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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Causes of Depression

This is one of those topics that people give close attention. It is actually empowering. When you know the causes of an illness, you are more self-aware. The power is in your hands at that point to be proactive.

Depression is an illness that mostly results from an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. The ones affected are associated with neural pathways that control mood.

There isn’t just one cause for depression. In fact, finding a cause can be rather complex in its nature. Many of the causes that scientists and doctors have come up with are still being tested. Start with this list and follow up with your doctor for more in-depth information.

1. Heredity – Like other conditions such as alcoholism, you are at a greater risk if someone in your family also has the condition. Those with family members suffering from depression or who have succumbed to a depressive symptom (suicide) are more likely to develop depression according to the experts. They have not identified which types of depression that includes as yet.

2. Illness – There seems to be a correlation between illness and depression. This refers to prolonged illness like cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and heart disease. If you already have been exhibiting symptoms of depression before these illnesses your risk is greater.

3. Personality type – People who exhibit low self-esteem, poor body image, inability to handle stress, feelings of isolation and negative thinking are more likely to become depressed.

4. Nutritional deficiencies – What you eat is important. When your diet lacks vitamins and minerals instrumental in brain health, depression could become a reality in your future.

5. Medications – Some medications may have side effects that can lead you to depression. If you’ve ever read the list on the bottle, prolonged use of some can increase depressive symptoms.

Are you concerned that something in your life may be a cause for depression? You won’t know for sure unless you see a professional.

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.