Depression, a mental illness that is often characterized by prolonged periods of sadness and melancholy, experts from the field of psychiatry say.

But just because one person is moping around and just generally hating the world around him or her, doesn't mean that it's already depression, but if this kind of behavior, the feeling of emptiness, loss of self-worth and absolutely no hope for happiness just goes on and on, then, yes, that individual is very much, indeed, depressed.

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I am on anti-anxiety and depression medication. When I was reading over the information on it, it said to not consume alcohol. I was wondering if anyone knew why?

There are a number of problems with the mixture of alcohol and antidepressants.

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I would like to find the best available information
that I can about various natural and herbal supplements, ie: alternative medicines; health
supplements and their uses. I currently take
prescription meds for depression and anxiety,
which I have serious reservations about. Where
can I find information, not from a herbal supplements sales site. Researched information
that is not in the business of making money from the sales of the supplements. Thank you.

A few articles:
Depression:

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsatod/a/Depression1.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?Natural-Treatments-For-Depression—Which-Herbs-Can-Help-You?&id=804390

Anxiety:

http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/conditionsatod/a/Anxiety.htm

http://www.healthmad.com/Alternative/Natural-Treatments-for-Anxiety.59955

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How does it effect your chemical balance, your brain? Is it critical or will be critical later in life? I just read on Yahoo News that Clinical stress could increase risk of Alzheimer's later in life. Does age matter like during teen years? I had depression and begun running. I noticed that I have a hard time focusing and absorbing information. I forgot a lot of things. All my brain seems to focus on is emotions. Can I change that? The running has made me feel a lot better afterwards.

Hi Tanja, I'm glad to hear your running, any excercise is good but the more oxygen you can get into your bloodstream the better you will feel. The moment you start thinking about depression, evacuate it from your mind and focus on something different for as many times as it takes. Studies show that it takes at least 16 conscious efforts to break a bad habit. Depression is a great tool used by the enemy to destroy your well being. Your way ahead of the game since you have already described the way your feeling. Most adults won't admit there's a problem so your doing good by admitting these things and seeking solutions for them.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4465998.stm
"Swimming with dolphins appears to help alleviate mild to moderate depression, researchers have found.
A University of Leicester team tested the effect of regular swimming sessions with dolphins on 15 depressed people in a study carried out in Honduras.
They found that symptoms improved more among this group than among another 15 who swam in the same area – but did not interact with dolphins.
The study is published in the British Medical Journal."

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Yes, you will find some information by performing a search on google or yahoo, or use web.MD, and if you want books to read on the subject, go to Amazon.com, or Barnes & Noble.
Unfortantely a lot of medications that are used to take care of depression have the side of effect of depressive feelings. (which is absolutely ludicrous, but true) I also have learned that, as your body changes, and how much stress you have in your life, etc… can add to the depressive symptoms, even if you are taking medication. In the Psychiatric community, there are no absolutes as to what meds will help or not. It is, most unfortunate is Trial and Error. If you would like to discuss this more. Please feel free to write again, and if you need more detailed information.
I know what it's like, and so my heart is with you. If it will help you to talk, I will be happen to give you as much information as I can.
I hope this helps and best wishes to you
I wish to warn you about something. Depending on the level of your depression, and if it is Clinical as opposed to Environmental, the depression can stay with you. Medication and therapy may help, but if it IS CLINICAL, you may find a way to allieviate some of the depression, but this is not something that can be treated, using some things that help an everyday person who has ups and downs faces.
I know from personal experience, that when the depression is clinical, that it is indeed a symptom that your ability to enjoy life, and things you used to have fun doing, change, and your enjoyment level having dropped makes it more difficult to do simple, everyday tasks, I hope this helps.
Take care. Remember you are NOT alone, and I did what I could to become as informed as i could, so I would be able to understand what was going on within me. I wasn't just feeling sorry for myself. Don't let other's dismiss what you are going through, with things that work for people who just have a mild form or depression, or have Environmental depression. I really hope this will be of some help to you

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We are finding that a severe reaction to biaxin is affecting my mother and we are looking for treatment options, or any information that can help her? She has been to a psychiatrist, he agrees that is a reaction to medicine(not sure if Biaxin?). She literally feels like she is going out of her mind.

if its not on the list can be allergic reaction or not reported side affect.

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B Complex Herbal Liquid 8 Ounces, TwinlabDescription:B-Complex helps maintain the health of nerves, skin, eyes, hair, mouth and healthy muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract. B vitamins are co-enzymes involved in energy production, useful for stress, depression and anxiety.Directions:As a dietary supplement, take one teaspoonful daily or as directed. May also be mixed with your favorite juice or beverage.Nutrition Facts% Daily ValueFolic Acid 200mcg 50% Vitamin B-1 50mg 3333%Vitamin B-2 50mg 2941%Niacinamide 50mg 250%Vitamin B-6 50mg 2500%Vitamin B-12 50mcg 833%Biotin 150mcg 50%Pantothenic Acid 50mg 500%Choline (choline bitartrate) 50mg*. [% U.S. RDA], [* No U.S. RDA has been established]IngredientsFiltered WaterYeast ExtractThiamine HydrochlorideRiboflavin 5 PhosphatePyridoxine HydrochlorideNiacinamideCholine BitartrateInositolPABA as Potassium Para Amino BenzoateCalcium PantothenatePanax Ginseng Tea ExtractD-BiotinB-12 as Cobalamin ConcentrateNatural Vegetable GlycerinAdditional Ingredients:PABA?10mg, Inositol?50mg, Panax Ginseng Tea Extract and Capsicum in an amount equivalent to one 8 grain (518 mg.) herb capsule.Does Not Contain:Preservatives, Artificial Colors, Flavors, Fructose, Honey, Added Sugars.Cautions:Refrigerate after opening. Shake well before using.More Information:A pleasant tasting high B-Complex liquid formula for more efficient digestion, absorption, assimilation, and utilization, containing Panax Ginseng Tea concentrate and Capsicum in a concentrated brewers yeast base.Safety Information:Specially sealed in a glass bottle free of oxygen for maximum stability, quality and freshness. Safety seal around cap.

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I was interested to know if anybody knows if there has been a study done on Roller Coasters and the effects they have on people suffering from Depression.
I know how to look this information up a the library but I'd like to know if you had any links or if you've heard of a study done on this topic.
I ask this simply because I recently went to a theme park and noticed that during and after riding on the roller coaster I could not stop smiling and laughing. I'd be interested to see published studies of the brain's reaction to this as a stimulus – specifically related to depression.
Otherwise, perhaps I'll design one

maybe. I searched the psycinfo database and found nothing. but i think it may have to do with distraction in general. try looking at dialectical behavior therapy. it's difficult to be depressed when you are thinking about surviving, which in a small way is why we like amusement park rides – it is a safe (usually) way to face "danger" – the heart races and the blood gets pumping stimulating the fight or flight response. this reaction is blunted when we are in a state of depression. great question.

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