SUICIDE is Not an Option

Lucretia committing suicide. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On December 12th, 1992, my brother committed suicide. The consequences were devastating to everyone involved. Maybe this story will help someone who is contemplating suicide to decide against it.

Suicide is not the solution that some may think it is. Problems and unresolved issues will haunt family and friends for many decades.

My nephew, who was just a baby at the time, would always ask about his uncle. He eventually learned to point up at the sky and say, "Uncle Scott".

But the reality is that he missed out on having the benefit and support of his uncle as he grew up. And of course, there are countless interactions with family members that will be missed over the decades.

Suicide is permanent. And the effects that it has on loved ones also lasts over a lifetime.

My brother was only 22 years old at the time he chose to commit suicide. I was only 24.

I remember going to the viewing and seeing his lifeless body. They couldn't quite erase all of the signs of his violent death. And that image will stick with the living for the rest of their lives.

In the end, the temporary pain someone escapes by committing suicide might be overshadowed by the pain and sadness of family and friends. That pain may continue through the decades whenever they think about it.

The missed opportunities for interaction also impedes the growth of everyone else. Countless interactions that would have occurred are all lost now.

Who knows how destiny was changed by such an event. The family that he may have had will not exist now.

The triumphs and setbacks of a life will never be realized. The fulfillment of a lifetime was cut short by a decision that may have been made rashly at a moment of personal confusion or pain.

We never know who it is in our destiny to meet and interact with over a lifetime. All of those 'plays' of life will never be able to exist because one of the characters on the stage will not be there to fulfill his role.

So, the total sum of the tragedy is really unknown but it seems likely that over what would have amounted to decades of time, that sum must be quite high. I guess we won't get the chance to find out.

Though I am revealing this personal family tragedy to the masses through this article, if it saves a single life, it will be worth it. Drop me a line if you ever want to talk, I would be happy to hear from you.

How To Fight Back Against DEPRESSION

I am one of those people who can easily slip into a very negative state of mind. The slightest knockback or problem can lead to a cloud of doom descending over me, a cloud which I find hard to push away and remove. This article looks at ways in which we can fight back, to quickly get us back into a happy mode.

I used to be quite a fragile character, some would say that I was even scared of my own shadow. I was always paranoid that people were talking about me and laughing behind my back. 

Even though my parents are superb, I was not a happy child or a happy teenager. I am so unlucky you see or so I thought. I walked around as if the world owed me something and would often feel very sorry for myself. I was bullied at school, it was more mental bullying rather than anything physical. I am sure that most people also get bullied and deal with it. It would leave me in a state of panic and depression. Looking back I have to say I was a bit of a wimp in reality.

I decided that enough was enough by my mid-twenties and decided it was time to toughen up. I could not continue to live my life as I had been, as I would probably be dead by the time I was fifty. 

I then went about a self-help program to increase my overall self-confidence and self-esteem. I wanted to learn more about stress management, dealing with depression, relaxation and about how to become successful in life.

What I found out over the next twelve to eighteen months would change my life forever. 

These are the things I had to do:

I had to stop feeling sorry for myself. Yes I am not perfect but who is.

I had to think in a more positive way.

I had to stop worrying about the future.

I had to stop caring what other people thought of me.

I needed to smile more.

I needed to learn to relax. I now use meditation for this purpose. 

I had to learn to like myself.

I needed to become stronger to fight away the negative thoughts in my head.

I needed to appreciate what I did have in life, rather than concentrating on what I had not.

I started to implement the above and it helped me no end. That horrible cloud of doom, still descended, however, around once a month. When it does descend, I now write two lists. What I am happy about in life and what I am sad or worrying about. I then analyse both lists and more times than not, I am actually over-reacting.

In conclusion, life is a battle. There are good times and bad. We need to become strong and learn to think in a more positive way. We have to fight back against people who bully us and against the voices in our head who are trying to make us panic. This is not easy, however with determination people are able to turn their life around just like I have.

I used to feel anger towards the people who bullied me at school. I now feel sorry for them. They are the bad apples and I pray for them. I pray that God will one day make them pure.

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HYPNOSIS For Dealing With the Effects of DEPRESSION

Depression (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A simple definition of depression is that it's a low mood that can stay with a person for a period of time. The length of time can depend on the person and the severity of their depression. I am of course talking about regular depression, and not about manic depression, as this is a much more complex issue. It's also important to point out that depression is a medical condition that can affect people to varying degrees of seriousness, and for that reason, I would recommend that anyone who suspects they are suffering from depression should make an appointment to see their family practitioner.

There are various treatments for depression including medication that can only be acquired through a doctor. But correct diagnosis is required and this is usually done using several factors, including a thorough review of the patient's medical history and such. This data also serves in determining the best course of action, the right medication, and most effective treatment. It may require ongoing monitoring and care over a period of time.

As hypnotherapists, when we see a patient in a one to one environment we can ask for details of the client's medical history, and even consult with their doctor. However, when I produce a recording, such as a CD or MP3 download, to help deal with the effects of depression, I haven't got access to these medical histories nor can I consult with a client's doctor for individual case specifics. For this reason, I strongly recommend our recordings that you see a doctor beforehand, particularly if you suffer from severe depression. I would expect another ethical hypnotherapist's to do the same.

What we can do with recordings, however, is help with the effects of depression. I believe that suggestion and relaxation can be useful and helpful to people suffering any type of disease or medical ailment. It isn't a cure or treatment for the disease itself, but more like a coping mechanism to help with the effects of the ailment in daily life. For that reason, there are many CD and MP3 downloads available which are intended to work in conjunction with other forms of treatment.

I believe that hypnotherapy can help deal with the effects of depression, but it is not a substitute for appropriate medical care. If you think you are suffering from depression, you should immediately seek appropriate medical care for the condition. In conjunction with that, you can seek hypnotherapy to help deal with how your depression affects your every-day life.

Barrie St John is a leading figure in the field of hypnotherapy and personal change. He is the author behind the best selling hypnosis MP3 products found exclusively at HypnoShop.com. Article Directory: EzineArticles

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Natural Remedies for Depression - ESSENTIAL OILS and Thought Processes

Depression (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It's always best to look for the most gentle yet effective way to treat any disorder or disease. The fewer side effects, the better and we've all probably heard of enough stories of the volatile side effects that tend to result from prescription medications, especially those of anti-depressant medications. There are many natural remedies for depression and a number of self-help techniques that you can turn to. Depression is a disorder of your thoughts and if you keep focused on that fact, you can overcome depression by taking back control of your mind.

In writing, it does sound like an easy task to just change your thoughts to more uplifting and empowering things and leave all those negative and joy-stealing thoughts behind, but our mind is a mysterious thing. Our thoughts came from a variety of experiences and influences that we don't even realize, as well as being a result of the chemical make-up of our body. Not an easy thing to control, especially if you've spent most of your life not realizing that you can control your thoughts. The easy part is getting lost in thoughts and letting your mind control your feelings.

Since depression can be attributed to a chemical imbalance in the body, it is helpful to find some natural remedies that will alter your chemical processes to produce more serene, uplifting and calm thoughts. Essential oils are a gentle and effective way to treat a variety of your body's ailments. They can be used with a carrier oil for a massage, a few drops can be added to a bath or they can be used in a diffuser. There are quite a lot of impure essential oils being marketed today that may still have some aroma but will not have the potency to aid in the re-balancing of the body. Check your local health store as well as a variety of online sources to locate reputable essential oil manufacturers. Young Living Essential Oils is a quality manufacturer and has an excellent website with valuable information about essential oils and company practices. Some essential oils used for depression are lavender, bergamot, clary sage, orange, and ylang-ylang.

Along with various other natural substances, you can treat depression by changing your thought processes. Whether you use prescription drugs or natural therapies, you will eventually have to use this method to avoid falling into the "depression trap" again. There are a number of different ways to change the way your mind thinks and depending on your personality, some will work better than others. Try out all that you can to see what resonates the most with you, and then stick with one or more as part of your daily routine. Some examples of resources to change your thought patterns are subliminal audio, meditation, affirmations, hypnotherapy, reading resources and spiritual nourishment. These are just some resources that you can look for to give yourself that paradigm shift to get rid of depressed thoughts for good.

Medications are not a necessity to treat depression. Perhaps in some situations, it may be necessary to take medications, at least for a period of time, but I believe from my own experience and of hearing the victories from others, that we all have the power to alter our own minds and have them work for us instead of against us. Check out the natural remedies for depression and don't ever give up on empowering yourself to live the life you were meant to live - depression free!

Article Directory: EzineArticles

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ANXIETY - Naturally Of Course

An anxious person (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What causes anxiety? Well if we all knew that wouldnt life be a bed of roses. Being able to nip it in the bud (excuse the pun) before it causes the damage it is capable of like interfering and preventing a person from leading a normal life There are many different theories behind the cause but because each of us differ it makes it more difficult to pin point the specific reason behind its beginning. 

Losing control of your thoughts and actions to an extent that no matter what you say or do is out of your jurisdiction, it is then medical help is strongly advised.

There is evidence that anxiety concerns develop from physical means like an over active thyroid gland which controls different body functions. Anxiety and drugs (types of medication) is sometimes not a match made in heaven so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any tablets/pills from over the counter that you are not familiar with. 

Stressful events past or present are main factors also queried behind a persons anxious moments. If depression/anxiety runs in the family then there is an increased risk or possibility that history may repeat itself.

We all have anxious moments but it is how we deal with these upsets which is the important thing. Anxiety can be brought on by the least little thing but common factors like losing a job, moving house, and parting of the ways from a partner are just a few to mention. To deal with these depressing events we have to learn to cope. By conquering the coping process you will notice your depression/anxiety symptoms easing.

 Relaxation classes like yoga have a great effect on patients who suffer from emotional disturbances in their mind body and soul. 

Anxiety does affect people in diverse ways. Many patients experience anxiety chiefly through emotional /psychological symptoms, while others suffer from physical effects. Either way both are powerful enough to destroy.  

Anyone at anytime can become affected by anxiety. Anxiety is diagnosed as a mental health disorder. Five per cent of the population at some stage in their lives have had an anxiety or depressive bout where it has left them feeling agitated and concerned for their health. Irregular pace of the heartbeat speeding up has given some people reason to believe that their experience of anxiety or a panic session is that of a heart attack.

Reclaim your mind body and soul naturally if modern science is not your way of dealing with such health matters of which I hasten to add has proven to be very successful in the healing process for anxiety. Natural courses of herbal remedies are readily available but first and foremost consider Yoga. 

To relief stress that comes with everyday commitments then why not follow the millions of people who have chosen yoga to seek peace of mind. This form of exercise is a proven way in getting results. (Thus depending on the patients requirements or severity of his/her condition)

 Does yoga help?  Yes naturally of course.

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Dealing With DEPRESSION

Depression (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Depression is something that affects most people around the world from time to time and can be very hard to deal with. I have myself struggled with this problem in the past but have lately found ways to cope with this very much unwanted depression. I will write about how I go about doing this in this article.

I have been born into a family which include many members who find it hard to cope with life and are often worrying about something or other. I am one of these people and there does not seem to be a day that goes by where I do not have some issue in my mind, that is making me unhappy or stressed. I have found it very difficult to appreciate all of the things in my life which are basically good as my brain only seems to focus on all of my problems or potential problems.

In the last couple of years I have tried to deal with these what I now call challenges and have attempted to focus more on the positive aspects to my life. This has been very hard for me to do as I am a born worrier by nature as I have already explained.

What I now have decided to do is to try to compare my own life with that of other people who live around the world. As an example, in the last couple of days I have been watching the news programs on the television and have been hearing in horror about the current situation in Iraq. I am sure most readers of this article will be aware of what is going on in Iraq but a couple of events have really shocked me.

The first was a roadblock that was set up by people who were dressed up in police uniform. These people stopped a number of vehicles and dragged out the people who were in the vehicles, onto the street. They included young and old, men and women from what I have heard. Twenty one of them were shot and killed. I can only imagine how frightening this would have been.

The second event took place only the next day when fifty people were taken from their place of work and from bus stops. They were basically kidnapped and taken away in a number of vehicles. I am not sure what has happened to them since and can only hope that they are OK. This again is very disturbing and would have been a horrible ordeal for the people involved. 

I am no expert on the situation in Iraq or why all of these things are taking place. I also have no idea on how things can be improved, but something needs to happen to help these people.

For me it shows me that I am very fortunate and if I ever start feeling a bit low, I then think of the people who live in Iraq and also people who live in other countries. I am sure that most of these people would love to swap places with me and if I tried to explain to them why I was starting to feel a little depressed, they would probably laugh at me.

AYURVEDA regime for winter depression

Long nights, short days, sweaters, warm clothes and chilly weather make many of us sick and depressed. This depression which surfaces especially in winter is a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and is often called as winter Time Blues or Winter depression. The exact cause for this depression is as of yet unclear. But yet few scientists believe lack of exposure to sunlight as the reason for this disorder.

A 30 kHz bright light therapy lamp (Innosol Rondo) used to treat seasonal affective disorder.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The symptoms of winter depression are tendency to over eat, craving for carbohydrates and sweets and weight gain. 

Had our ancestors observed this change in humans? The answer is yes. Have they recommended any remedies? Yes, they have recommended simple and effective natural remedies to overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder. They have laid down explicit guidelines about diet and lifestyles which have to be followed according to seasons.

The winter season is marked as Hemanta ritu and Sisira ritu in ayurveda. Hemanta ritu starts from mid November and ends in mid January. This falls in southern solstice which is called as visarga kala or dakshinayana in ayurveda. Sisira ritu starts from mid January and lasts till middle of march. Sisira ritu falls in Northern solstice which is called as Aadana kaala or uttaraayana.

The response of human body to this season is very well explained in ayurveda. People will have increased strength and their digestion capacity is increased .This is marked by increased hunger. These symptoms are caused by increased body fire which is supported by vata. Vata inside  body increases in winter because of cold and dryness which is prevalent in outer atmosphere.

The winter time depression is noticed mostly in persons who have vata as major constituent in their prakriti or body constitution. The cause for this type of change is longer nights of winter. 

Light therapy is recommended by doctors for winter time blues. Exposure to artificial light may cause headache , Irritability ,Eye strain , Inability to sleep and fatigue. Exposure to sunlight and if sunlight is not available sitting near fireplace is the remedy suggested in Ayurveda. 

Keeping the home well lit with lights help to reduce the intensity of depression.

Moderate exercise like yoga is another remedy for winter depression. Ayurveda recommends oil massage (abhyanga)  to body and head (moordha taila.). Indulging in sexual act to keep the moods elevated and to keep the body warm is another strongly suggested ayurvedic remedy.

Meeting friends who are kind and understanding boosts morale and brightens up the day. Spending time with friends on the beach helps to expose your body to sunlight and keeps your spirits high.

Relaxing with meditation, massage , light music and laughter helps to great extent.

The following ayurvedic tips help to prevent and reduce the intensity of seasonal disorder of winter, the winter time blues.

1. Expose yourself to sunlight as much as you can. In absence of sun light sitting near fire place is very helpful.

2. Massage your body with vata balancing herbal oil (abhyanga). Never forget to apply oil on your head (moordha taila.). 

3. Then remove the oil by taking hot water bath. A mixture of  flours of yellow gram (channa), green gram (moong) , fenu greek seeds (methi)  in equal proportion is the best herbal scrub which can be used to remove the oil. This mixture prevents the washing of natural oil from skin.

4. Consume hot soups.

5. Use vata balancing foods like wheat, oil, corn, black gram and jaggery. 

6. Tickle your taste buds with sweet, sour and salt tastes

7. Always use hot water for all daily routine activity.

8. Use thick blankets and sheets made of cotton, silk and wool.

9. Always wear foot wear.

10. Indulge in sexual act.

11. Spend your leisure time with friends and relatives whom you like.

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