I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
5 Surprising Reasons For Depression
Vickie Armstrong
People suffer from depression for many different reasons. You may have just suffered through a tragedy or nothing has changed and you have no idea why you're feeling so down. Here are some surprising reasons why depression strikes.
Changing Weather
Around 20% of people have some form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a disorder where people's bodies have trouble adjusting to the change in season. Some people only get winter blues when the weather gets cold. However, many others become depressed when the weather changes every season.
In the winter months, many people experience cravings for starchy and sweet foods. They have increased fatigue, weight gain, and common feelings of depression. In the summer months, the symptoms generally change to insomnia, weight loss, and poor appetite long with the general depression symptoms.
Smoking
Smoking can be a difficult issue with depression. It's a scenario that goes around in circles. Having depression makes people more likely to smoke; yet smoking makes people more likely to become depressed. While smoking cigarettes your body will release higher levels of serotonin and dopamine. Those natural chemicals in your body are the ones that antidepressants regulate. However, once the nicotine begins to leave your system the levels go down and you start feeling depressed.
Sleeplessness
It's normal to become cranky and restless after a bad night's sleep. But if you're not sleeping well on a regular basis, it can lead to some serious depression. Your brain cells replenish while you are sleeping. If you don't get proper sleep, your serotonin and dopamine levels won't be properly regulated.
The End of Something Fictional
Obviously, the end of a marriage or something life altering can trigger depression; but the end of something seemingly insignificant can trigger depression as well. One large trigger is the end of a movie, book, or television series. Many people become so swept up in a fictional world, they become depressed when it's over and they're back in their own reality. Some refer to it as post-series depression, while others call it post-finale depression. They aren't clinical terms (yet), but the terms coined by people expressing their bouts of depression on the internet.
Too Much Variety
Some psychologists believe that having too many options can give people symptoms of depression. People used to go to the store and there was one or just a couple types of diapers, cereal, cell phones, and other items. Now there are so many choices you can find your exact preference for anything. Constantly reviewing options and trying to cope with the choices is being linked with depression.
Depression comes in many different forms. Some people are depressed all the time, while others only spiral into depression when tough situations arise. If you're not sure what sets you off, it may be one of these reasons. Talk to a professional like Park Center Inc for more information.
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