Fighting Loneliness with Sushi?

 Photo used under Creative Commons from avlxyz

by Nigel Lawson

I've read all the articles and blogs dealing with loneliness after divorce. I'm up to my neck in self help books, actually reading some for the second time. I have friends I go out with on a regular basis.  I have plenty of hobbies, so I don't really need a new one. I stay busy with work and community organizations. So, why am I still dealing with loneliness 4 years after my divorce?

Lately it's become a chore to even  leave my apartment.  I literally have to scold myself,  "Hey, get off the couch, go somewhere, and do something!"  I'm simply going through the motions of life, and that's not living at all.  Many people get caught up in the notion that loneliness is a disease of the mind.  Science tells us otherwise.  We know physiology plays an important role in mental health.  It affects the mind and vice versa.

My severe loneliness drove me to do a little research on the affects of a healthy diet and exercise routine on loneliness.  As a result, I've come up with one of those annoying, but sometimes helpful, blog list of  ways to combat loneliness through diet and exercise.  Here it goes:

Sushi Anyone!
When we talk about loneliness, we might want to include depression which often accompanies it.  The cycle of loneliness and depression can be debilitating. "I'm feeling lonely, and now, I'm depressed.  I'm depressed and don't want to be around anyone, so I'm lonely again!"  We all know by now that eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel, and herring raise serotonin levels in the brain and reduce depression. These deep-water fish are staples at Sushi Bars.  I recommend setting up a sushi night with a group a friends.  It's a great way to stimulate your brain with good company, good conversations, and Omega- fatty acids!


Cut the Coke and Cut the Coffee !
High amounts of stimulates can throw off your brain chemistry. I thought drinking an extra cup of coffee could lift my spirits.  Caffeine and sugar may only provide a temporary lift of energy and mood.  In the long run, it may cause insomnia, irritability, and more depression!  Hang out at a juice bar instead of a coffee shop.  You'll still be surrounded by people, but without the caffeine.

Getting Back to Nature!
A great way to fight loneliness and depression is with exercise.  Group nature hikes are a three-fold remedy.  First, exercise produces that "runner's high" through the production of endorphins.  Secondly, hiking in a group fosters the opportunity to interact and meet new people.  Finally, studies have shown nature having a positive effect on the brain, reducing stress levels.

I plan on trying these suggestions out this week.  I'm hopeful, so wish me luck.  If any of you have tried these remedies for loneliness and depression or plan to try them out in the next couple of weeks, share your comments below.

Cancer Fighting Lifestyle

Healthy behaviors could prevent approximately half of all cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.
Here are some lifestyle changes that can increase the chances toward off cancer. The following tips disclosed Dr. Anne McTiernan, a cancer prevention researcher at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, United States, as quoted by LiveScience.

1. Do not smoke or use any products made from raw tobacco. According to the National Cancer Institute, smoking causes a number of cancers such as esophagus cancers, lung, mouth, throat, stomach, and pancreas. Smoking is also a major cause of premature death. Should have been prevented. If you've tried to quit before, do not despair!
2. Perform testing (screening) for cancer regularly. This test tests can detect colon cancer, breast, prostate, cervix, and skin (ask your doctor how often can be done and at what age could begin testing this). Even if we do not have any symptoms, found as early as possible allows the opportunity for treatment and healing. The test includes the testing of physical examination, blood tests, radiological, and genetic testing.
3. Limit and or better to leave alcohol consumption. This means should not drink more than two drinks for men and one drink per day for women. Alcohol drinkers had a risk of mouth cancer six times greater than people who do not drink alcohol (American Cancer Society study).
4. Protect your skin from the sun. Ultraviolet light can damage the DNA of skin and cause genetic mutations that cause skin cancer. Use sunscreen every time you go out of the room (preferably with an SPF of 30 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB). Use also brimmed hat and sunglasses.
5. Physically active. People who are active have a lower risk of colon and breast cancer than those who did not exercise. It is not necessary to be a super athlete to benefit from sport. Try just doing a cheap exercise such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing, or whatever sport that increases heart rate and makes you sweat.
6. Maintain a normal weight according to height. That means keeping a body mass index (BMI) 25 or less. Increased BMI may be associated with endometrial, gall bladder, esophagus, kidney, thyroid, and colon cancer. Stay for the stable in the range of 1-4 kg since weighed at age 18, so the researchers suggest.
7. Avoid using hormone replacement therapy to treat menopausal symptoms. The use of hormones increases the risk of uterine cancer, according to the American Cancer Society study. If you do need hormone therapy, limit its use less than five years.
8. Consult with your doctor. Consider using what type of treatment to reduce cancer risk. There are some drugs that have been tested and found to be effective to reduce the risk of cancer. For example, drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators to help women with high risk of breast cancer, can still cancer-free.
9. Avoid exposure to cancer-causing substances. Exposure to radiation and some chemicals known to cause cancer. For example, radiation from gamma rays, high energy UV rays, and X-rays can cause cancer of the lungs, skin, thyroid, breast, and belly.
10. Diet foods can reduce the risk of cancer. Namely plant-based diet of vegetables and fruits reduce the risk of cancer, especially colon cancer. Also advised to keep your intake of red meat no more than 100 grams per day, avoid processed meats such as sausages, eating at least five servings of different kinds of vegetables and fruits every day, minimizing the intake of sweet drinks, like juices, desserts, candy, bread, bagels , or chips.

Build a Good Diet Early!

Parents are the most important influencers for children, including the food. Site owned ChooseMyPlate.gov Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion USDA featuring 10 tips for a good example to children, especially in the growing culture of good eating. In the statement, disclosed that many things that parents do to help children understand the importance of diversity of food and nutritional balance. Such as cooking together, eating together, discussing preparing meals, and so on. Here are 10 tips that are recommended are:

1. Be a good example. For example, to explain the importance of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains-be an example with a well liked and eating these foods.
2. Go shopping together is one way to provide experience for the child. Discuss about the origin of these products and nutritional value. Educate them to choose wisely the goods to be purchased.
3. Creative in the kitchen. Encourage your child to participate in the kitchen. For example, by forming foods with funny, and give them the opportunity to name each one.
4. Provide the same meal. Cease to discriminate food. Plan a menu that is suitable for all family members, including children.
5. Give rewards with attention, not food. Show your love with care, like a kiss or a hug. Do not give a reward in the form of candy or other snacks. This can lead to the perception that the food is better than other foods.
6. Caring with each other when eating. Make mealtime as a means of improving communication and release workload. Turn off the television and the telephone when you're eating with the family.
7. Listen to what children say. Every child has aspirations. If they are hungry, offer a healthy snack, though not yet entered a meal. And when will prepare a menu, you should ask what they thought earlier. For example, "a vegetable dinner, ananda prefer broccoli or spinach?".
8. Limit your time watching TV or playing digital games. Invite them during commercial breaks of physical activity.
9. Encourage physical activity, for example by scheduling a joint exercise on a regular basis. Get used to walk to school, if the distance is near.
10. If creating a new recipe, describe taste, texture, and aroma as well. Select the preferred child. Do not force them to eat something that is not preferred. Offer new recipes to eat early, when children feel hungry.

Divorce May Lead to Baldness in Women

Photo used under Creative Commons from romytetue 

By Nigel Lawson 

Two studies released yesterday reveal stress from divorce may lead to baldness in women.  The studies, conducted at Case Western Reserve University, examined 66 male and 84 female pairs of identical twins with similar hairlines.  Dr. Bahman Guyuron, head of the study, found that high stress situations such as divorce, death of a spouse, caring for many children, and high blood pressure may be the link to hair loss in women.  

Find out more about the results of this study on men and women in "The Stress of Divorce, Writ on Women's Heads," at Time.Com, and post your comments.

Beware Men Over 30! Divorce May Cause You to Gain Weight!

                                           Photo used under Creative Commons from Mangus D.

By Nigel Lawson


Divorced dudes, beware! Put down the hot dog, chips, and beer! A new study from Ohio State University suggests a link between divorce and weight gain for men over thirty. Read more about it, and share your thoughts and comments. The Telegraph, "Women Gain Weight After Marriage, Men After Divorce".

And, yes, that is a metric scale. Just multiply 82.7 by 2.2 (lb) = That’s about 182 lbs!

Getting Married Might Be The Way To A Longer Life

                                            Photo used under Creative Commons by alancleaver_2000

By Nigel Lawson

I remember being single, young, and vivacious, believing I would never get married, live forever, and party until I died.  Well, that was twenty or so years ago.  Nowadays, I can’t finish a half a can of beer without falling asleep.  Good thing I quit partying years ago because a recent study by Researchers from the University of Louisville in Kentucky showed that single men tend to die sooner than married men. 

Read the article for yourself, and share your thoughts and comments. Being Single Could Mean An Earlier Death: Study

Frog skin for cancer and wound healer

Scientists from Queen's School of Pharmacy led by Professor. Chris Shaw, England managed to identify two proteins frogs to cure cancer. Although for some people frog might be an amusing or abhorrent animal but it is a useful animal too.

According to their interim research, two waxy monkey frog proteins can control the growth of blood vessels and heal cancer. The research team also found that the fire-bellied toads produce proteins that can stimulate blood vessel growth.

This type of protein can help patients recover from injury faster. The results of this research has the potential to treat diseases that require blood vessels, improve quickly as wound healing, organ transplants, patients with diabetic wounds, and damage due to heart disease and stroke.

So far, scientists and drug companies around the world have invested about trillions of dollars to develop drugs that effectively control and regulate blood vessel growth. However, according to Prof. Shaw, drug discovery efforts that have yet to find bright spots. "Our research goal is to unlock the potential of nature, in this case the frog skin secretions released human suffering can be overcome. We are very confident, natural potential could be a solution to many of our problems in the world. We just need to ask the right questions to find it, "he said.

"It is a shame that we have saved a lot of potential in the universe that could potentially be a great cure for cancer. While we do not do anything to get it, "he said. The study won praise in the award the Medical Futures Innovation Awards in London earlier this month. Prof. Brian Walker and Dr. Tianbao Chen, the award jury panel, that it encourages researchers to continue their work to the next stage. "Many great discoveries by accident and ideas invented by Prof. Shaw is very innovative and interesting to meet our needs. It is also important to recognize that innovation is still in its early stages. Still required a lot of effort to realize this research into clinical therapies, "said the judging panel.

Why Men’s Age Shorter?

Based on the research shown that male life expectancy shorter than women five years on average. In addition, men are also at high risk of suffering from cancer, accidents, smoking, drug abuse and obesity. Men are also usually less concerned with his health and visit the doctor.

Research also shown that, more than 68 percent of men suffer from overweight, and 48 percent had mental disorder condition. Meanwhile, only 5 percent of men who eat enough fruit and vegetables and there are 16 percent of men who visited a doctor last year.

The story above are based on the results of research conducted the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The results of this report published on Tuesday (06/14/2011) as part of national health policy for men from central Australia.

AIHW also mentioned biological factors, psychological, and structuralisms might be the reason why men are less likely to use health services. The reluctance of men to be more concerned with his health also seem less open than their doctor about the overtime, feeling ashamed to tell the emotional and sexual health problems in women doctors, as well as uncomfortable to discuss the reasons for the presence of doctors in the waiting room.

In addition, the traditional view still encourage men to be independent, suppress feelings, and stronger pain. This makes him lazy seek medical help because they do not want to be weak.

Changes in male sexual organs by age

Age affects a man's sexual function. When testosterone in the body begins to decline, it took longer for old men to achieve sexual arousal. Although already aroused, it took him longer to get an erection and achieve orgasm. After orgasm, she also needs a longer effort to be aroused and orgasm again.
According to experts, the age factor was also influential in determining the volume of semen and sperm quality in a man. Impotence or erectile dysfunction is also associated with older age, ie, can occur at ages 40 to 70. One study showed, the Adam's masculinity can be decreased 60 to 30 percent.
Another bad news, the men also would naturally decline in urinary function. Research shows that the flow of urine to fizzle out, which is a consequence of the weakening of the muscles of the bladder and prostate enlargement.
And, that alone is not enough. But new research suggests that the size and shape of the penis will experience significant changes when a man started to move from the height of her sexuality (the 30s) to middle age and old age. Here are four changes that occur naturally on the penis men with age:
1. Appearance
According to Irwin Goldstein, MD, director of sexual medicine at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego who is also Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, there are two major changes will happen to Mr P. Head of the penis (glans) regularly will lose it purple color, which is a sign from reduced blood flow. In addition, there will be loss of pubic hair slowly.
2. Penis size
Weight gain is commonplace when he grew older. When fat collects in the lower abdomen, the appearance of the penis size will be changed. "Piled up a lot of fat on the prepubis make the penis look shorter shaft," said Ira Sharlip, MD, professor of clinical urology at the University of California, San Francisco.
"In some cases, fat deposits in the abdomen makes the hidden penis. One way to motivate patients with obesity is by telling them that the size of the penis can grow again up to one inch with a simple, namely to cut weight," said Ronald Tamler, MD, PhD, Co-Director of Men's Health Program at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City.
In addition to shrinkage of the side view (its reversible), the penis is also likely to experience shrinkage of the size of the actual (irreversible). Depreciation is-both in terms of thickness-length or will not happen dramatically, but it looks real. "If a man measuring 6 inches when erect when at the age of 30, may be changed to 5 or 5.5 inches when she turned 60 or 70's," said Goldstein.
What makes the penis shrink? There are two things that become the cause. The first is due to the deposition of fatty substances (plaque) in the penile blood vessels, which affects blood flow to vital organs. This process is called atherosclerosis, a similar mechanism that causes blockages in the coronary blood vessels that trigger heart attacks.
The second reason is the accumulation of inelastic collagen (scar tissue) slowly in the fibrous sheath that lines the chambers erection (erection chambers). Own erection occurs type these chambers are full of blood flow. Blockage in the penile arteries and the more-is-no elastic chamber will make getting an erection was not optimal.
Just like penis size is changed, the testes are also experiencing the same thing."Starting at around age 40, the testes will begin to shrink," says Goldstein. Testes 30-year-old man may have a diameter of about 3 cm, while men aged 60 and probably only about 2 cm.
3. Curve
If the accumulated scar tissue in the penis are not evenly distributed, turned out to be a curved penis. This condition is known as Peyronie disease, which often among men in middle age. This disorder can cause very painful erection and make intercourse difficult. To overcome these problems, surgery is usually required.
4. Sensitivity
Some research indicates that the penis over time will become less sensitive. This will make a man achieve an erection or orgasm. However, whether this will also reduce the pleasure in sexual intercourse would still debated.
Not an obstacle in enjoying sex
If indeed all these things experienced by you, the experts argue decline in function or shape changes in vital organs do not have to make your sex life to be disturbed.
A recent study involving 2213 men in Olmstead County, Minnesotta, showed that the respondents experienced a decrease in erectile function, libido, and ejaculatory function. However, in terms of sexual satisfaction, its reduction is not too dominant alias is still moderate.
"The most important thing in achieving a satisfying sex life is the ability to satisfy your partner, and it does not require the level of peak sexual performance or penis that big," said Goldstein.

Left-handed People Should Have Greater Fear

Results of recent studies states, left handed people have a greater fear than normal people. Based on the test, a group of participants were asked to watch video clips of the movie ‘Silence of the Lamb’ lasted eight minutes. Afterwards, participants were asked to remember scenes that exist in the video.
It turns out left handed participants could only recall some of the scenes of the film. In addition, left-handed people who show symptoms of full repetition suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
"Symptoms of PTSD doubled in left-handed people than normal people," said study leader Dr. Carolyn Choudhary from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.
Chouddhary sure, these findings could provide a new view of how humans suffering from symptoms of PTSD.
In addition, through this study too, the researchers can figure out how the brain works when responding to fear.
"There are two sides of the brain that plays right PTSD.known to respond to fear. On the left-handed person's brain, right brain is dominant, " said Choudhary.
The results of this study will be presented at the British Psychology Society's annual conference, this weekend.

Great! Honey Can desist Malignant Bacteria

For several centuries, honey is usually known as a traditional medicine 'partner' herbal medicine (jamu), now known to become the ultimate weapon against malignant bacteria such as MRSA.
A study in New Zealand show that Manuka honey is mentioned effectively kill the three types of bacteria that commonly infect the body when wounded, including among other super germs Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Manuka honey is a type of honey produced by bees residents in New Zealand Manuka tree. Experts have known this type of honey for a long time because too often used in the products of modern wound healing.
The research team led by Professor Rose Cooper, the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC), find the facts Manuka honey prevent bacterial attachment to the network, an important step in the process of infection.
"Preventing the bond also can inhibit the formation of biofilms, which can protect bacteria from antibiotics and let them cause infection simultaneously," said Cooper, told the Daily Mail.
Another study conducted Cooper show that Manuka honey makes MRSA become more sensitive to antibiotics such as oxacillin or effectively reverse antibiotic resistance.
"This indicates that current antibiotics may be more effectively cope with infections caused by resistant bacteria when combined with Manuka honey," he explained.
Still based on the opinion of Cooper, the research can improve the clinical use of honey because doctors are now faced with the problem of ever increasing cases of drug resistance.
"We need innovative ways to control and effective wound infection is not likely to contribute to the increase in anti-microbial resistance."
"This will help reduce the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria from the wound to vulnerable patients," said Cooper.

Stress and Your Health

Dangers of Stress

Stress is a constant part of most people's lives. And although it is quite common, it still needs to be addressed given its impact on an individual's health condition. When you experience stress, your body produces chemical changes in your brain that could also affect your health.

While some sources of stress are temporal, there are those that are produced over a long period of time so that it builds up. Before you know it, it becomes so serious that it affects your health in various levels. Even if you do not have any existing health condition, it can actually enhance your risk of developing them.

You can exhibit the following symptoms of stress, which eventually contributes to the health problems associated with stress:

• sleeping troubles
• lack of energy
• tension
• headaches
• depression
• anxiety
• high blood pressure
• pain in the back or neck
• weight loss or gain, etc

Stress Related Illnesses and Conditions

Continued research is being done to show more of the impact that stress has on one's overall health. But despite of this, there has been several scientific claims linking stress to several health conditions from backaches, to insomnia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

When a person experiences stress, it produces chemical changes in the body that consequently alters some biological processes. For instance, some women who had to deal with stress in their lives suffer abnormalities in their menstrual cycle. Others miss their menstruation, while some suffer from abnormal bleeding. Aside from that, stress could also result to hormonal imbalances that cause symptoms for fibroid tumors and endometriosis to exhibit.

Heart disease is another common illness associated with stress. It intervenes with your cardiovascular condition such that people with stress can suffer from conditions like heart attacks, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and stroke. Other common illnesses suffered by highly stressed individuals include fatigue, emotional disorders, headaches, ulcers, IBS, infections, colds, and lowered immunity system responses.

Taking Care of Your Body

Having known the impact that stress has on one's body, it is then important to take all the necessary steps to not only combat stress but also keep yourself free from any type of illness. Some people are too consumed with stress that they fail to pay attention to their body. Be more sensitive to your body and health needs.

The following are helpful tips on how you can handle stress and improve your health:

• Take time off work to relax. Give your body a chance to recuperate.
• Get enough amount of sleep, especially if you are going to work excessively during the day.
• Eat well. Include enough amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as proteins.
• Engage in a physical activity during your free time. Working out releases endorphins in your system, which is why it improves your mood.
• Never resort to unhealthy methods of dealing with stress, such as drugs, smoking, or alcohol.

Seeking Professional Help

When stress begins to concern your health, it is important to seek professional guidance on the matter. The case is more important when stress has affected your health to a large extent. Indeed, there are professionals that can help you deal with the situation and overcome stress so your health can recover as well.

But a person can be too consumed with their stressful situation that they fail to recognize when help is necessary. The following are symptoms of too much stress and requires immediate professional attention:

• sleeping problems due to anxiety
• suicidal thoughts
• loss of appetite often leading to weight loss
• feeling of isolation or desire to be isolated from other people
• high irritability

Myths on Hypnosis for Children

Hypnosis for children is done to help children combat cases of pain, insomnia, depression brought about by divorce or death.  It can also be used to fight excessive weight, night mares and even lessen asthma attacks.  There are significant advantages or contributions that hypnosis can do for children. 

Unfortunately, amidst all these gains and benefits, there are still some people who believe in hypnotic myths.  The following are some of the myths on hypnosis and what we can say about them. 

Myth1.  The person under hypnosis has no control over his mind and actions.

Hypnosis is induced in a tie when the person is still conscious and able to take and understand suggestions.  Children who are undergoing hypnotherapy can comprehensively talk with the hypnotherapist.  Hypnotherapy is done when the person is in deep relaxation and not in deep slumber.  Things are said as a suggestion and not as an authoritative command.  People who have undergone hypnosis would definitely remember what transpired during the session.

Myth2. Hypnosis is an evil act.  It can be compared to voodoo in some levels.

Hypnosis is not at all connected to any evil or Satanic acts.  Hypnotism intends to help people of their emotional, mental and physical problems not injure them with any satanic and demonic ritual.  Actually, hypnosis is a natural state that people undergo in different times a day. 

Myth3.  Hypnosis only affects those who are weak in personality. 

Hypnosis is something which happens naturally to our lives.  Actually, children ages 7 to 8 are said to be more prone to lapse into hypnotic stages.  Their mind is more creative and more imaginative.  This enables them to enter into a daydream or deep relaxation even during class or any time of the day.  Anybody can induce into a moment of self-hypnotic state.

Myth4.  You can get stuck in a hypnotic state.

Hypnosis is not a limbo where souls get stuck and unable to go to the next realm. Hypnosis is a state of awareness and consciousness.  Getting into the hypnotic state enables the children and adults, as well, to get to know their deeper feelings and thoughts. 

Myth5.  Hypnosis can be used as a truth serum, extracting the truth from other people.

A person could not go into hypnotic state if that person would not allow the hypnotherapist to.  Before children undergo any hypnotism, therapist would talk to them and explain what it is that they would do and how it would help them.  Upon hypnotism, if a suggestion is in contrast with the principles of the client, they would not accept the suggestion.  So if the person being investigated would not give the answer to the question, then hypnosis could not do anything about it. 

Myth6.  Hypnosis is not accepted by the medical community. 

The British Medical Association accepted hypnotism as a treatment in 1955, while the American Medical Association endorsed it in 1958.  The National Institute of Health endorsed hypnotherapy as one of the methods to relieve pain to cancer patients in 1995. 

Myth7.  Hypnosis therapy results are not as good as the other traditional therapies.

According to American Health Magazine published in August 2006, 36  percent of patients who go to psychoanalysis would experience results after 600 sessions.  Behaviour therapy would show 72 percent recovery rate after 22 sessions.  Hypnotherapy showed 93 percent of recovery after just 6 sessions.

These numerous myths smear how people regard hypnotherapy and how safe it is to hypnosis to children.  But what is important to know is the truth behind all myths. 

Getting anxious over Anxiety Depression?

A lot of people who are exerting too much of their brain power usually exhaust not only their physical strength when engaging in various multi-tasking activities, they also tend to over extend their brains up to the point when it plainly needs some good old time for relaxation. A lot of busy people who seem to cannot fathom the idea of relaxing and taking time of from work, as well as their worries, tend to actually start having nervous breakdowns, anxiety depression and all sorts of mental illnesses that can cause a person's sanity to go haywire, fortunately, if you're one of those poor unfortunate ones who are unable to distress and is constantly worried and fussing over things, there are actually available cures and various treatments for treating anxiety depression.

Anxiety depression is actually characterized by all sorts of irregularities and erratic behavior from the person who is suffering from it, this is usuallu due to certain stress triggers that may tend to easily cause a person undue jitters and stress. Also, a lot of people who tend to get easily nervous over stressful activities are actually prone to having anxiety depression, its just a matter of being strong-willed when it comes to facing difficult and stress-prone activities. It may be pretty hard to overcome at first, but trying to be calm and cool in times of extreme pressure is what'll actually save your mental health from going totally downward spiral.

When it comes to effectively curing one's self from a mental illness, one must keep in mind that you have to be actually honest with yourself and assess what kind of depression or mental illness you actually have, go to reputable psychiatrist to get yourself diagnosed correctly as well as be able to get the right depression treatment for yourself. Here are the various types of depression:

Manic or Bipolar depression - characterized by sudden and extreme changes in one's mood wherein 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 wherein physical stress during child birth, an uncertain sense of responsibility towards the new born baby can be just some of the possible factors why some new mother go through this.

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 - characterized by falling in a rut only during specific seasons (i.e. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall) studies however, prove that more people
actually fall in to a rut more during the Winter and Fall seasons and lastly, Mood swings, wherein a person's mood may shift from happy to sad to angry in just a short time. 

But the type of depression that has actually been proven to be quite common among people is anxiety depression, which is actually characterized by the state of being overly anxious about things. Anxiety, a supposedly normal behavior that'll actually help 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"; anxiety therefore 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 in actuality 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 actually makes the individual quite more paranoid than usual, anxiety attacks are more frequent, even absurd at times. They can even be anxious even when there's no apparent reason that calls for them to behave in such a way. People suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder actually shows 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 still curable; just a little work will actually do the trick.

Consult a reputable cognitive behavior therapist who'll help give the individual the therapy that he or she needs to help him or her loosen up, also prescribed medicines are sort of a must to help these individuals battle anxiety attacks, help them calm down and relax.

"Reshaping it All"

After ten years, I can finally say with confidence that I am a lifetime member of "Reshaping it All." Being a lifetime member doesn’t mean that I’m so tiny I slip back into my high school jeans, nor does it mean that I don’t struggle with the desire to eat more often than I should. What it does mean to me is that I have been walking this journey day after day, year after year for over a decade.

I’m averaged-sized, and while I’d love to be micro-mini-sized, so I’d look adorable in baby doll dresses and swimsuits, I’m not. I walk and I fall; I lose and I gain. Three steps forward—two steps back. But slowly and surely I’m getting there.

I wear a size 7 pants, but if I shop at the “generous” clothing stores that stroke my ego with rock bottom numbers, I might squeeze into a size 4.

I haven’t always been this way. I wore plus-sized clothing in my mid-twenties through to my early-thirties, but I’ve come a long way, and I’m not going back!

One day as I was reaching into the fridge for some strawberries, a revelation came to mind. It was then—during that moment of choice—that I realized a key factor which has kept me from gaining back all the weight.

I had tried diets before. I had joined reputable groups. I had practiced things that I’ve learned. But the one ingredient I had been missing was this: persistence.

When you combine persistence with the grace of God, you become a dynamic living force. It’s as simple as that. Stop giving up when the going gets tough, and for once in your life, make it happen. This lesson in persistence is one to be applied to every area of our lives whether it be healthy eating, working out our marriage or trusting the Lord through a trial.

Next time you feel a hint of discouragement dragging you down, remember Bartimaeus the blind man who sat by the side of the road. The Bible tells us that many rebuked him, telling him to be quiet, but instead of heading their voice, he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

The result of his persistence was the restoration of his sight. (Mark 10:46-52)

And look at Zacchaeus—a wee little man with great persistence. The Bible tells us that he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. His determination resulted in a personal visit from Him that day. Can you imagine? We get excited about winning a celebrity lunch date, but this little guy had the Messiah over to his house for tea. Well maybe coffee–who knows for sure.

Then in Mark chapter five we read about a woman with a 12-year issue of blood who pressed through the crowd just to touch the hem of His garment, and immediately she was healed.

Anyone of these people could have given up when the going got tough, but they chose to persist, and in doing so reaped the benefits that perseverance has to offer.

We can only imagine the opportunities that we’ve lost over the course of our lifetime because we gave up just before sunrise.

Ever have one of those weeks where the plateau gets you so low that you give up all together? Have you ever wondered what might have happened if you would have waited one more week? My guess is that the scale would have moved.

And what about those nights when you get so down on yourself because you made a mistake. Have you ever thrown the plan out the window because you didn’t meet your own high level of expectation? We’re not created to be perfect—we’re created to press on:


Not as though I had already attained, either
were already perfect: but I follow after,
if that I may apprehend that for which also
I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 3:12


Stick with it! If it’s been dark for a while, have hope—it could possibly be the last hour of the night. Don’t fall asleep now, and miss the breathtaking sunrise.

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

For comments or questions, contact me at:
darlene[at]darleneschacht.net

If you like this post, you'll love the new book I recently co-authored with actress Candace Cameron Bure. "Reshaping it All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness."

Bure's healthy lifestyle has been featured in US Weekly and People magazines as well as national talk shows including The View and NBC's Today. In Reshaping It All, she continues the story, inspiring women to embrace a healthier lifestyle by moving faith to the forefront, making wise choices, and finding their worth in the eyes of God. Candace shares a candid account of her struggle with food and ultimately her healthy outlook on weight despite the toothpick-thin expectations of Hollywood.

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Staying Healthy While Going Through a Divorce

Going through infidelity,and finding that my husband was lying to me really kicked me and my self esteem to the curb. I was so sad and lonely, wanting only to find the answers to many questions that he just refused to answer. I found myself weeping and crying at many odd hours of the day, sometimes not even able to keep my crying down to a minimum tear. During this period of time, I totally neglected my health, not even thinking about how it could affect my body. During times of sadness and trouble, we often forget to take care of ourselves. Although I took meds for high blood pressure, I found myself forgetting when I took my last dose. This could have become a dangerous situation for me, but luckily, I survived. We must learn to stop long enough to remember that our bodies really become weak when we are upset, thus allowing our antibodies to leave us unprotected and easier to get sick. Taking care of ourself and our health is so important. Please take enough time to find ways of relieving stress, while in the grieving process of infidelity, separation or divorce. After all, you don't want to become ill and unable to care about the things that you need to take care of.