Archive for the ‘Fight Depression With Natural Remedies’ Category

Laughter Is The Best Medicine!

When you find out that you are suffering from depression, laughing is the furthest thing from your mind. In fact, there is nothing humorous about it. But, doctors are proving that laughter really can be the best medicine.

In the United States, there are over 19 million people suffering from depression. And, that is just the adults. The condition has a number of symptoms, all of which alone or in combination can be devastating to the sufferer and their families. But, laughing does have its advantages.

Under normal circumstances, have you ever noticed how you feel after laughing? We are not talking about a little chuckle but a “rolling around on the floor” kind of laugh. After you finish rubbing your sides from the ache and wiping the tears, your mood has changed.

Suddenly the world seems brighter. The effects of humor don’t disappear when you are diagnosed with depression. You can still reap the benefit of an improved mood with a few raucous laughs.

So, where do you start? Here are a few suggestions for injecting humor into your day.

1. Watch a funny movie. If you have a favorite that has made you laugh in the past, give it a try again. Watch it with a few friends so you can all laugh together.

2. Read a funny joke each day. Reader’s Digest is notorious for their page full of funny jokes and cartoons. A little humor at the beginning of the day can change your whole outlook for the day.

3. Laugh at yourself. We are all guilty of making funny faux-pas once in a while. Resist the urge to get frustrated and instead have a good laugh, on you.

4. Practice smiling. When you smile, you can’t help but feel better. Try it now and see.

Having depressive symptoms doesn’t mean that your life has to revolve around feeling bad. Take advantage of every opportunity to reverse those symptoms and have a good laugh.

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Depression – Being Aware Of The Condition…

Depression is an illness. As such, you may be at risk for it in your life. This doesn’t mean that you will develop depressive symptoms, but that you might want to increase your awareness of the condition.

Depression has been characterized as feeling the “blues” but that is not an accurate description. The “blues” can be chalked up to having a bad day or the aftermath of an argument. Neither of these situations has anything to do with depression. Once you have a pep talk or shake off the feeling, your mood and attitude returns to normal. With depression, it does not.

If you are a woman, guess what? You are more at risk for depression. No one knows why in particular. Women are prone to postpartum depression after giving birth. Since many women also chalk their feelings up to “the blues,” the number of depressed people of the female sex is probably higher that reported.

Another risk factor is socioeconomic status. It is believed that if you are poor, you are more likely to develop depression. That is not to say that everyone who is of below average means will also have this issue. There are other factors surrounding your financial status that play a part.

Substance abuse plays a part in developing many conditions not the least of which is depression. It could be the side effect of the drugs or the aftermath of getting clean when you realize how you have lived while abusing drugs. The term “drugs” here is not just illegal substances but also abuse of prescription medications such as narcotics and sleeping pills.

Now, we come to family history. You have a greater risk if someone in your family has suffered or is suffering from a depressive condition. But, that is not set in stone. Simply being aware of your risk can help you fight it.

Are you at risk? Talk to your family doctor to find out more and what you can do to help yourself.