner and i can’t have a one flavor. Continue reading “50 Reasons to be Grateful for Hugs” »