Managing cholesterol level helps reduce depression

University of Montpellier analysts demonstrate us how depression is linked to cholestrerol levels and gender.

Do you know the Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and University of Montpellier financed scientists suggested that managing 'good' and 'bad' levels of cholesterol can help reduce mood disorders among seniors?

In a newly released issue of the academic journal Biological Psychiatry (http://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com) released in July 2010, leading researcher Dr. Marie-Laure Ancelin of INSERM (Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale http://www.inserm.fr) documented that gender-specific regulation of cholesterol may help stop depressive disorders in the aging adults.

French analysts observed a considerable group of women and men aged sixty-five and older for seven years.

They established that depressive disorder in women was associated with lower levels of "good" high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which puts them at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart stroke.

On the other hand, depressive disorder in men was associated with low levels of "bad" low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This association was strongest in men with a genetic vulnerability to depression related to a serotonin transporter gene.

Therefore, proper regulation of HDL-C and LDL-C levels may help reduce depression in the seniors, the study concluded.

The analysis appeared in the July 15 issue of the journal Biological Psychiatry (Reference: http://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(10)00393-8/abstract).

Major diet sources of cholesterol include dairy products, egg yolks, beef, pork, poultry, and shrimp. Plant products such as flax seeds and peanuts incorporate cholesterol-like substances called phytosterols.

Total cholesterol is described as the sum of HDL (High-density lipoprotein), LDL (Low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (Very-low-density lipoprotein). Usually, only the total, HDL, and triglycerides are measured.

It is suggested to have cholesterol tested more often than five years if a person has total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL or higher, or if a man over age forty five or a woman over age fifty has HDL (good) cholesterol lower than 40 mg/dL, or exist other risk elements for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

So...what can you do to increase your HDL (good) and decrease your LDL (bad) levels?

These tips can help you increase your good cholestrol and decrease your bad level:

1. Exercising can substantially increase HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol.

2. Smoking has been shown to lower HDL while raising LDL cholesterol.

3. Prepared, trans fats at the same time raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.

4. Monounsaturated fats such as those found in essential olive oil and avocados increase HDL and reduce LDL.

5. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines contain omega-3 fats that raise HDL and lower LDL.

6. Whole, intact grains contain dietary fiber and niacin, both of which raise HDL and may lower LDL.

Now it's all to you...

About the author - Betty Doyle publishes articles for the http://www.depressionpills.net/ blog. It's a nonprofit website specialized in her personal depression journey. The blog focuses on giving energy and hope to any individual who is suffering from depressive disorder and promotes those people to find the energy to fight back against the effects of depression. This way she wants to support alleviate some of the stigma mental illness depression can cause and help the public perception of mood diseases.

Depression or anxiety is curable

Anxiety and depressions are the gifts of new age. Competition for success, career and comfortable life is bringing everyone towards a stage where we are constantly living at an anxiety level which is mostly harmful for us. Depression can effect the humans of all ages. Life revolves around a cycle of joys and sorrows, but at the time of pain, loss or sorrow we usually find ourselves in deep shocks of depression. Depression is really life threatening when depressed persons start making their lives isolated and

Check if you have these symptoms:

- Muscle aches and pains
- Sleeplessness
- Anxiety and mood swings
- Inability to focus on the task at hand
- Irritability
- Withdrawal from friends, family and their favorite activities.

If you feel that you you cannot make your feeling or thinkings go away and this stage of depression is pulling you towards life threatening problems then you need to search for depression information.

Long Term Drug Treatment is the solution for serious depression, but it can actually save your or your beloved one's life. Like diabetes, heart disease, or any other medical condition, clinical depression is an illness that should be treated by a mental health professional or physician.

The worst risk of depression or anxiety is that effected individuals easily become addict. This situation needs proper treatment. Long term drug rehab is being used to treat addiction to any kind of drugs including heroin, alcohol, crystal meth, cocaine, gambling, marijuana, and prescription pain killers.

Depression affects approximately 19 million Americans, or 9.5% of the population in any given one-year period. At some point in their lives, 10%-25% of women and 5%-12% of men will likely become clinically depressed. In fact, it affects so many people that it is often referred to as the "common cold" of mental illness. It is estimated that depression exacts an economic cost of over $30 billion each year, but the cost of human suffering cannot be measured. Depression not only causes suffering to those who are depressed, but it also causes great difficulty for their family and friends who often do not know how to help.

You can find Depression Treatment Centers in your areas easily.

Tips to ease your stress/depression

Mostly, whenever we face a physical or mental problem, there is a pharmacological subscription suggested from the doctor. And in most cased, when the problem is related to mind or psychological, only anti-depressants are the first suggestion from the doctor. But we know that the antidepressant medication have many side effects. Moreover it is not the cure for the problem, only a temporary relief.

People are also looking for non-pharmacologic relief of illness, including depression. Unfortunately, the evidence to support the effectiveness of alternative therapies against the disease isn't strong. Alternative or complementary therapies probably won't do much to ease really serious depression, but for mild depression or anxiety, some tips can be helpful.
For any form of mild depression, all of these things can help:

One study released about five years ago, found that exercise could be a major weapon against depression.
"Exercise, at least when performed in a group setting, seems to be at least as effective as standard antidepressant medications in reducing symptoms in patients with major depression," said researcher James Blumenthal, a professor of medical psychology at Duke University.

His team's study found that 10 months of regular, moderate exercise reduced depressive symptoms at a rate equal to that of Zoloft.
Another study, this time by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, found that 30-minute workouts done three to five times a week could cut depressive sy Even less vigorous activities, such as T'ai chi or yoga, may help lower blood pressure and ease stress, Marsh said. "People who exercise also tend to feel that they have more control over their life," she added. That's important, since a persistent feeling of helplessness is a hallmark of depression.

According to Marsh, the science is much less clear when it comes to the effectiveness of supplements and herbal medicines. For example, there's little good data to support the use of either foliate or the B vitamins in warding off the blues.
Perhaps the most talked-about herbal therapy for depression is St. John's wart, but "the evidence that it can help moderate-to-severe depression is very poor,"
Non-pharmacologic interventions such as massage therapy, acupuncture or aromatherapy are great at easing short-term stress, "but the real issue, when it comes to depression, is what the effect is over the long term?
One thing the science does show, however, is that contacts with others -- friends, family, clubs and group activities -- can boost mood and help ease depression.

These tips can improve your mental well being, as well as your physical well being.

I am including here 2 self screening tests, which are free to use, provided by Department of Psychiatry (NYU Medical Center/NYU School of Medicine)

The Online Anxiety Screening Test

The Online Depression Screening Test

KEEP IN MIND: that these preliminary screening tests are for depressive symptoms that do not replace in any way a formal psychiatric evaluation. It is designed to give a preliminary idea about the presence of mild to moderate depressive symptoms that indicate the need for an evaluation by a psychiatrist.

Related post:
Are you unhappy from your life?

Effects of stress and depression on our lives

Do you think that you are suffering from some kind of stress or depression?

If so, then you should seriously think about the worst thing which can heppen to you and effect the people around you. I have been a depressed person and after realizing the negative effects on my life I chose meditation and during that time of stress, I started teaching. Both worked like miracle to me and today I feel like a new person who is getting most out of its life. Let's see what happens when you are depressed or face stress for long time?

Few days ago, switching from one channel to another at T.V, I came across Oprah’s repeate telecast show.

I love to watch this show whenever I get free time and topic is appealing to me.
Oprah was talking to a good looking guy, inquiring about intentions behind the murder of his wife. And mentally disturbed person, who was sure a worse case of depression, told Oprah that he brutally killed his wife because he was suffering from the feeling of loneliness, nobody was to talk or share with him. And if there was a situation that he could talk with someone, the situation would be different.
According to a report from ‘National Institute of Mental Health’ “Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the ill person.

Symptoms of depression:

It is not necessary that everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many.

Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time.DepressionPersistent sad, anxious, or "empty" moodFeelings of hopelessness, pessimismFeelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessnessLoss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sexDecreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisionsInsomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleepingAppetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gainThoughts of death or suicide; suicide attemptsRestlessness, irritabilityPersistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic painManiaAbnormal or excessive elationUnusual irritabilityDecreased need for sleepGrandiose notionsIncreased talkingRacing thoughtsIncreased sexual desireMarkedly increased energyPoor judgmentInappropriate social behavior.

Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment; although the great majority evens those whose depression is extremely severe can be helped. Thanks to years of fruitful research, there are now medications and psychosocial therapies such as cognitive/behavioral, "talk" or interpersonal that eases the pain of depression.Unfortunately, many people do not recognize that depression is a treatable illness.If you feel that you or someone you care about is one of the many undiagnosed depressed persons, these in formations may help you take the steps that may save your own or someone else's life.In one of my articles, I have mentioned benefits of meditation, and with proud I can say that I have cured my depression by keeping me busy and regular practice of meditation. Keeping me busy was not a solution, unless meditation was there.

Dear readers! Did you come across to some stories, where depression or stress was cured by any other way? Why don’t we share with each other our experiences, as our discussion may save many families and lives?

To get the full report of the’ National Institute of Mental Health’,about “Depression” click here

Are you unhappy from your life?

If one asks you the question "Are you happy with your life?" mostly everyone has some nagative respnonse while answering this question.
We are not satisfied with our life most usually, and as our thoughts, beliefs effect our life, the result is in a state of depression or unhappiness.

I had been through a critical depression, where I became so pessimist that there was no meaning of happiness in my life, and making prayers from the God revealed ways to overcome that dark period of my life. Now I consider myself as a nornal person, as my approach to life has become optimist.

The most imprtant thing during my down time, was that I was trying to get out of that condition, and a lot of good thoughts, helped me. As I read a lot of good stuff, about self help, self growth, self development, I learned a lot from some parables. (Parable is story with some moral lesson)

It was an old publication of Reader's Digest (June -1993), and parable was written by a priest Loren Senbold. This parable played an important role in my life, as I read this article again and again, and realized that "The place God has given to us is perfect for us, either we accept it or not, and being thankful is the root of piece for our sour and mind."

The message conveyed in this story is precious:


Terribly Tragically Sad Man

Once there was a boy who lived in a big house on a hill. He loved dogs and horses, sports cars and music. He climbed trees and went swimming, played football and admired pretty girls. Except for having to tidy up after himself, he had a nice life.

One day the boy said to God, "I've been thinking, and I know what I want to become when I become a man."

"What?" said God.

"I want to live in a big house with a veranda across the front and two St. Bernard dogs and a garden out back. I want to marry a woman who is tall and very beautiful and kind, who has long, black, hair and blue eyes, who plays the guitar and sings in a clear, high voice. I want three strong sons to play ball with. When they grow up, one will be a great scientist, one will be a politician and the youngest will be a professional athlete.

"I want to be an adventurer who sails vast oceans and climbs tall mountains and rescues people. And I want to drive a red Ferrari and never have to tidy up after myself."

"That sounds like a nice dream," said God. "I want you to be happy."

One day, playing ball, the boy hurt his knee. After that he couldn't climb tall mountains or even tall trees, much less sail vast oceans. So he studied marketing and started a medical-supplies business.

He married a girl who was very beautiful and very kind and who had long, black hair. But she was short, not tall, and had brown eyes, not blue. She couldn't play the guitar, or even sing. But she prepared wonderful meals seasoned with rare Chinese spices and painted magnificent pictures of birds.

Because of his business, he lives in a city near the top of a tall apartment building that overlooked the blue ocean and the city's twinkling lights. He didn't have room for two St. Bernards, but he had a fluffy cat.

He had three daughters, all very beautiful. The youngest, who was in a wheelchair was the loveliest. The three daughters loved their father very much. They didn't play ball with him, but sometimes they went to the park and tossed a Frisbee - except for the youngest, who sat under a tree strumming her guitar and singing lovely, haunting songs.

He made enough money to live comfortably but he didn't drive a red Ferrari. Sometimes he had to pick up things and put them away - even things that didn't belong to him. After all, he had three daughters.

Then one morning, the man awoke and remembered his dream. "I am very sad," he said to his best friend.

"Why?" asked his friend.

"Because I once dreamed of marrying a tall woman with black hair and blue eyes who would play the guitar and sing. My wife can't play the guitar or sing. She has brown eyes, and she's not tall."

"Your wife is very beautiful and very kind, "said his friend. "She creates splendid pictures and delectable food." But the man wasn't listening.

"I am very sad," the man confessed to his wife one day. "Why?" asked his wife. "Because I once dreamed of living in a big house with a veranda, and of having two saint Bernards and a garden out back. Instead I live in an apartment in a high rise building."

"Our apartment is comfortable and we can see the ocean from our couch," said his wife. "We have love, laughter and paintings of birds and a fluffy cat-not to mention three beautiful children." But the man wasn't listening.

"I am very sad," the man said to his therapist. "Why?" asked the therapist. "Because I once dreamed that I would grow up to be a great adventurer. Instead, I am a bald businessman with a bad knee."

"The medical supplies you sell save many lives," said the therapist. But the man wasn't listening. So his therapist charged him $110 and sent him home.

"I am very sad," the man said to his accountant. "Why?" asked the accountant. "Because I once dreamed of driving a red Ferrari and never having to tidy up myself. Instead, I take public transportation and sometimes I still have to clean up."

"You wear good suits. You eat at fine restaurants, and you've toured Europe," said his accountant. But the man wasn't listening. His accountant charged him $100 anyway. He was dreaming of a red Ferrari himself.

"I am very sad," the man said to his clergyman. "Why?" asked the clergyman. "Because I once dreamed of having three sons: a great scientist, a politician and a professional athlete. Instead, I have three daughters and the youngest can't even walk."

"But, your daughters are beautiful and intelligent," said the clergyman. "They love you very much and they've all done well. One is a nurse, another is an artist and the youngest teaches music to children."

 But the man wasn't listening. He was so sad that he became very sick. He lay in a white hospital room surrounded by nurses in white uniforms. Tubes and wires connected his body to blinking machines that he had once sold to the hospital.
 He was terribly, tragically sad.

His family, friends and clergyman gathered around his bed. They were all deeply sad too. Only his therapist and his accountant remained happy.

 Then one night, when everyone except the nurses had gone home, the man said to God, "Remember when I was a boy and I told you all the things I wanted?" "It was a lovely dream," said God. "Why didn't you give me those things?" asked the man.

 "I could have," said God. "But I wanted to surprise you with things you didn't dream of. I suppose you have noticed what I have given you: a kind beautiful wife; a good business; a nice place to live; three beautiful daughters-one of the best packages that I've put together…"

 "Yes," interrupted the man. "But I thought you were going to give me what I really wanted." "And I thought you were going to give me what I really wanted," said God. "What did you want?" asked the man.

It had never occurred to him that God was in want of anything. "I wanted to make you happy with what I had given you," said God. The man lay in the dark all night, thinking.

Finally he decided to dream a new dream, one he wished he had dreamed years before. He decided to dream that what he wanted most were the very things he already had. And the man got well and lived happily in the high rise, enjoying his children's beautiful voices, his wife's deep brown eyes and her glorious paintings of birds. And at night he gazed at the ocean and contentedly watched the lights of the city twinkling on, one by one.

You can read this and more parables at this link:
Rain drop.org