 |
More than 90 percent of people who kill themselves have a diagnosable mental disorder, most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder. According to the National Statistics Reports of Oct 2004, there are four times as many men as women who die by suicide, however, women attempt suicide two or three times, as often as men, as reported by the International Psychogeriatrics.
Clinical depression is a state of sadness, melancholia or despair that has advanced to the point of being distressing to an individual’s social functioning and/or activities of daily living.
Different people are affected in different ways by major depression. Some people have trouble sleeping, they lose weight, and they generally feel agitated and irritable. Others may sleep and eat too much and continuously feel worthless and guilty. Still others can function reasonably well at work and put on a “happy face” in front of others, while deep down they feel quite depressed and disinterested in life.. In addition they will have other physical and mental symptoms that may include fatigue, difficulty with concentration and memory, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, headaches, body aches, and thoughts of suicide.
In adults, major depressive disorder affects twice as many women as men. For both genders it is most common in those who are 25-44 years of age, and least common for those over the age of 65. In children, clinical depression affects girls and boys at about the same rate. Within an entire lifetime, major depression will affect 10%-25% of women and 5%-12% of men. At any one point in time, 5%-9% of women and 2%-3% of men are likely to be clinically depressed. Although major depression can occur at any age, the average age for developing the illness seems to be in a person’s mid-20’s. However, the average age of onset of the condition appears to be decreasing. Those with a parent or sibling who has had major depression may be 1.5 to 3 times more likely to develop the condition than those who do not.
Common Causes of depression
Hereditary – a 2004 research from the national Institute of mental Health declares that “major depression is thought to belike 40-70 percent heritable, but likely involves an interaction of several genes with environment events.”
Physiology - studies have suggested that depression may be associated with chemical imbalances in the brain, especially in the hormone, serotonin.
Seasonal affective disorder (Sad) is a depressive disorder that occurs in the winter when daylight hours are short. It is believed that melatonin, which is produced at higher levels in the dark, plays a major part in the onset of SAD and that many sufferers respond well to light therapy, also known as phototherapy
Psychological factors – low self-esteem and self-defeating or distorted thinking are connected with depression
Life experiences – events such as death, abandonment or rejection, neglect, chronic illness, and physical or psychological, sexual abuse can also increase the likelihood of depression later in life.
Physical illness - those with life-threatening or log-term illness such as cancer, stroke, arthritis or heart disease are vulnerable to depression
TREATING DEPRESSION
Treatment usually consists of antidepressant medication and non-drug therapy. Often a combined treatment is used: medication to gain relatively quick relief and psychotherapy to learn more effective ways to deal with life stresses.
There are some popular non-drug treatment choices which includes psychotherapy, exercise, relaxation, therapy. But there is another natural alternative in the market today.
Goji, a red berry found in Asia, has enjoyed a well-deserved reputation as an energizing supertonic. Known as the happy berry, goji has a legendary ability to promote cheerfulness and brighten the spirit. In fact, it has been noted that the only known side effect of goji is that continued consumption may take it impossible for you to stop smiling!
Goji offers a host of unique benefits that should be of great interest to anyone fighting depression.
Goji alleviates anxiety and stress
As an adaptogen, goji helps the body to adapt and cope with stress. It provides the energy reserves to help you handle just about ay difficulty.
Goji Fights Fatigue and Boosts Stamina
Ranked as one of Asia’s premier adaptogens, goji increases exercise tolerance, stamina and endurance. It helps to eliminate fatigue, especially when recovering from illness.
Goji Enhances Libido and Sexual Function
The goji berry is revered as one of the premier sexual tonic herbs in all of Asian medicine and is legendary for helping to spark the passions. Modern scientific studies have shown that goji markedly increases libido in both men and women.
Goji Improves Sleep Quality
Goji has enjoyed long use throughout Asia in the natural treatment of insomnia. In several medical study groups with elderly people, nearly all patients taking goji reported better quality of sleep.
Tags: Goji, Health Benefits