The sensation of pain is said to be one of the primary indicators of a problem or unlikely change within a person’s system. Pain when analyzed physiologically is very complicated and involves various complex processes. However, pain is perceived basically as an unpleasant sensation with different intensities and areas affected. Pain usually signals a certain concern within a person’s system that should be given attention, and it is always given the appropriate care since pain is especially bothersome to the entire functioning of an individual.

Pain, when analyzed physiologically, involves numerous and complicated processes. However, the perception of pain is basically characterized by differences in severity and areas affected. Some forms of pain are tolerable while others are simply too much to bear on one’s own. This is the reason why throughout the history of mankind, as well as the rapid development in science and technology, man has continuously searched for better ways to prevent and treat pain. It is a special concern that is given attention main because of the continuous search for finding ways of avoiding it.

During the early times, the treatments used for various illnesses or diseases are taken from resources that are naturally found in the environment. Nowadays, certain synthetic chemicals have already been developed by chemists or scientists. The previously used form of treatment is still available, however. These treatments are usually used by people who are afraid of experiencing side effects from medicine drugs or by those who wish not to spend so much on medical treatment. As expected, there are also natural forms of pain relievers. Shown below are some examples.

Salicin of the white willow bark &ndash The extract taken from the bark of the white willow is widely known in China to be a good cure for relieving body pain as well as for lowering fevers. The active ingredient contained in the extract of the white willow is salicin which is converted within the body into salicylic acid. This kind of acid is said to decrease the levels of prostaglandin which are substances known to cause pain and inflammation. For this reason, the white willow has been known to treat acute and chronic types of pain such as those that characterize headaches, backaches, and menstrual cramps. The white willow has also been acknowledged to have good anti-inflammatory properties, thus, making it a good treatment for arthritis.

Lobelin of the herb lobelia &ndash The extract of lobelia is actually more widely-known as muscle relaxant. However, its active ingredient lobelin is also recognized to cause an effective reduction in inflammation and pain. Being a native in North America, it is said that the earlier settlers used to chew and smoke lobelia possibly as a preventive measure.

Boswellic acid of boswelia &ndash The purified extract of the resin of boswelia is widely-known in India for its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Boswellic acid prevents certain chemical reactions from occuring within the body that would lead to inflammations. This is actually used by Indian healers as treatment for body pains as well as inflammations. In other parts of the world, this same substance is used as cure for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ginger &ndash The extract of ginger contains a certain active ingredient called gingerols that is highly similar to capsaicin. Capsaicin is a known component of chili peppers and capsicum which are known pain relievers. Like capsaicin, gingerols have the same effect on pain and is currently being considered as an alternative for capsaicin in relieving pain for certain conditions.

Aside from utilizing natural resources as treatment alternatives, certain activities may also be undertaken to relieve pain without having to use medicinal drugs. These activities can either be mental or physical tasks, or it can even be both. Listed below are some examples suggested by medical experts.

Exercise &ndash It is often heard from doctors that exercising is good for the health because of various reasons. One of those reasons is probably due to the release of endorphins upon engaging in this activity. Endorphins are chemicals that are the body’s natural pain relievers. They prevent the pain signals from reaching the brain to be analyzed. Through this, the pain is also not felt by the person and the intensity is lessened.

Bake and eat cookies &ndash According to some research conducted previously, exposing one’s senses to sweet or pleasant stimuli lessens or prevents the sensation of pain.

Stretch &ndash For certain types of pain associated with muscle areas such as those of low back pains, stretching can actually prevent these conditions from occurring.

Get outdoors &ndash According to a previous study, getting enough Vitamin D can help lessen the impact or perception of pain. Vitamin D also helps in the absorption of calcium which may help those that need bone repair and growth to eliminate the pain. Sun exposure of about 15 minutes early in the morning can already provide the needed daily amount of vitamin D. This is the reason why it is also important to get outdoors and get some sunshine.

Sleep &ndash Getting the appropriate amount of sleep everyday is important to the restoration of the system as well as the healing process through and after the pain.

Imagine &ndash Thinking of pleasant imageries can help relax a person’s whole system. A relaxed state can help lessen the intensity of pain or prevent it from happening or being felt by a person.

Change The State of Mind &ndash According to some experts, the human body has an infinite capacity for healing and sometimes all that is needed is a change in a person’s point of view. Seeing pain with healing in another way can possibly lessen the effect of the painful sensation.

Meditate &ndash A lot of modern healers and some medical experts attest to the healing capacity of meditating. It can lessen the overall intensity of pain to a minimal point, it can make a person feel stronger, and lastly, it can refresh and reinvigorate the whole system.

When this entire natural alternative for treatment will still not work for alleviating or preventing pain, then probably it is about time to consider using medicinal drugs such as Butalbital or Fioricet. Despite having side effects, the effectiveness of these drugs is of a larger percentage compared to the natural approaches. It is simply important to remember that a consultation with a doctor should be done first prior to the use of prescription, or even over-the-counter, drugs. This is necessary to prevent possible complications or further worsening of the health condition.

If you experience sudden bouts of breathlessness, you are suffering from asthma. When some dust, smoke or the scent of any odd flower or perfume will get you whizzing, coughing and gasping, you are suffering from asthma. These are just some of the allergens that can irritate your nasal passage. Other irritants are exercise, pollution or smog, a sudden change in weather, cold or any infection of the airways.

Though asthma attack can be scary, there is no need to panic. Besides following doctor’s medications, there are certain tips that you can follow to prevent asthma. First, it is important for you to guard yourself against dust mite allergies and hay fever. Take the following steps:

• Go for yoga: Performing simple yogic breathing where you exhale for twice as long as you inhale can prevent against future asthma attacks. This technique has been proven to be very effective. The effect of this breathing is similar to that obtained by the use of a corticosteroid inhaler. To do this breathing, close your eyes, inhale and then exhale naturally. Pause without holding your breath for one or two seconds before the next inhalation. This will allow the exhalation to complete naturally. Do not try to breathe deeply or slowly. But if there is a need to breathe deeply, you can do so till you can come back to breathing exercise.

• Avoid sleeping on full stomach: Sleeping while your stomach is full can aggravate your asthma. Asthma is caused by stomach reflux, which occurs when stomach acid goes back into esophagus. This causes the stomach contents to regurgitate into your mouth and then drip down into the airways when you are lying down or sleeping. Avoid heavy snacks and take an antacid to reduce your stomach’s acidity. Theophylline medications can also aggravate the asthma by increasing the stomach’s reflux. If you are on this medication and are experiencing stomach reflux problem, consult your doctor to reduce the dosage.

• Note your food sensitivity: Eating or smelling certain foods can trigger an asthma attack in some people. Foods like milk, eggs, seafood and nuts are the main culprits.

• Eat plenty of fish: Eskimos rarely suffer from asthma. Hence, some researchers conclude that eating plenty of fish may prevent asthma. The fishes more likely to have an impact on asthma are omega-3 rich fish like sardines, mackerels and herring.

• Take multiple vitamins: Taking a good vitamin/mineral supplement and having a diet rich in fruits and vegetables might help; since some nutrients have been shown to prevent asthma. People who take vitamin C and zinc are less likely to suffer more than the others. Increase your intake of citrus fruits, broccoli and peppers for vitamin C and beef, crab and oysters for zinc.

• Get relief from caffeine: Coffee has been shown to help people with asthma. It has the same effect as theophylline. A cup of a regular strong black coffee will have beneficial effect on asthma. But do not use caffeine as a substitute for or along with other medications and must be always used in case of emergency. When you do not have medications, you can have 2 cups of regular strong black coffee for instant relief. You can get relief, albeit slower, with hot cocoa or milk chocolate.

If you’re looking for a way to quit smoking that has a proven success rate, you may be interested in a drug called Zyban. The main active ingredient of Zyban is bupropion hydrochloride, which is also known as Wellbutrin. Originally prescribed as an antidepressant, Wellbutrin exhibited a side effect of making patients lose interest in cigarettes. With the Wellbutrin results as a guide, Zyban was developed and has been available as a smoking treatment since 1998.

How Zyban Works

The reason Zyban is so effective is not clearly understood. It makes patients feel energized and gives them a sense of well-being, which makes it useful for helping people quit smoking.

Patients start taking Zyban while they are still smoking. The quit date is set for 7 days later, and the drug is continued for another 7 to 10 weeks after that quit date. Patients report minimal symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Studies have shown that success rates of Zyban are about twice that of placebos.

If the smoker hasn’t made significant improvements in his smoking habits by 10 weeks, it is unlikely that continued use of Zyban will help. Zyban treatment is like any other method for quitting smoking: in order to be effective the desire to quit has to come from within. Those who really don’t want to stop smoking will find ways to sabotage any quitting plan.

The most commonly reported side effects are insomnia and a dry mouth. People with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or cirrhosis of the liver should not take it.

Compared with Patches

1 of the most popular alternatives for nicotine withdrawal is the nicotine patch — a square patch that sticks to the skin and releases small doses of nicotine throughout the day. Patches allow the body to get the nicotine it craves without suffering the ill effects of smoking. People using patches may still feel the desire to smoke in certain situations because of associations with smoking that have nothing to do with nicotine. For example, some people associate smoking with going to a nightclub.

Patches are available in various strengths, so they can be used to wean the body gradually from its nicotine dependence. Those with a strong desire to quit smoking may find that nicotine substitutes free them to concentrate on the behavioral changes needed to rid themselves of dependency on tobacco.

Zyban does not provide nicotine to the body, it provides the smoker a feeling of well-being that allows him to give up the habit with relatively little difficulty. However, once Zyban treatment stops, the desire to smoke in certain situations may return.

Side Effects Of Patches

Patches can help eliminate the cravings associated with smoking, but they have to be used with some care. They can be worn throughout the day, but should be removed at night. Otherwise, they may cause insomnia or strange dreams.

The skin where the patch is applied may become red and itchy. These symptoms usually disappear within an hour after the patch is removed, but can cause discomfort during the day.

Both Zyban and nicotine substitutes are more effective when used in conjunction with some kind of counseling. A smoker must defeat both nicotine addiction and a series of smoking habits in order to ultimately join the ranks of the non-smoker.

If you can not get motivated enough to stop smoking, think about the benefits of smoking cessation. Blood pressure, body temperature and pulse return to normal after 20 minutes from your last cigarette; within 8 hours the oxygen levels in the blood increases to normal and the carbon monoxide levels drop to normal. Also within 2 days nerve endings start to regrow and within 3 mounts lung functions increases and circulation improves.

Make a list!

Smoking cessation is not so easy so you should get ready. First, list the benefits that quitting will bring you and post the list. Inform your friends who will be supportive and tell them who they can help. Make changes depending on smoking patterns and routine, clean your room or apartment of any tobacco products, plan regular exercises and treat yourself with the money you save.

Withdraw Symptoms

Smoking cessation causes withdraw symptoms such as tobacco craving which lasts 3 to 5 minutes, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Increased appetite is also common; you can gain 5 to 7 pounds, and dizziness and fatigue may occur as well. In the firs 3 4 days the symptoms are most intense, but the number drops to just 1 within 20 days.

Tips to make it easier

To make smoking cessation easier, keep some things in mind such as focus on smoking don’t try to quit everything all at once. It will be harder to be successful if you try to stop smoking, change your diet and stop drinking coffee at the same time.

Focus on the present, don’t try to anticipate more cravings, just take one urge at a time. Drink plenty of water, it will help you feel better and flush the nicotine out of your body. For 3 weeks don’t drink alcohol because if affects your judgment and without thinking about it you’re more likely to smoke.

Get plenty of sleep because it can keep up the motivation and you’ll feel better. Also, to relive the tension you can take warm showers.

Try again!

If you tried to quit and did not succeed, think again about the damaging health effects of smoking such as cold hands and feet, tooth an gum disease, cold, flu, asthma and bronchitis, decreased stamina and fatigue, skin wrinkling and aging, and do not forget about lung cancer and pulmonary disease.

Smoking cessation is hard but not impossible and there is no right method even if most of the smokers stop “on their own” without seeking assistance, but if you need help just look for it!

Keeping and maintaining a healthy diet is key, can be tough but like anything, it takes time and a little sacrifice. Whether you want ripped abs or you just want to look and feel great, taking preventative measures will increase your overall wellness and longevity. If at times you feel low in energy or simply fatigued, or even you just don’t want to get out of bed to go to work in the morning. Knowing the acidity of your body can drastically indicate and warn you about your body’s wellness. And it can also increase your levels of energy that we all so much desire.

Acidic pH level in human body fluids are a prime environment for bacteria, virus and other undesirable dangers. Your body is needs to perform and In order for our body’s cells to function at peak capacity everyday , your body needs to ensure that its pH levels (especially your blood pH) are in slightly in alkaline state (that means with a pH of slightly over 7). Very important to consider the types of foods you consume and the amounts of plain water you drink. Acid forming foods are amongst others meat, dairy products, chocolate, bread and all kind of other yeast products, alcohol, carbonated drinks and coffee and tea. Try to avoid those foods, instead consume as much alkaline forming foods as possible, like vegetables, greens, sprouts, soy products and most kind of seeds. Though being so many recipes all over the Internet you shouldn’t have any problems makings high alkalinity meals you really enjoy.

PH (potential of hydrogen) is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. the lesser the pH the more acidic the solution, the higher the pH the more alkaline (or base) the solution.

Acidic PH levels destroy vital oxygen molecules and create a breeding ground for diseases. PH levels in healthy people as well as newborns is slightly above 7. Acid waste grows inside the body due to our unhealthy lifestyles. If our internal environment is too acidic, disease becomes inevitable.

Alkalinity can be increased by consuming less meat and sweets and more vegetables and fruits. Although eating fruit to increase alkalinity may seem to be a contradiction because some fruits (especially citrus) are acidic outside the body, digestion uses up their acidic components, leaving an alkaline residue (ash). Alkalinity should be kept to 75. Alkaline-producing foods such as vegetables are eaten in much smaller quantities. Stimulants like tobacco, coffee, tea, and alcohol are also extremely acidifying.

It is recommended that you test your pH levels to determine if your body’s pH immediate attention. By using pH test strips, you can determine your pH factor quickly and easily in the privacy of your own home. Taking these preventative measures can help you get the body you want, whether is ripped abs or simply great overall health and wellness.

As there are millions of sexually active men and women worldwide, there are also a comprehensive selections of birth control method available for them to wisely choose from and properly utilize. In fact, these contraceptive options, most popular are the barrier and hormonal methods, are not only known to effectively prevent unwanted pregnancies, but they are also efficient treatments to a number of health conditions and concerns.

However, there are still some people who believe in odd practices that promise the same protection that one can get from the conventional birth control methods. These myths are called as such for these are the methods that some individuals falsely believed to be as effective means to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Unlike the common types of contraceptive methods, birth control myths’ efficacy is not proven by any form of medical study or research.

Hence, if you do not wish to get pregnant or experience the hassle of worrying if you might actually become pregnant, never ever believe in methods and practices that are considered today as birth control myths.

The following are some of the most popular birth control myths or stories that some people, sadly, believe and practice today despite the absence of proven evidences that such methods and practices actually do work:

Myth 1: There is a safe time within the month for a woman to have unprotected sex or it is safe for a woman to have sex during her menstruation period.

None of the two statements is true. You can get pregnant anytime or any day within the month if you engage in unprotected sex. Remember that there is really no exact or definite way to predict ovulation, since this process is really not associated with a woman’s last menstruation period. Ovulation is based on the start of the menstruation cycle of the month. Unfortunately, this is something that is hard to determine or predict, thus, making it a very risky method of contraception, particularly for young females.

Myth 2: After the sexual intercourse, a woman can rinse out the sperm from her vagina to prevent or avoid conception.

This is a very ineffective way of preventing pregnancy, for you can never wash out the sperm once inside a woman’s vagina. Some claim that douching by means of Coca Cola can actually kill sperm. However, it is not recommended, for it is a very complicated process.

Myth 3: Pregnancy is not possible if you have sex for the first time or if you do it standing up.

These are wrong, for preventing pregnancy has nothing to do with any sexual position as well as the number of times one engages in sexual activities.

Myth 4: Pregnancy is prevented in withdrawal method.

This is a risky way of preventing conception since you can never really predict or time ejaculation. Take note that ejaculation is not really necessary in conception, for it only takes one sperm to unite with a woman’s fertilized egg. Also when a man ejaculates and pulls out from a woman’s vagina, few sperm are still likely to mix with vaginal moisture and move into the uterus.

The idea of quitting smoking has been coming to your mind recently. Well, this is a serious sign that it is quite time to leave this dangerous habit behind and start a healthy, cigarette smoke free life.

Here are some quit smoking tips to make the cessation process easier and hopefully successful.

The first and most important quit smoking tip: set up a stop date and stop smoking on that day at once. Reducing the number for the cigarettes you are having per day is not good enough if your aim is to stop smoking completely.

The next quit smoking tip is pretty much connected with the previous one. Get rid of all of the smoking stuff &ndash throw your cigarettes in the toilet (yes, there as you will not be able to get one out when the first craving comes), put the ashtrays and the lighters in the attic or just throw them in the garbage bin; clean property your home to chase away the cigarette smell; get your teeth cleaned.

So after you do all of the above it is time to get some help. Go see your doctor and discuss what are the products that can help you in the smoking cessation process. He will be able to advise you about the best medical and herbal products and their dosage. Do not underestimate the power of such products &ndash quitting cold turkey may sound easy but it is not.

The next quit smoking tip is: change your daily routines and your lifestyle. If you think about it, you will discover that smoking has roots in most of your daily activities and lifestyle habits. Revising them will help you cope with the craving stress and will eventually make the smoking temptation disappear. It is a good idea to avoid cigarette smoke areas such as pubs and discos, and even to stop going out with your friends that still smoke.

The last quit smoking tip in the row is again connected with your perception of smoking. Many people use smoking as a reward scheme &ndash they light up a cigarette after a business meeting of a deal, to celebrate a success or to pamper themselves after a failure. Replace the cigarette rewards with something else. Use the money saved on cigarettes to buy yourself nice things or to pamper yourself with beauty or health services. You can set a stop smoking prize draw &ndash for example promise a vacation in Italy of you succeed not to smoke for three months. It is amazing how powerful such reward plan is when applied as part of your smoking cessation plan.

For more tips to quit smoking, please feel free to visit .quit-cigarettes-quit-smoking.com. It’s a site I set up because I have finally quit smoking due to my wife’s nagging. Honestly, it’s less stressful to quit smoking than to be nagged. So I hope this quit smoking tips I provided above will help you in your quest for better health and to put cigarettes behind you for good.

At the age of 30, she thought she had dealt with all of her major issues. Though her marriage was somewhat rocky in the beginning, things were really starting to smooth out. Her career was stable and her two kids were growing up healthy and happy. But something was wrong.

She found herself…
At the age of 30, she thought she had dealt with all of her major issues. Though her marriage was somewhat rocky in the beginning, things were really starting to smooth out. Her career was stable and her two kids were growing up healthy and happy. But something was wrong.

She found herself to be very tired all the time. The alarm seemed to go off too early in the morning, no matter how much sleep she got. Her appetite was out of whack, and she definitely was relying too heavily on alcohol. Though normally a very smart dresser, she had started to let herself go in the past few months. She”d gained some weight and she hadn”t bothered to get a haircut. She felt like she was dragging herself through life and nothing held the appeal that it once had.

One afternoon, she and her husband got into an argument. She was on her way out to the spa - a special treat to try to pull herself out of the constant fog that she”d been feeling. Innocently enough, her husband asked her when he could expect her to return home, since he had a very busy day ahead of him. She immediately took offense at his inquiry and ended up sobbing hysterically, cancelling her appointment altogether, and ending up in bed for the rest of the day.

A few days later, another argument took place. Again over a small issue, that typically wouldn”t have phased her. She became so distraught, nearly to the point of hysterics and in her misery began to think that suicide was the answer - that she was no use to anybody and that she would be doing her family a favor by ridding them of this problem.

Thankfully, her husband realized the danger signs and rushed her to the hospital where she was admitted for psychiatric assessment. The diagnosis: major depression.

Depression affects millions of otherwise normal people, the world over. Some people claim that being on anti-depressants is the latest trend. Yet, those afflicted with a chemical imbalance, who rely on these drugs for their very sanity, know differently. Anti-depressants can mean the difference between their very life and death - and definitely hold the key to the unity of many families.

Many wonder why major depression has become such a prominent problem in our society today. However, it doesn”t take much figuring to realize that life today is not what it used to be. The problems that people face from the second they wake up in the morning are beyond crazy. So too, chemical imbalances of the brain play a major role in the onset of major depression. Although this sickness is still not talked about as readily as a more physical disease (such as cancer), depression plagues many, seemingly successful, competent and outgoing people. It is not merely the curse of the weak, the elderly or the abused. Major depression has gone mainstream.

However, there is hope. Today”s medical community and pharmaceutical companies have been very successful in treating major depression. For some, even with anti-depressant treatment and counseling, depression will still rear its ugly head from time-to-time. Yet, others may be cured entirely. The good news is that with the right treatment and therapy, depression doesn”t have to ruin lives, and with compassion and understanding, family members can learn to deal with this affliction with success.
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Most of the time, a schizophrenic would hear a multitude of voices coming from different people he/she alone can hear. At times, he/she would experience certain events. However, these are only transpiring inside his/her head. Categorized as chronic, schizophrenia would be indicated by other peculia…
Most of the time, a schizophrenic would hear a multitude of voices coming from different people he/she alone can hear. At times, he/she would experience certain events. However, these are only transpiring inside his/her head. Categorized as chronic, schizophrenia would be indicated by other peculiar traits, such as exhibiting behavior or thoughts that are incoherent and in disarray. Aside from this, a schizophrenic could also have what is referred to as a catatonic behavior whereby he/ she becomes absolutely unresponsive to any external stimulus. Treating schizophrenia may involve using antispychotic medications, which can be availed from the best Internet pharmacy. These, along with psychotherapy, can help alleviate a schizophrenic”s symptoms.
Apart from these, helping a schizophrenic loved one deal with his condition can be very daunting not only on the part of the sufferer, but also for his loved ones. Such unfortunate incidents in which a sufferer has to bear severely psychotic episodes pose serious danger, for the aforementioned may develop strong murderous inclinations to those around him/her including himself/herself. If your loved one has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, caring for him/her would rely on two very important aspects: the state of the person”s illness and your family”s capacity to provide care.
Attending to a schizophrenic loved one is not easy. It entails a good deal of time, money, and emotional strength on the part of the caregiver/s. If you are in this position, read these helpful pointers to help you cope better with the situation at hand.
Keep in mind that you are not incapacitated to cure your loved one”s mental disability.
Be prepared for changes, for they are likely to occur. No matter how much attention, time, and care you devote to taking care of him/her, there would always be a possibility that his/her symptoms could worsen or improve.
Taking care of a schizophrenic is nowhere near easy. Do not let it get on your nerves, and avoid pointing the blame to anyone, even yourself. Moreover, you cannot blame your suffering loved one. He/she himself/herself did not choose to come down with this mental disorder.
During episodes, your loved one is not in his/her right frame of mind. Detach your loved one from his/her illness. It is perfectly all right to detest the illness, but never loathe your loved one.
Caring for him/her may take up most of your time and attention. Do not forget yourself. Devote some time for your own needs.
No amount of logic would ward off or drive away delusions. They do not vanish into thin air just like that. Attempting to rationalize it by discussing it with your afflicted loved one is futile.
Should the medications have adverse side effects, do not take it against your loved one. He/she is helpless against it too.
Be open to the reality that overcoming schizophrenia varies from one sufferer to another.
Recognize and appreciate your loved one”s courage and efforts in handling this debilitating mental illness.
Having a schizophrenic loved one is bound to affect your family life. Open yourself to the possibility that your family may undergo a challenging phase marked by confusion and disorganization.
It is likely that you may have to make some changes in your expectations regarding matters that might be involved therein.
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Too often, signs of teenage depression are mistaken for the typical ups and downs associated with teenage hormonal mood swings. But, what behavior is normal for the average teenager and how can it be differentiated from more serious instances of clinical depression?

If you”re a parent o…
Too often, signs of teenage depression are mistaken for the typical ups and downs associated with teenage hormonal mood swings. But, what behavior is normal for the average teenager and how can it be differentiated from more serious instances of clinical depression?

If you”re a parent of a child between the ages of 10 and 18, asking yourself that very question is critical. Depression can affect one in five teenagers before their 18th birthday. Unfortunately, the disease often goes undiagnosed because it”s believed to be a normal part of life.

Recognizing the Signs of Teenage Depression

While it”s easy to dismiss the numerous symptoms of teenage depression as simply a phase of growing up, the problem can be compounded by teenagers who refuse to admit they”re depressed.

There are numerous symptoms associated with teenage depression, and they often mimic depression symptoms in adults. These include chronic fatigue, trouble focusing on tasks, lack of concentration and irritability. As depression progresses, the teenager can become anxious and distracted as they attempt to deal with this debilitating problem. Other symptoms include crying, shouting, general complaining or lethargy.

As with adults, depression may also become visible in a variety of unexplained and incurable physical problems such as aches and pains, headaches and digestive issues like an upset stomach. Other signs include a change in appetite and subsequent weight gain or loss along with a change in sleeping habits, such as insomnia or chronic fatigue. More serious symptoms include talk or thoughts of suicide or death.

If five or more of the above symptoms are exhibited for a period longer than two weeks, mothers and/or fathers should talk to their teenagers and seek professional help. Of course, if there is a threat of suicide, then parents should seek treatment and intervention immediately.

Causes and Effects of Teenage Depression

Teenage depression is often caused by external stress-inducing circumstances. These may include a divorce in the family, an upset in the family dynamic, financial problems, sexual or physical abuse, alcohol or drug problems within the family, a death in the family or trouble dealing with a recent trauma or tragedy.

For some, depression may be brought on by a teenager”s inability to meet certain goals. These can be academic or athletic goals. For others, they may involve social goals. For example, if a teenager fails to fit in or is bullied or rejected at school, this can have devastating effects on their self-esteem, causing bouts of anxiety and depression.

The effects of teenage depression are most often seen socially and at school. Typically, a teenager exhibiting common symptoms sees their grades drop as they miss school, lose focus and abandon their drive to achieve and succeed. They may drop out of extracurricular activities and are also more prone to abuse drugs or alcohol.
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