How to deal with depression | How to beat depression

During my seventh hospitalization for bipolar disorder

– 18 years after I first cracked-up as a graduate student in psychology – I finally wrote a plan to keep myself out of the nuthouse. Here are some steps that you can use to write your own plan to Stop a Downward Bipolar Spiral.

1. Identify your pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that ends in a bipolar episode.

We all have our own patterns. Mine starts with a frustrating event that I interpret as a problem and then exaggerate to be more serious than it is. The pattern ends with me telling myself that I am a complete failure, becoming depressed, feeling hopeless, and responding to the hopelessness with rage. When you recognize the pattern starting, you can stop it. But first, you need to know what the pattern is.

2. Write down your pattern.

This will give you a more clear and specific idea of your pattern and will help you recognize it as soon as it begins.

3. Make note of the times when you have been able to avoid or stop the pattern.

Recognizing that you have avoided potential bipolar episodes in the past (probably many times) will help you to avoid them in the future. It is a skill that you most likely have already used without even knowing it. You may have bipolar disorder, but there are many times when your mood, thoughts, and behavior are quite normal. And, sometimes, you do respond to stress quite well. What did you do at those times that enabled you to successfully avoid a bipolar meltdown?

4. Remember that you do have some control over the pattern.

The chemical imbalance of bipolar can powerfully affect our moods, but we can still make conscious, deliberate choices about our thoughts and behaviors. You can literally force yourself to think new thoughts and change your focus. Once when I was thinking obsessively and unproductively about something that may (or may not) have been a problem, a friend suggested that I do a crossword puzzle. I was desperate, so, in spite of my serious doubts, I gave it a try. It worked. I stopped obsessing – at least while I was doing the puzzle.

5. Make a list of thoughts and behaviors you can use to replace your bipolar pattern thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

When I recognize that my pattern might be starting, I have a number of alternative thoughts and behaviors that I can use to interrupt, contradict, and stop the pattern. They include: recalling my past successes, exercise, positive self-talk, taking a walk, removing myself from stressful situations, praising God in spite of my circumstances, calling my counselor, and declaring the promises of scripture. (I roar out loud with a fist in the air, “Yes! The Creator-King of the universe is my Dad and He is right now at work for my absolute best!” Romans 8:28)

It’s wise to write the list down. Once your bipolar pattern thinking/feeling/acting begins it can be hard to recall the good ideas you had when you were a little more sane. Keep the list handy and pull it out as soon as the pattern begins.

6. Give a copy of your plan to your family and/or counselor.

In the midst of a bipolar episode, these people can pull out their copy and remind you of your own good advice. Nothing short of seroquel stops distorted thinking quite like being confronted with your own words.

Your plan doesn’t have to be anything at all like mine. But make a plan! Don’t leave yourself exposed to the next potential downward spiral. You can stop it! Make a plan.

Richard Jarzynka is the author of “Blessed with Bipolar” He has used the “symptoms” of the disorder to help him counsel clients; run a marathon; grow in his christian faith; and earn a masters degree in psychology, a scholarship to law school, and a football scholarship. He blogs at BIPOLAR RICHARD’S ALMANAC.

There are many adults who are trapped under the state of depression due to increase in work load or due to other personal problems. Depression is something that can be treated naturally but it does not mean that people can use self treatment. It is very important for that person to consult the doctor in order to cure the same as it can turn serious if left untreated. Depression is the symptom of other diseases such as anemia or hypothyroidism. According to the doctors depression must always be treated naturally in order to get rid of it totally.

There are various natural treatments of depression.
1) St. John’s Wort: It is a herb that comes under the category of folk medicine which is used in order to relieve poor sleep and nervousness. It is effective antidepressant. For patients with moderate depression, the effect can be noticed within 4 to 6 weeks. It is available in all the medical stores and can be consumed in the form of tablets, capsules, tea or liquid extracts.

2) Omega-3 fatty acids: According to the doctors, it is suggested that people under depression needs more of fatty acid in order to trigger the proper functioning of the brain. Omega-3 fatty acid is found in fish.It is also noted that countries where fish is the main food such as Taiwan and Japan, depression rate is much lesser.

3) SAM-e: SAM-e means S-adenosyl-L-methionine which is naturally found in the human body and is helpful i increasing the level of dopamine and serotonin.

4) Folic Acid: Folic acid also known as folate is generally found in fruits, green vegetables, grains and beans.

5) 5-HTP: 5-HTP means hydroxtryptophan and it gets generated in the body and helps in boosting up the level of serotonin in the body. It should not be used with the combination of any other antidepressants.

6) Diet: The intake of sweets must be reduced in order to bring down the sugar level. The intake of alcohol and caffeine must also be avoided as it increases the anxiety and depression in the long run. Magnesium must be included in the diet as it is important for the production of serotonin. Vegetables, grains and nuts are very good sources of magnesium.

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