Westlife

Great tunes by a great, hawt boy band

Siddo to me is......

This was sent to me today by a friend (my new contributor to the blog) and it really cheered me up from the mood I was in which wasn't a promising one. I was re-evaluating life in general and she, the amazing lady that she is, came along and spoke to me in great depth and lifted my spirits up from my dark voided pit. I think she missed her calling in life of helping others. 


Love yeah, chick!

Siddo to me is......
 

Arbitrary, bull headed, caveman, caring,careful, dependable, delightful, diligent, easy going, efficient, eager, fierce, forgiving, fun-loving, fantastic, game, great, giving, gregarious, heartwarming, hard ass, happy, irritating, instigating, insightful, jammin, jubilant, kind, karmic, Loving, lunatic, mischievous, marvelous, naughty, nurturing, noble, obvious, omnipotent, pleasing, prude...not, providing, protective, questionable, quirky, real, relished, remembered, sexy, steadfast, stern, truthful, trustworthy, terrible, underestimated, vexing, vain, warring, wonderful, xhausting, yearnful, ying to your yang.

You're admiring, bossy, caring, dear, earnest, factual, generous, hilarious, infamous, jovial, candid, learned, manageable...I mean magnificent, noble, optimistic, pleasant, quirky, resourceful, studly, temperamental or truthful, Uranus no... unique, vibrant, willing, extraordinary, youthful *grins*,zealous...or zany.

She also made me aware of this quote:

"To the world you may just be one person but to one person you may be the world."
— Brandi Snyder 

Depression

The Facts on Depression

Everyone feels sad or down at times, especially after experiencing a disappointment such as not getting the job you interviewed for. However, these feelings of sadness are usually short-lived.
Depression, on the other hand, is a medical condition characterized by long-lasting feelings of intense sadness and hopelessness associated with additional mental and physical changes.

Depression can affect someone's personal, social, and professional life.
About 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will suffer from depression at some point in life. Depression in children and adolescents occurs less commonly than in adults. Almost 1.5 million Canadians have serious depression at any given time, but less than one third of these people seek medical help.

Types of Depression

There are several different types of depression, and the diagnosis is mostly determined by the nature and intensity of the mental and physical symptoms, the duration of the symptoms, and the specific cause of the symptoms, if that is known.

Clinical depression (or major depressive disorder, MDD) is the most serious type of depression in terms of the number and severity of symptoms, but there are significant individual differences in the symptoms and severity. People affected with major depression may not have suicidal tendencies and may never have received medical treatment. The person's interest and pleasure in many activities, energy levels, and eating and sleeping patterns are usually altered.

Dysthymia refers to a low-to-moderate level of depression that persists for at least 2 years, and often longer. While the symptoms are not as severe as in major depression, dysthymia can still have a major impact on a person's quality of life. It is often not recognized that dysthymia is a medical condition that responds equally effectively to the same treatments as major depression. Some people with dysthymia develop major depression at some time during the course of their depression.

Bipolar disorder (or manic depression) includes both high and low mood swings and a variety of other significant symptoms not present in other types of depression.

Other types of depression include seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression with psychosis, and postpartum depression.

• SAD is a subtype of depression that regularly occurs at the same time of year (most often in the fall or winter months in North America).
• Depression with psychosis occurs when depression is severe and is associated with hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there) or delusions (thoughts that are not based in reality).
• Postpartum depression often begins a few weeks after giving birth and is a subtype of depression. Postpartum depression is different from the temporary state known as the "baby blues" that often happens 24 to 72 hours after a woman gives birth. This temporary state is caused by the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and after giving birth and typically resolves in a week or so. Postpartum depression lasts longer than the "baby blues" and interferes with the woman's emotional and social functioning.

In some cases, depression is associated with other chronic medical conditions, which negatively impact the person's quality of life and well-being.

Causes of Depression

There is no single cause of depression. Rather, it usually results from a combination of factors such as an imbalance of brain chemicals, family history, thoughts or beliefs that increase the risk of depression, and traumatic or stressful life events.

One factor involved in depression is an imbalance of the chemicals that help send messages in the brain. These chemicals in our brain also help regulate our emotions, behaviour, and thinking. How we perceive the world and what happens to us can also contribute to depression.
Depression has a genetic component (i.e., family history). While the tendency to be depressed can be genetically inherited, the onset of depression can be provoked by many factors.

Triggers of depression include:

• difficult or traumatic life changes (such as losing a loved one, ending a relationship, losing a job)
• medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, lupus, hypothyroidism, chronic pain, and some types of cancer
• use of certain medications, including corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, narcotics, benzodiazepines, progesterone (found in some female hormonal pills), and street drugs such as amphetamines
• progesterone (found in some female hormonal pills)
• alcohol, which has short-term and possibly long-term depressive effects

It is important to recognize that depression is not something we can "get over" on our own, and it is not the result of personal weakness or an inability to cope.

Symptoms and Complications of Depression

Although we all feel sad sometimes, clinical (major) depression is diagnosed when a person experiences at least 5 of the symptoms below (one of which must be depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities), on most days for at least 2 weeks:

• depressed mood (sadness)
• loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities
• changes in appetite or weight
• slowed reactions
• lack of motivation or energy
• insomnia (trouble sleeping) or chronic oversleeping
• noticeable changes in activity level (agitated or slowed down)
• feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Other symptoms of depression may include:

• loss of interest in work and other activities
• avoiding family members and friends
• irritability
• crying easily
• hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there)
• delusions (having thoughts that are not based on reality)

Clinical depression may vary in its severity, and in its extreme forms (i.e., thoughts of suicide) can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of other forms of depression, although generally milder, may still negatively affect a person's daily activities and quality of life.

Diagnosing Depression

To diagnose depression, your doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms you are experiencing and their severity. Your doctor may perform a physical exam and order blood tests to make sure there isn't an underlying medical cause for your symptoms.
Physicians are trained to help you, and to take depression and its treatment seriously. Together with your doctor, you can begin to identify and manage the nature of the problem, and then develop a treatment plan. This may include a referral to a psychiatrist or psychotherapist.

Treating and Preventing Depression

Most types of depression respond to antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Providing education about depression and its treatment to people with depression and to their family members may also be part of a treatment plan.

Medications: Sometimes people with depression are unaware that medications can help them, or they are at first hesitant to take antidepressant medications to manage their condition. However there are many different medications available today to help treat depression. You and your doctor can work together to decide what medication is best for you.

Some of the more commonly used medications for depression include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine*, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram), SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as duloxetine, venlafaxine, and desvenlafaxine), bupropion, trazodone, mirtazapine, MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as moclobemide and phenelzine), and tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline).

Medications used to treat depression begin to work after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, although improvements in some symptoms may be seen within the first few weeks. In some situations, more than one medication will need to be tried until the most appropriate one is found for an individual. All medications, including antidepressants, can have side effects. Your doctor and pharmacist should explain common side effects to you and help you to manage them should they occur. Most antidepressants should be taken for at least one year after the first episode of depression and for at least 2 years after 2 or more episodes.

Herbals: Studies have shown that St. John's wort is not effective for people with clinical (major) depression. Although people with mild symptoms may receive some benefit from it, you should talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any herbals or over-the-counter medications. Keep in mind that some herbal medications may interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy can be an important part of managing depression. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and some family doctors are trained to help people recognize and overcome the kind of thinking that causes depression. Support groups, friends, and family can also help.
Other treatments:

• In more severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used, but it is generally reserved for those who do not respond to medications.
• Light therapy (or "phototherapy," which involves controlled exposure to artificial sunlight) can help some people overcome symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder.
• Physical activity and sports can improve depression by helping to relieve anxiety, increase appetite, aid sleep, and improve mood and self-esteem. Exercise also increases the body's production of endorphins, a natural mood-elevating hormone.
• An active lifestyle, supportive family and friends, and a positive outlook can go a long way in coping with depression.

Suicide

I'm posting this due to the recent loss of a friend. I know for a fact he's in a better place, but he'll be missed his friends and family. 

Here's facts and how to know the signs and what you can do about it:



On average, 3,500 Canadians take their own lives every year - this often exceeds the number of deaths caused by road accidents. Although more women attempt suicide, about four times as many men as women die from their suicide attempt. The reason for this is that men generally use more lethal means such as firearms, hanging, or asphyxiation (suffocation). Women often use drug overdoses or asphyxiation, or they cut themselves. Firearms are used in about 30% of all suicides. Of all deaths that involve firearms, more than half are estimated to be suicides.

Certain groups have disproportionately high suicide rates compared to the general population:

• adolescents - in Canada, suicide accounts for 24% of all death among people who are 15 to 24 years of age
• young men between the ages of 20 and 24
• senior men over the age of 80
• prison inmates, for whom suicide is the leading cause of death
• people of First Nations and Inuit descent, who have suicide rates 3 to 6 times greater than the national average; this is even higher for adolescents 15 to 19 years old, with suicide occurring up to 8 times more frequently than for other Canadian youths
• people with prior histories of attempted suicide

• Causes of Suicide

  While the cause of suicide is unknown, some common risk factors include:
• major psychiatric illness - in particular, mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) and substance abuse (primarily alcohol abuse)
• losing hope or the will to live
• significant losses in a person's life, such as the death of a loved one, loss of an important relationship, loss of employment or self-esteem
• unbearable emotional or physical pain

Warning signs and risk factors

A person who is at risk of committing suicide usually shows signs - whether consciously or unconsciously - that something is wrong. Keep an eye out for:

• signs of clinical depression
• withdrawal from friends and family
• sadness and hopelessness
• lack of interest in previous activities, or in what is going on around them
• physical changes, such as lack of energy, different sleep patterns, change in weight or appetite
• loss of self-esteem, negative comments about self-worth
• bringing up death or suicide in discussions or in writing
• previous suicide attempts
• getting personal affairs in order, such as giving away possessions, or having a pressing interest in personal wills or life insurance

Though many people considering suicide seem sad, some mask their feelings with excessive energy. Agitation, hyperactivity, and restlessness may indicate an underlying depression that is being concealed.

Many people believe that even though a person might talk about suicide, they will not actually do it. In fact, talking about suicide is a warning sign that the person is at greater risk. If you become so overwhelmed by your problems that suicide is a consideration, you deserve to be taken seriously. Talking about suicide means that the potential exists to take your own life - even if you do not actually do it. Denial will not make the threat of suicide disappear and can only leave you feeling more alone and in anguish.

How to help

Do not hesitate to talk about suicide. If you think that someone you know is considering suicide, raise the subject. People are often relieved to talk to somebody about it. Recognizing their agony helps to ease the distress of carrying the burden of pain alone. It is important to listen to what somebody has to say without passing judgment on his or her feelings. Keep in mind that having no opportunity to talk about how badly he or she feels will only make a person feel more isolated.

You may sometimes worry that bringing up the subject of suicide will give ideas to an individual who is already depressed. On the contrary, showing your concern lets a person in distress know that somebody is listening to them. If that person really is considering taking his or her own life, talking provides an outlet for intense, often overwhelming feelings.

Ask direct questions - avoiding the topic may show that you do not take a person's threats seriously enough to inquire. Find out if suicide has been considered, and if they have thought out how and when they want to do it. The more details that have been worked out, the greater the danger that someone plans to commit suicide.

Suicide attempts are often a cry for help. While suicidal people are still alive, they may be holding out hope that they will find the means to cope with their emotions. Urge anybody who is considering suicide to get the counselling and medical or psychological support that they need as soon as possible.

Emergency assistance

Immediate assistance is available for people who are overwhelmed by pain and loneliness and need somebody to talk to. When a person is in distress, telephone counselling, crisis lines, and suicide hotlines offer a no-pressure context in which to talk to a caring and anonymous counsellor. Telephone hotlines are also useful if you are worried about a friend who is suicidal and want to know what you should do in a particular situation.

Local services are listed in city or regional phone books. You can also call directory assistance or 2-1-1 in some areas for community service agencies. If there is a problem getting through to the phone service, don't give up; either call again or phone a different service. Help is often very close at hand, and can give a suicidal person the extra time they need to reconsider their options and circumstances.

If you are urgently concerned that somebody is in a suicidal state, try to get them to the emergency ward of a hospital. Medical professionals can most effectively deal with suicidal tendencies and ensure that people gets the care required to stay alive.

Individuals who have hit an emotional rock bottom often cannot see how to pull themselves back up. Reaching out and finding support - either among friends and family, or in religious or social institutions - can provide people with some relief and new hope in their lives.

Getting treatment

When suicidal thoughts are brought on by an immediate interpersonal life event, then reliving this event or talking with a close friend or family member may resolve the crisis.

Next post: Depression...

"How can you know what pain is?”

“Maybe you’re right. I don’t know what pain is. I guess sitting by the phone for hours waiting for someone to call, but knowing they won’t isn’t pain. Crying myself to sleep every night isn’t pain, because every word They say cuts deeper than a knife cutting my flesh: I guess having my heart ripped out and thrown around every day by someone I love isn’t pain. Waking up every morning alone and succumbing to sleep every night alone isn’t pain. I guess being consumed by the anger and frustration I have festering in my heart isn’t pain. Not being able to look at my reflection in a mirror without turning away in disgust and dissatisfaction because I know I’m not happy, because I know my life is an intricate, deceptive stage cloaked with careful lies isn’t pain. I guess feeling indifferent to the wonders of life, to the spectacular vitality and invincibility so easily found in the new generation isn’t pain. Feeling numb and not disappointed anymore when, for the millionth time, I am rejected from society isn’t pain. I guess choosing to escape the real world around me through the fictitious but marvelous realm of literature—being forced to substitute selfish friends with that of book characters isn’t pain. I guess becoming a slave to my own morbid, purely hopeless thoughts, and becoming imprisoned in my own self-destructing Hell isn’t pain. Being aware of an invisible, decaying clock buried in my body, and acutely conscious of the absolute alienation I have been vacuumed perpetually into isn’t pain…I guess you are right."
— Amanda Rosso and Kayla Gough