Depression is the common cold of mental disorders — most people will be affected by depression in their lives either directly or indirectly, through a friend or family member. Confusion about depression is common; and what makes it different from just feeling down. There is also confusion surrounding the many types of depression (e.g., unipolar depression, biological depression, manic depression, seasonal affective disorder, dysthymia, etc.) are some that people may experience. There have been so many terms used to describe this set of feelings we’ve all felt at one time or another in our lives, and to one degree or another.

Depression is characterized by a number of common symptoms. These include a persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood, and feelings of hopelessness or pessimism. A person who is depressed also often has feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness. They no longer take interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed; this may include things like going out with friends or even sex. Insomnia, early-morning awakening and oversleeping are all common. Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain may be symptoms of depression in some people. Many others experience decreased energy, fatigue, and a constant feeling of being “slowed down.” Thoughts of death or suicide are not uncommon in those suffering from severe depression. Restlessness and irritability among those who have depression is common. A person who is depressed also has difficulty concentrating, remembering, and trouble making decisions. And sometimes, persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to traditional treatments — such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain — may be signs of a depressive illness.

Depression is the common cold of mental disorders — most people will be affected by depression in their lives either directly or indirectly, through a friend or family member. Confusion about depression is common; and what makes it different from just feeling down. There is also confusion surrounding the many types of depression (e.g., unipolar depression, biological depression, manic depression, seasonal affective disorder, dysthymia, etc.) are some that people may experience. There have been so many terms used to describe this set of feelings we’ve all felt at one time or another in our lives, and to one degree or another.

Depression is characterized by a number of common symptoms. These include a persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood, and feelings of hopelessness or pessimism. A person who is depressed also often has feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness. They no longer take interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed; this may include things like going out with friends or even sex. Insomnia, early-morning awakening and oversleeping are all common. Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain may be symptoms of depression in some people. Many others experience decreased energy, fatigue, and a constant feeling of being “slowed down.” Thoughts of death or suicide are not uncommon in those suffering from severe depression. Restlessness and irritability among those who have depression is common. A person who is depressed also has difficulty concentrating, remembering, and trouble making decisions. And sometimes, persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to traditional treatments — such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain — may be signs of a depressive illness.

Top 5 Signs You May Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder

1. Anxiety significantly interferes with your life

Experiencing anxiety is a normal part of being human that is related to survival and fear. However, when this regularly interferes with your ability to complete daily tasks and have a satisfying life. It can be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

2. You worry about a wide range of things

Again, everyone has some worry that is a normal part of living. Some people have a few major things that they worry about, and others have more short-term worries about current events and anticipation. If you worry very often and about a wide range of things that sometimes can feel limitless, then it can be a sign of GAD.

3. You are rarely able to control your anxiety

For many people, worrying and anxiety can take them over for shorter durations and are relieved when stressors relax. Other times they find ways to cope that can make living more tolerable and enjoyable. However, some people have significant difficulty controlling their anxiety even with the best coping strategies at hand. If this is true for you, it may be a sign of GAD.

4. Anxiety is out of proportion to stressors

A key feature of anxiety disorders is that anxiety is often out of proportion to the stressor. If the stressor really only has mild consequences for a person but they react anxiously in a way that is as if it has enormous consequences, then this would be a disproportionate response. If this happens regularly, it may be a sign of GAD.

5. You have other symptoms

During periods of stress, many people have physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension. However, some people exist in chronic states of these, develop digestive problems, have difficulty sleeping, have weight change, or a variety of other more unique issues. Having physical symptoms that are persistent can be a sign of GAD.

If a combination of these sounds like you, then it could be important to find someone to help with treatment.

What is anger?

According to the American Psychological Association1, “Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion.” However, when it gets out of control it can become destructive. Uncontrollable anger can lead to serious problems at work and in personal relationships and may undermine the individual’s overall quality of life. Anger is not just a mental state of mind. It triggers an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Anger has survival benefits and forms part of our fight or flight brain response to a perceived threat or harm. When a human or animal decides to take action to stop or confront a threat, anger usually becomes the predominant feeling and takes over our behavior, cognition, and physiology. In many cases, humans and other animals express anger by making loud sounds, baring teeth, staring, and adopting postures as a warning to perceived aggressors to stop their threatening behaviors. It is unusual for a physical attack to occur without these signs of anger appearing first. If a stranger approaches a litter of newborn puppy-dogs, the mother will most likely growl, bare her teeth and adopt a defensive or ready-to-attack posture, rather than silently attack without any warning. If you trespass into the private land of a farmer in a remote area, his approach may be similar; his voice will be hostile, as may his body language, and posture. Instinctively, anger may surge in humans and other animals to protect territory, offspring and family members, secure mating privileges, prevent loss of possessions or food, and many other perceived threats. The Mental Health Foundation2, a UK charity, says that anger is one of the most basic human emotions. Experts say anger is a primary, natural emotion with functional survival value, which we all experience from time to time. The raised heart rate, blood pressure, and release of hormones prepare us physically for remedial action – which is either to fight or run away at top speed (fight or flight).

Eye Movement Desezitation Reprocessing therapy

No one really knows any form of psychotherapy works neurobiologically or in the brain. However, we do know that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes “frozen in time.” and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because images, sounds, smells, and feelings haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people.

EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed. So, following a successful EDMR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar goals. However, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.

What kinds of problems can EMDR treat?

Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post-traumatic stress. However, clinicians also have reported success using EMDR in treatment of the following conditions:

Personality disorders
Panic attacks
Complicated grief
Dissociative disorders
Disturbing memories
Phobias
Body dysmorphic disorders
Eating Disorders
Performance anxiety
Stress reduction
Addictions
Sexual and/or physical abuse
Pain disorders

Top 5 Signs You May Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder

1. Anxiety significantly interferes with your life

Experiencing anxiety is a normal part of being human that is related to survival and fear. However, when this regularly interferes with your ability to complete daily tasks and have a satisfying life. It can be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

2. You worry about a wide range of things

Again, everyone has some worry that is a normal part of living. Some people have a few major things that they worry about, and others have more short-term worries about current events and anticipation. If you worry very often and about a wide range of things that sometimes can feel limitless, then it can be a sign of GAD.

3. You are rarely able to control your anxiety

For many people, worrying and anxiety can take them over for shorter durations and are relieved when stressors relax. Other times they find ways to cope that can make living more tolerable and enjoyable. However, some people have significant difficulty controlling their anxiety even with the best coping strategies at hand. If this is true for you, it may be a sign of GAD.

4. Anxiety is out of proportion to stressors

A key feature of anxiety disorders is that anxiety is often out of proportion to the stressor. If the stressor really only has mild consequences for a person but they react anxiously in a way that is as if it has enormous consequences, then this would be a disproportionate response. If this happens regularly, it may be a sign of GAD.

5. You have other symptoms

During periods of stress, many people have physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension. However, some people exist in chronic states of these, develop digestive problems, have difficulty sleeping, have weight change, or a variety of other more unique issues. Having physical symptoms that are persistent can be a sign of GAD.

If a combination of these sounds like you, then it could be important to find someone to help with treatment.

What is anger?

According to the American Psychological Association1, “Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion.” However, when it gets out of control it can become destructive. Uncontrollable anger can lead to serious problems at work and in personal relationships and may undermine the individual’s overall quality of life. Anger is not just a mental state of mind. It triggers an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Anger has survival benefits and forms part of our fight or flight brain response to a perceived threat or harm. When a human or animal decides to take action to stop or confront a threat, anger usually becomes the predominant feeling and takes over our behavior, cognition, and physiology. In many cases, humans and other animals express anger by making loud sounds, baring teeth, staring, and adopting postures as a warning to perceived aggressors to stop their threatening behaviors. It is unusual for a physical attack to occur without these signs of anger appearing first. If a stranger approaches a litter of newborn puppy-dogs, the mother will most likely growl, bare her teeth and adopt a defensive or ready-to-attack posture, rather than silently attack without any warning. If you trespass into the private land of a farmer in a remote area, his approach may be similar; his voice will be hostile, as may his body language, and posture. Instinctively, anger may surge in humans and other animals to protect territory, offspring and family members, secure mating privileges, prevent loss of possessions or food, and many other perceived threats. The Mental Health Foundation2, a UK charity, says that anger is one of the most basic human emotions. Experts say anger is a primary, natural emotion with functional survival value, which we all experience from time to time. The raised heart rate, blood pressure, and release of hormones prepare us physically for remedial action – which is either to fight or run away at top speed (fight or flight).

– Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy

No one really knows any form of psychotherapy works neurobiologically or in the brain. However, we do know that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes “frozen in time.” and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because images, sounds, smells, and feelings haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people.

EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed. So, following a successful EDMR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar goals. However, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.

What kinds of problems can EMDR treat?

Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post-traumatic stress. However, clinicians also have reported success using EMDR in treatment of the following conditions:

Personality disorders
Panic attacks
Complicated grief
Dissociative disorders
Disturbing memories
Phobias
Body dysmorphic disorders
Eating Disorders
Performance anxiety
Stress reduction
Addictions
Sexual and/or physical abuse
Pain disorders

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Top 5 Signs You May Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Grief and Loss

What is anger?

Eye Movement Desezitation Reprocessing therapy

What kinds of problems can EMDR treat?

Top 5 Signs You May Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Grief and Loss

What is anger?

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– Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy

What kinds of problems can EMDR treat?

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