Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide. If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help immediately..

• Call your doctor.
• Call 911 for emergency services.
• Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
• Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.

• April 24, 2010 -- Help for depression, where to go for help
  If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor. Others who can help are: Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors. Health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Community mental health centers. Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics. Mental health programs at universities or medical schools. ...
• April 20, 2010 -- How does depression affect adolescent girls
  Before adolescence, girls and boys experience depression at about the same frequency.13 By adolescence, however, girls become more likely to experience depression than boys. Research points to several possible reasons for this imbalance. The biological and hormonal changes that occur during puberty likely contribute to the sharp increase in rates of depression among adolescent girls. In additio...

If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor. Others who can help are:

• Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors.
• Health maintenance organizations (HMOs).
• Community mental health centers.
• Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics.
• Mental health programs at universities or medical schools.
• State hospital outpatient clinics.
• Family services, social agencies or clergy.
• Peer support groups.
• Private clinics and facilities.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Local medical and/or psychiatric societies.
• You can also check the phone book under “mental health,” “health,” “social services,” “hotlines,” or “physicians” for phone numbers and addresses. An emergency room doctor also can provide temporary help and can tell you where and how to get further help.

• April 28, 2010 -- What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
  Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide. If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help immediately.. Call your doctor. Call 911 for emergency services. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY...
• April 20, 2010 -- How does depression affect adolescent girls
  Before adolescence, girls and boys experience depression at about the same frequency.13 By adolescence, however, girls become more likely to experience depression than boys. Research points to several possible reasons for this imbalance. The biological and hormonal changes that occur during puberty likely contribute to the sharp increase in rates of depression among adolescent girls. In additio...

Before adolescence, girls and boys experience depression at about the same frequency.¹³ By adolescence, however, girls become more likely to experience depression than boys.

Research points to several possible reasons for this imbalance. The biological and hormonal changes that occur during puberty likely contribute to the sharp increase in rates of depression among adolescent girls. In addition, research has suggested that girls are more likely than boys to continue feeling bad after experiencing difficult situations or events, suggesting they are more prone to depression.²¹

Another study found that girls tended to doubt themselves, doubt their problem-solving abilities and view their problems as unsolvable more so than boys. The girls with these views were more likely to have depressive symptoms as well. Girls also tended to need a higher degree of approval and success to feel secure than boys.²²

Finally, girls may undergo more hardships, such as poverty, poor education, childhood sexual abuse, and other traumas than boys. One study found that more than 70 percent of depressed girls experienced a difficult or stressful life event prior to a depressive episode, as compared with only 14 percent of boys.²³

• April 14, 2010 -- How does depression affect adolescent girls?
  Before adolescence, girls and boys experience depression at about the same frequency.13 By adolescence, however, girls become more likely to experience depression than boys. Research points to several possible reasons for this imbalance. The biological and hormonal changes that occur during puberty likely contribute to the sharp increase in rates of depression among adolescent girls. In additio...
• March 11, 2010 -- Stress The Physical Affects
  Dealing with stress is a constant struggle for most of us. All the challenges and difficulties that arise from day to day activities take its toll on our overall well-being. Though for some, stress has become a way of life, living with it constantly has its consequences. Stress, as most of us know, is a type of condition where our body reacts to a certain change that causes a mental, emotional,...

If you know someone who has depression, the first and most important thing you can do is to help her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. You may need to make an appointment on her behalf and go with her to see the doctor. Encourage her to stay in treatment, or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs after six to eight weeks.

In addition, you can also:

• Offer emotional support, understanding, patience and encouragement.
• Engage her in conversation, and listen carefully.
• Never disparage feelings she expresses, but point out realities and offer hope.
• Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your friend’s or relative’s therapist or doctor.
• Invite your friend or relative out for walks, outings and other activities. Keep trying if she declines, but don’t push her to take on too much too soon. Although diversions and company are needed, too many demands may increase feelings of failure.
• Remind her that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.

• April 28, 2010 -- What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
  Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide. If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help immediately.. Call your doctor. Call 911 for emergency services. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY...
• April 24, 2010 -- Help for depression, where to go for help
  If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor. Others who can help are: Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors. Health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Community mental health centers. Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics. Mental health programs at universities or medical schools. ...

Before adolescence, girls and boys experience depression at about the same frequency.¹³ By adolescence, however, girls become more likely to experience depression than boys.

Research points to several possible reasons for this imbalance. The biological and hormonal changes that occur during puberty likely contribute to the sharp increase in rates of depression among adolescent girls. In addition, research has suggested that girls are more likely than boys to continue feeling bad after experiencing difficult situations or events, suggesting they are more prone to depression.²¹

Another study found that girls tended to doubt themselves, doubt their problem-solving abilities and view their problems as unsolvable more so than boys. The girls with these views were more likely to have depressive symptoms as well. Girls also tended to need a higher degree of approval and success to feel secure than boys.²²

Finally, girls may undergo more hardships, such as poverty, poor education, childhood sexual abuse, and other traumas than boys. One study found that more than 70 percent of depressed girls experienced a difficult or stressful life event prior to a depressive episode, as compared with only 14 percent of boys.²³

• April 20, 2010 -- How does depression affect adolescent girls
  Before adolescence, girls and boys experience depression at about the same frequency.13 By adolescence, however, girls become more likely to experience depression than boys. Research points to several possible reasons for this imbalance. The biological and hormonal changes that occur during puberty likely contribute to the sharp increase in rates of depression among adolescent girls. In additio...
• March 11, 2010 -- Stress The Physical Affects
  Dealing with stress is a constant struggle for most of us. All the challenges and difficulties that arise from day to day activities take its toll on our overall well-being. Though for some, stress has become a way of life, living with it constantly has its consequences. Stress, as most of us know, is a type of condition where our body reacts to a certain change that causes a mental, emotional,...

Researchers are looking for ways to better understand, diagnose and treat depression among all groups of people. New possible treatments, such as faster-acting antidepressants, are being tested that give hope to those who live with difficult-to-treat depression. Researchers are studying the risk factors for depression and how it affects the brain. NIMH continues to fund cutting-edge research into this debilitating disorder.

• March 16, 2010 -- FDA warning on antidepressants
  Despite the relative safety and popularity of SSRIs and other antidepressants, some studies have suggested that they may have unintentional effects on some people, especially adolescents and young adults. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a thorough review of published and unpublished controlled clinical trials of antidepressants that involved nearly 4,400 children and adol...
• February 28, 2010 -- Antidepressants, what you need to know
  Antidepressants work to normalize naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, notably serotonin and norepinephrine. Other antidepressants work on the neurotransmitter dopamine. Scientists studying depression have found that these particular chemicals are involved in regulating mood, but they are unsure of the exact ways in which they work. The newest and most popular types of ...

Most prescription drugs used to treat depression either imitate a neurotransmitter or redistribute existing neurotransmitters.  These medications provide relief by working with the existing neurotransmitters, but do not alter the overall neurotransmitter supply.  Because they fail to bring neurotransmitter levels back into proper balance, their effectiveness is often limited.

When the body’s supply of neurotransmitters drops below a critical level, some drugs simply stop functioning.  This prompts  many doctors to switch patients to another type of drug or add supplemental drugs.  Since the new drugs are not designed to address the chemical imbalance behind the disorder, they can also meet with limited success.

Neurotransmitter therapy works by increasing the overall supply of  neurotransmitters with a combination of targeted amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that adjust your body’s production of specific neurotransmitters.

A simple urine test measures neurotransmitter levels in the body.  The test results are used to design a specific targeted approach to restore the body’s neurotransmitter balance and health.

This is highly successful in helping individuals with depression and other mood disorders.  This targeted approach can be used alone or in tandem with prescription medications as directed by your healthcare  provider.

• February 28, 2010 -- Antidepressants, what you need to know
  Antidepressants work to normalize naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, notably serotonin and norepinephrine. Other antidepressants work on the neurotransmitter dopamine. Scientists studying depression have found that these particular chemicals are involved in regulating mood, but they are unsure of the exact ways in which they work. The newest and most popular types of ...
• April 28, 2010 -- What if I or someone I know is in crisis?
  Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide. If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help immediately.. Call your doctor. Call 911 for emergency services. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY...

Depression results when brain chemicals also known as neurotransmitters are out of balance.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay signals between nerve cells, called “neurons”.  They are present throughout the body and are required for proper brain and body functions.  Serious health problems, including depression and anxiety, can occur when neurotransmitter levels are too high or too low.

Every neurotransmitter behaves differently.  Some neurotransmitters are inhibitory and tend to calm, while others are excitatory and stimulate the brain.  Deficiencies involving the central nervous system’s neurotransmitters – serotonin and norepinephrine – appear to be involved in the development of depressive disorders.  Disruptions of other neurotransmitters, like GABA and glycine, have been more closely linked to anxiety disorders.

Environmental and biological factors including:

• Stress
• Poor diet
• Neurotoxins
• Genetics

Can cause imbalances in the levels of neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain.  These imbalances can trigger and exacerbate depressive symptoms.

Depressive disorders are among the most common neurotransmitter-related  conditions.  Others include anxiety disorders, compulsive behaviors, insomnia,  and migraines.

There are a few company’s who offer neurotransmitter testing, a simple urine test.  However conventional medicine does not see the validity in this type of testing.  I can tell you from experience with my own clients the testing and treatment protocols do work.  This is especially helpful for those who do not get relief with antidepressant medication.

• March 16, 2010 -- FDA warning on antidepressants
  Despite the relative safety and popularity of SSRIs and other antidepressants, some studies have suggested that they may have unintentional effects on some people, especially adolescents and young adults. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a thorough review of published and unpublished controlled clinical trials of antidepressants that involved nearly 4,400 children and adol...
• January 13, 2010 -- 15 Natural Depression Self Help Tips
  Depression is a whole-body illness, one that affects the body, nervous system, moods, thoughts, and behavior.  It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you react to and think about the people and things around you. 15 Natural Depression Self Help Tips Eat a diet that includes plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, with soybeans and soy products, whole...

For cases in which medication and/or psychotherapy does not help alleviate a person’s treatment-resistant depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be useful. ECT, formerly known as “shock therapy,” used to have a negative reputation. But in recent years, it has greatly improved and can provide relief for people with severe depression who have not been able to feel better with other treatments.

Before ECT is administered, a patient takes a muscle relaxant and is put under brief anesthesia. She does not consciously feel the electrical impulse that is administered. A person typically will undergo ECT several times a week, and often will need to take an antidepressant or mood stabilizing medication to supplement the ECT treatments and prevent relapse.

Although some people will need only a few courses of ECT, others may need maintenance ECT, usually once a week at first, then gradually decreasing to monthly treatments for up to one year.

ECT may cause some short-term side effects, including confusion, disorientation and memory loss. But these side effects typically clear shortly after treatment. Research has indicated that after one year of ECT treatments, patients showed no adverse cognitive effects.³⁵ A person should weigh the potential risks and benefits of ECT and discuss them with her doctor before deciding to undergo ECT treatment.

• March 24, 2010 -- Psychotherapy for Depression
  Several types of psychotherapy—or "talk therapy"— can help people with depression. Some regimens are short-term (10 to 20 weeks) and other regimens are longer-term, depending on the needs of the individual. Two main types of psychotherapies-cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT)-have been shown to be effective in treating depression. By teaching new ways of thinki...
• February 24, 2010 -- How is depression diagnosed and treated?
  Depressive illnesses, even the most severe cases, are highly treatable disorders. As with many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is and the greater the likelihood that a recurrence of the depression can be prevented. What medical conditions cause the same symptoms as    depression? The first step to getting appropriate treatment is to visit a doctor. Certain ...

Several types of psychotherapy—or “talk therapy”— can help people with depression.

Some regimens are short-term (10 to 20 weeks) and other regimens are longer-term, depending on the needs of the individual. Two main types of psychotherapies-cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT)-have been shown to be effective in treating depression.

By teaching new ways of thinking and behaving, CBT helps people change negative styles of thinking and behaving that may contribute to their depression. IPT helps people understand and work through troubled personal relationships that may cause their depression or make it worse.

For mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy may be the best treatment option. However, for major depression or for certain people, psychotherapy may not be enough.

Studies have indicated that for adolescents, a combination of medication and psychotherapy may be the most effective approach to treating major depression and reducing the likelihood for recurrence. Similarly, a study examining depression treatment among older adults found that patients who responded to initial treatment of medication and IPT were less likely to have recurring depression if they continued their combination treatment for at least two years.

• March 28, 2010 -- Electroconvulsive Therapy For Depression
  For cases in which medication and/or psychotherapy does not help alleviate a person's treatment-resistant depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be useful. ECT, formerly known as "shock therapy," used to have a negative reputation. But in recent years, it has greatly improved and can provide relief for people with severe depression who have not been able to feel better with other treatmen...
• March 20, 2010 -- Depression and St. John’s Wort, What About It
  The extract from the herb St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), a bushy, wild-growing plant with yellow flowers, has been used for centuries in many folk and herbal remedies. Today in Europe, it is used extensively to treat mild to moderate depression. In the United States, it is a top-selling botanical product. To address increasing American interest in St. John’s wort, the National Institut...