My article today is outside what I would normally write about but today my parents had to see my uncle dead in his apartment after his daughter checked on him after he did not answer our calls yesterday. My mother's brother committed the most selfish act one human can do to another, he took his own life. This is the second suicide in two years that I have had to deal with since my aunt on my fathers side took her life because of a gambling addiction.
My uncle committed suicide due to depression and loneliness after a life of self gratifying abuse with women and alcohol. I know I should feel sorry for him but instead I am angry at him for doing this to my mother. She has been there for him his entire life when others were not and never judged him for his actions. She just opened her home and fed him and gave him love for most of his life. My mother and father, both in their early 70's, want to spend their last years in New Brunswick, Canada, and were moving today. His act was his final selfishness to prevent her from leaving him. My mother will undoubtedly carry some unwarranted guilt and their move down east which should be an exciting move for them will instead be a move of dread and heartache. I am very angry with my uncle.
If you are considering such an act yourself. Stop and ask yourself first, who will be most hurt by this act and if the answer is the one who loved you most and was always there for you then does she deserve this heartache and guilt? The answer is NO. So do the most heroic thing in your life and reach out for professional help.
I have added a link to a Canadian website that speaks to how you can get help. Take that step and click here for the website. Remember that Suicide is a selfish act. Is that how you want to be remembered?
Friday, September 5, 2008
How to Deal with Poverty
A SOLUTION FOR EMPLOYMENT PROBLEMS TO AID IN THE FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY
I know that with globalization the future looks brighter and brighter for many people: But will many people also be left behind in this expanding economy? I know that with technology expanding as it is, many of the jobs that required more human effort are disappearing while other types of jobs that involve more technical expertise are being created. Now do the jobs created by this expanding technology compensate for the loss of jobs in the non-tech sector, considering also the expanding population around the world? Two problems arise. One is that those who lose theirs jobs need more education, assuming they can be retrained, to attain those jobs that are being created by this new technology, and this new technology is expanding at such an accelerated pace that I wonder whether this reeducation can really keep up with this technological expansion. And secondly, if one can find employment or if there are no ethnic conflicts or natural disasters to interfere with job opportunities, the non-tech sector’s remuneration level would probably be lowered because of its new supporting service function to a point whereby many would need a second or third job to make livable ends meet. Therefore you’ll have those growing with globalization while I believe there will be many who will not be able to keep up within this movement. What can be done about this?
To provide more employment for individuals, you could re-engineer the workweek by providing shorter hours for those already working, thus allowing more workers to be employed to keep up with the productivity. Financially you could spread the profitability of the enterprise more evenly between the workers and management so everyone could then have a livable standard of remuneration. Of course in evening out the remuneration levels, one might feel the motivating factor for improving productivity would lessen. But perhaps the motivating factor for this should be something else other than profit, such as job significance.
This approach could also lessen excessive stress that can accumulate on the job. Tips on how one can be more frugal with ones expenses, as expressed in my report on How to become Financially Independent, can also be practiced to aid one in developing a more livable standard of life.
If by chance you might not be able to find a job no matter how hard you try you should not become embarrassed by this situation because this is how life oftentimes is and many are probably in the same boat. But the job one should eventually get, if he or she gets one, should be one whereby the employee finds societal significance in his or her employment, otherwise the motivation for working would tend to be quite unfulfilling and lead to much more restlessness and uncreativity in his or her job. An answer to this dilemma could be a procedure, which is set up whereby some financially well-off families could adopt some families that are not so financially well off. And this policy should be considered on a worldwide basis, sometimes crossing national boundaries, but always with an accountability procedure in place. Of course, this process could be either temporary or permanent depending upon the state of the adoptee's employment situation. In doing this though, the cost would have to be the loss of much of the adoptee´s privacy, and much of the time needed by the adoptors to supervise the distribution of financial aid to the adoptees in an accountable fashion. But since work is the vehicle by which individuals do develop a self-worth, however, the adoptees could engage in volunteer work that they find meaningful, and perhaps this could eventually lead them to specific job opportunities, while the adoptors are financially supporting them. If a procedure like this is not adopted, much talent is going to be lost to society, because those individuals struggling financially will be spending all of their time trying to survive, which sometimes can develop into some limited creativity, but not to the extent that creativity could be developed if you didn't have to struggle exclusively just to survive. If this plan can not be adopted, than governments would have to be the adoptors and give a guaranteed livable wage to everyone who hasn't one, because work for pay as we know it will continue to be less and less. And the more
political stability you have around the world, the more effective this program can be.
ECONOMIC INQUERIES THROUGH INTERNET
1st Question - What is the root of all evil: Money or the Love of Money?
THE RESPONSES COME FROM 3 CHRISTIAN WEBSITES
1) Corbin says: As one becomes poorer and poorer, I believe the person tends to feel that money is really the root of all evil.
2) Sarah says: I believe that lack of Love-Love for God, for fellow man, for the world around us - is the root of all evil, followed by greed - greed for money, power, luxury, whatever. Lack of enough money to buy necessities is pretty bad, especially if you're the person suffering the lack, but the reason for it goes back to the above. If a person has no money to buy food, you can bet someone else has got some.
3) Mary Anne says: In my humble opinion, it's neither. The root of all evil is ignorance. Ignorance breeds fear, fear breeds anger and hatred, jealousy and greed. Money is just a symbol. Money symbolizes the value of our hours awake: Naturally if we spend all our hours awake making horseshoes, we are not tilling the soil necessary to grow the food to support our bodies. Money is the symbol of value we attach to the products of our conscious endeavor. It's not actually a thing, it's an abstraction whose actual value is nuetral, unless we all agree on one value or another. Even then, it's still a figment of our imagination. When we all agree on a value, we are consenting to be bound by a certain delusion about the nature of reality. At that point, I think it can be argued, that a certain brand of "collective insanity" takes hold. The fact of the matter is that we are here, it's All God's stuff, and Private Property, while a pleasant delusion, is still a delusion. Marxist-sounding, I know, but there it is. Jesus was a Communist too, as I recall. It's only ignorance that prevents us from claiming the Kingdom in the here and now. Money has little or nothing to do with it, in my opinion. But it's a great question.
4) John says: To me it would be the love of money. For if one loves money too much one is willing to do all kinds of things to get money. Steal, lie, cheat and even kill to get the money they love. And another thing, it seems the more money one has the more they want which is greed and that's not a nice thing.
5) Gary says: Pretty much agree with every thing that's said so far.
6) Frank says: I believe that the correct translation of the verse is "the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil" Here it is, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
7) David says: I think you are asking a couple of different questions here...One is whether money is the root of all evil and the other is what to do when there is a lack of money which is a backbreaker to many and how to deal with it. I tend to see money as the root of all evil...(all evil is plural--as Frank pointed out)...and I think that lack of money is just part and parcel of a world that runs on it. I work on this in the States and I see the frustration and pain in not having enough money and the barriers it presents to just live with the basics...food, shelter, clothing... I also think that a generation builds upon another generation so that it is even more difficult because this situation turns into the a poverty of spirit and hope...the manifestations of which
abound...so that you not only have the outside barrier of the lack of resources, but also the inside barriers of the loss of spirit, dreams and hope.
8) Lawrence says: This is a great question indeed. I am sure that there is an inherent evil in all things, as well, there is an inherent good in all things. Take the subject of money; Money in and of itself is not good or bad, neither is it worth anything. Its value is determined at the time of purchase, at that time its potential for good or evil is also determined. There was a story in the news lately that shows this concept perfectly. A group of women decided to hold a fund raiser for the children that had no hope of receiving a Christmas. These women were prostitutes and ended up raising a lot of money for the children. The way that the money was raised was questionable at the very least. This made some of the locals mark the funds as evil. The funds were donated to a local church for the children. The presiding minister had a hard time deciding whether or not to accept the funds, saying that the money was evil and that it was received in sin, therefore it was not good enough to be used for the children. I believe that when the money gathered was put into the coffers of the church for the good of the children, the money, although gathered in sin, is now indistinguishable from the other monies gathered by other means. All of the money is now good, whether given by the whore or the deacon, the use and the intent is now for a good and therefore the money is good. Now the question that I have is would that money, having been donated by a business man, have also been marked as evil? The business man would likely not be questioned as to whether he lied, or even possibly stretched the truth just a little in the deal in which the money was raised. If he did, would the money not also have been acquired in sin? I believe that we spend too much time judging the intent and values of others, and far too little time evaluating the intent of our deeds and actions.
In closing, the answer to the question is NO. There is no evil in money or the love of money. It is in the priorities, uses, and means by which we acquire, spend and use the money that is evil. We must realize that it is by the grace of God that all things are possible and through Him anything acquired can be righteous. God has made many men rich and famous, he has also given them power over others. None of these are evil but the acquisition or the use of these same things without the power or influence of God is evil..
9) Harold says: The love of money is, not money itself. If you love money, you love the world. The worldly system is selfishness. The cause of most of our society disorders is selfishness. Selflessness would cure many of the problems created by selfishness. God is not against money. He can bless us with money. He will, however, not bless us for personal gain, but so that we can bless others.
10) Robert says: I can understand the feeling and concern about poverty increasing. Even in the US, the percentage difference in the salary of CEOs and the average worker has increased tremendously in the last couple of decades. More and more of the middle class is becoming the lower class. But I personally agree that the love of money is really the evil. It's saying that money is much more important than other aspects of life, such as helping others. Although I can understand the minister's hesitation in accepting money raised by prostitution. It is also interesting to note here that during the time of Jesus, you were usually believed to be rich because you were blessed by God. I further think that people tend to believe that money is evil when it's someone else's money.
11) Steven says: Neither money nor the love of money is evil, provided it is used for developing God's Kingdom. The danger is the rich person will be consumed with the material things of earth rather than heaven. And if the poor were the ones who had money to feed their families would they think money is evil? It's really situationally dependent.
12) Corbin says: A respondee suggested to me that if you wanted a rich boss to work harder, you should pay him more money, whereas if you wanted a poor worker to work harder, you should pay him less money.
2nd Question - There was a consensus of opinion among Internet contributors that Gambling is not prohibited by Scripture, but is, if it's overused.
Poverty, one should consider, is not only Material Poverty, but more importantly, Spiritual Poverty as well.
The names of the commentarians, other than myself, have been changed to protect the privacy of the Internet contributors, but their comments are accurate.
I know that with globalization the future looks brighter and brighter for many people: But will many people also be left behind in this expanding economy? I know that with technology expanding as it is, many of the jobs that required more human effort are disappearing while other types of jobs that involve more technical expertise are being created. Now do the jobs created by this expanding technology compensate for the loss of jobs in the non-tech sector, considering also the expanding population around the world? Two problems arise. One is that those who lose theirs jobs need more education, assuming they can be retrained, to attain those jobs that are being created by this new technology, and this new technology is expanding at such an accelerated pace that I wonder whether this reeducation can really keep up with this technological expansion. And secondly, if one can find employment or if there are no ethnic conflicts or natural disasters to interfere with job opportunities, the non-tech sector’s remuneration level would probably be lowered because of its new supporting service function to a point whereby many would need a second or third job to make livable ends meet. Therefore you’ll have those growing with globalization while I believe there will be many who will not be able to keep up within this movement. What can be done about this?
To provide more employment for individuals, you could re-engineer the workweek by providing shorter hours for those already working, thus allowing more workers to be employed to keep up with the productivity. Financially you could spread the profitability of the enterprise more evenly between the workers and management so everyone could then have a livable standard of remuneration. Of course in evening out the remuneration levels, one might feel the motivating factor for improving productivity would lessen. But perhaps the motivating factor for this should be something else other than profit, such as job significance.
This approach could also lessen excessive stress that can accumulate on the job. Tips on how one can be more frugal with ones expenses, as expressed in my report on How to become Financially Independent, can also be practiced to aid one in developing a more livable standard of life.
If by chance you might not be able to find a job no matter how hard you try you should not become embarrassed by this situation because this is how life oftentimes is and many are probably in the same boat. But the job one should eventually get, if he or she gets one, should be one whereby the employee finds societal significance in his or her employment, otherwise the motivation for working would tend to be quite unfulfilling and lead to much more restlessness and uncreativity in his or her job. An answer to this dilemma could be a procedure, which is set up whereby some financially well-off families could adopt some families that are not so financially well off. And this policy should be considered on a worldwide basis, sometimes crossing national boundaries, but always with an accountability procedure in place. Of course, this process could be either temporary or permanent depending upon the state of the adoptee's employment situation. In doing this though, the cost would have to be the loss of much of the adoptee´s privacy, and much of the time needed by the adoptors to supervise the distribution of financial aid to the adoptees in an accountable fashion. But since work is the vehicle by which individuals do develop a self-worth, however, the adoptees could engage in volunteer work that they find meaningful, and perhaps this could eventually lead them to specific job opportunities, while the adoptors are financially supporting them. If a procedure like this is not adopted, much talent is going to be lost to society, because those individuals struggling financially will be spending all of their time trying to survive, which sometimes can develop into some limited creativity, but not to the extent that creativity could be developed if you didn't have to struggle exclusively just to survive. If this plan can not be adopted, than governments would have to be the adoptors and give a guaranteed livable wage to everyone who hasn't one, because work for pay as we know it will continue to be less and less. And the more
political stability you have around the world, the more effective this program can be.
ECONOMIC INQUERIES THROUGH INTERNET
1st Question - What is the root of all evil: Money or the Love of Money?
THE RESPONSES COME FROM 3 CHRISTIAN WEBSITES
1) Corbin says: As one becomes poorer and poorer, I believe the person tends to feel that money is really the root of all evil.
2) Sarah says: I believe that lack of Love-Love for God, for fellow man, for the world around us - is the root of all evil, followed by greed - greed for money, power, luxury, whatever. Lack of enough money to buy necessities is pretty bad, especially if you're the person suffering the lack, but the reason for it goes back to the above. If a person has no money to buy food, you can bet someone else has got some.
3) Mary Anne says: In my humble opinion, it's neither. The root of all evil is ignorance. Ignorance breeds fear, fear breeds anger and hatred, jealousy and greed. Money is just a symbol. Money symbolizes the value of our hours awake: Naturally if we spend all our hours awake making horseshoes, we are not tilling the soil necessary to grow the food to support our bodies. Money is the symbol of value we attach to the products of our conscious endeavor. It's not actually a thing, it's an abstraction whose actual value is nuetral, unless we all agree on one value or another. Even then, it's still a figment of our imagination. When we all agree on a value, we are consenting to be bound by a certain delusion about the nature of reality. At that point, I think it can be argued, that a certain brand of "collective insanity" takes hold. The fact of the matter is that we are here, it's All God's stuff, and Private Property, while a pleasant delusion, is still a delusion. Marxist-sounding, I know, but there it is. Jesus was a Communist too, as I recall. It's only ignorance that prevents us from claiming the Kingdom in the here and now. Money has little or nothing to do with it, in my opinion. But it's a great question.
4) John says: To me it would be the love of money. For if one loves money too much one is willing to do all kinds of things to get money. Steal, lie, cheat and even kill to get the money they love. And another thing, it seems the more money one has the more they want which is greed and that's not a nice thing.
5) Gary says: Pretty much agree with every thing that's said so far.
6) Frank says: I believe that the correct translation of the verse is "the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil" Here it is, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
7) David says: I think you are asking a couple of different questions here...One is whether money is the root of all evil and the other is what to do when there is a lack of money which is a backbreaker to many and how to deal with it. I tend to see money as the root of all evil...(all evil is plural--as Frank pointed out)...and I think that lack of money is just part and parcel of a world that runs on it. I work on this in the States and I see the frustration and pain in not having enough money and the barriers it presents to just live with the basics...food, shelter, clothing... I also think that a generation builds upon another generation so that it is even more difficult because this situation turns into the a poverty of spirit and hope...the manifestations of which
abound...so that you not only have the outside barrier of the lack of resources, but also the inside barriers of the loss of spirit, dreams and hope.
8) Lawrence says: This is a great question indeed. I am sure that there is an inherent evil in all things, as well, there is an inherent good in all things. Take the subject of money; Money in and of itself is not good or bad, neither is it worth anything. Its value is determined at the time of purchase, at that time its potential for good or evil is also determined. There was a story in the news lately that shows this concept perfectly. A group of women decided to hold a fund raiser for the children that had no hope of receiving a Christmas. These women were prostitutes and ended up raising a lot of money for the children. The way that the money was raised was questionable at the very least. This made some of the locals mark the funds as evil. The funds were donated to a local church for the children. The presiding minister had a hard time deciding whether or not to accept the funds, saying that the money was evil and that it was received in sin, therefore it was not good enough to be used for the children. I believe that when the money gathered was put into the coffers of the church for the good of the children, the money, although gathered in sin, is now indistinguishable from the other monies gathered by other means. All of the money is now good, whether given by the whore or the deacon, the use and the intent is now for a good and therefore the money is good. Now the question that I have is would that money, having been donated by a business man, have also been marked as evil? The business man would likely not be questioned as to whether he lied, or even possibly stretched the truth just a little in the deal in which the money was raised. If he did, would the money not also have been acquired in sin? I believe that we spend too much time judging the intent and values of others, and far too little time evaluating the intent of our deeds and actions.
In closing, the answer to the question is NO. There is no evil in money or the love of money. It is in the priorities, uses, and means by which we acquire, spend and use the money that is evil. We must realize that it is by the grace of God that all things are possible and through Him anything acquired can be righteous. God has made many men rich and famous, he has also given them power over others. None of these are evil but the acquisition or the use of these same things without the power or influence of God is evil..
9) Harold says: The love of money is, not money itself. If you love money, you love the world. The worldly system is selfishness. The cause of most of our society disorders is selfishness. Selflessness would cure many of the problems created by selfishness. God is not against money. He can bless us with money. He will, however, not bless us for personal gain, but so that we can bless others.
10) Robert says: I can understand the feeling and concern about poverty increasing. Even in the US, the percentage difference in the salary of CEOs and the average worker has increased tremendously in the last couple of decades. More and more of the middle class is becoming the lower class. But I personally agree that the love of money is really the evil. It's saying that money is much more important than other aspects of life, such as helping others. Although I can understand the minister's hesitation in accepting money raised by prostitution. It is also interesting to note here that during the time of Jesus, you were usually believed to be rich because you were blessed by God. I further think that people tend to believe that money is evil when it's someone else's money.
11) Steven says: Neither money nor the love of money is evil, provided it is used for developing God's Kingdom. The danger is the rich person will be consumed with the material things of earth rather than heaven. And if the poor were the ones who had money to feed their families would they think money is evil? It's really situationally dependent.
12) Corbin says: A respondee suggested to me that if you wanted a rich boss to work harder, you should pay him more money, whereas if you wanted a poor worker to work harder, you should pay him less money.
2nd Question - There was a consensus of opinion among Internet contributors that Gambling is not prohibited by Scripture, but is, if it's overused.
Poverty, one should consider, is not only Material Poverty, but more importantly, Spiritual Poverty as well.
The names of the commentarians, other than myself, have been changed to protect the privacy of the Internet contributors, but their comments are accurate.
Is Depression Making Your Life A Hell - Get Your Right To Peaceful Life Right Now
Till date, Ultram has been considered to be one of the most reliable anti-depressants. Ultram is an anti-depressant which is highly recommended for pain-relief in certain chronic conditions. But as no drug in this world has ever escaped from the harms it can cause to its consumers, then how can Ultram remain ignored. Even these reliable anti-depressants can cause certain side-effects to those who regularly take them.
So, it becomes your responsibility to get full reliable information on the drug you have to take. With full precautions you will be able to get the best out of that medicine without being affected by its harmful effects.
So, here the things for you to remember before you go for this depression medication named Ultram:
Things To Be Avoided
1. Take no other drug along with ultram - This medicine proves to be fatal if taken along with some other antidepressant drugs. Do not take Ultram with alcohol, other narcotics, or tranquilizers, which could lead to impairment of physical and mental functioning. Before doing any self medication, please do not forget to consult your practitioner.
2. Do not take ultram in Pregnancy - Never dare to use Ultram antidepressant if you are pregnant, as this particular drug may not be tolerated by some people.
3. Prolonged use of Ultram - If used for a much longer time, it can badly affect your brain, attacking your pleasure and motivational systems. And when this happens, the nightmare of your Ultram addiction turns into reality.
Things To Be Done
1. Medical Detoxification - Medical detoxification is quite effective in relieving Ultram side-effects that a patient may experience when getting rid off this drug.
2. Medications and Behavioral Counseling - Go for a proper medication the moment you realize you are getting addicted to it. This way you will combat the severe withdrawal syndrome that termination can precipitate.
3. Get a Nutritional Status Evaluation done - Minerals and vitamins help in reducing the dosages of this antidepressant medication, or in the aftermath of Ultram addiction.
4. Go for the effective Herbal Preparations - These effective herbal preparations are used to beat the withdrawal effects, and additionally, people are becoming quite aware of the enormous potential of natural supplements to relieve depression. These preparations treat the deficiencies that lead to malfunctioning neurotransmitters and brain impairment. Herbal preparations therefore, restore the balance, enhance brain functioning, without adverse withdrawal symptoms, like those encountered when stopping Ultram antidepressant use.
WARNING: -
1. Do not try self-medication
2. Never prescribe your own medicine to anybody else suffering with the same problem - what works for you could be fatal for him/her.
3. Do not hide anything from your physician - All your previous drugs' records should be known to your doctor. Any of your past or present addictions can help your doctor to diagnose your resistance to Ultram addiction.
So, come on my friend, you can make this drug the best source to help you attain an active, stress-free life you are worth of!
So, it becomes your responsibility to get full reliable information on the drug you have to take. With full precautions you will be able to get the best out of that medicine without being affected by its harmful effects.
So, here the things for you to remember before you go for this depression medication named Ultram:
Things To Be Avoided
1. Take no other drug along with ultram - This medicine proves to be fatal if taken along with some other antidepressant drugs. Do not take Ultram with alcohol, other narcotics, or tranquilizers, which could lead to impairment of physical and mental functioning. Before doing any self medication, please do not forget to consult your practitioner.
2. Do not take ultram in Pregnancy - Never dare to use Ultram antidepressant if you are pregnant, as this particular drug may not be tolerated by some people.
3. Prolonged use of Ultram - If used for a much longer time, it can badly affect your brain, attacking your pleasure and motivational systems. And when this happens, the nightmare of your Ultram addiction turns into reality.
Things To Be Done
1. Medical Detoxification - Medical detoxification is quite effective in relieving Ultram side-effects that a patient may experience when getting rid off this drug.
2. Medications and Behavioral Counseling - Go for a proper medication the moment you realize you are getting addicted to it. This way you will combat the severe withdrawal syndrome that termination can precipitate.
3. Get a Nutritional Status Evaluation done - Minerals and vitamins help in reducing the dosages of this antidepressant medication, or in the aftermath of Ultram addiction.
4. Go for the effective Herbal Preparations - These effective herbal preparations are used to beat the withdrawal effects, and additionally, people are becoming quite aware of the enormous potential of natural supplements to relieve depression. These preparations treat the deficiencies that lead to malfunctioning neurotransmitters and brain impairment. Herbal preparations therefore, restore the balance, enhance brain functioning, without adverse withdrawal symptoms, like those encountered when stopping Ultram antidepressant use.
WARNING: -
1. Do not try self-medication
2. Never prescribe your own medicine to anybody else suffering with the same problem - what works for you could be fatal for him/her.
3. Do not hide anything from your physician - All your previous drugs' records should be known to your doctor. Any of your past or present addictions can help your doctor to diagnose your resistance to Ultram addiction.
So, come on my friend, you can make this drug the best source to help you attain an active, stress-free life you are worth of!
Discover Herbal Medicine For Depression And Other Natural Nutrients
Herbal medicine for depression has become more and more popular, as people are looking for safe, natural alternatives to prescription medications, many of which can cause serious side effects. However, it's important to note that you should never substitute herbal therapies for antidepressants and/or psychotherapy without speaking first to both a physician and herbal medicine specialist. In addition, immediately contact your physician or call a suicide hot line or emergency local number if you're having suicidal thoughts. These herbs and natural substances are meant to be helpful for those who suffer from mild to moderate depression.
Herbal medicine for depression
St. John's Wort - St. John's Wort has a long history of folk use for treating depression, anxiety, and other ills. Today, many studies have backed up its favorable depression effects and, as such, it is a very popular herbal medicine for depression. In fact, it often referred to as nature's Prozac. It appears to boost levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which is a powerful chemical that is responsible for good moods. It has also been shown to increase the concentration of two other brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are also responsible for moods.
Kava - Kava is an herb that has been used in the Fiji Islands for many years. This powerful one is highly touted as nature's valium because it promotes calming and relaxing effects. More specifically, Kava helps treat depression occurring with anxiety.
Ginkgo biloba - Ginkgo is prized for its ability to increase oxygen flow to the brain and other bodily tissues. Ginkgo also improves the activity of neurotransmitters and, as such, it can help treat depression, especially in the elderly who suffer reduced blood flow to the brain.
In addition to the aforementioned herbal medicine for depression, there are other important natural nutrients that can help lift depressive feelings and enhance your mood:
SAMe - SAMe is a substance that appears to boost levels of important brain compounds such as serotonin, dopamine, and phosphatidylserine. In addition, SAM-e enhances serotonin and dopamine as it facilitates their binding to the proper receptor sites in the brain. Serotonin and dopamine are two very important compounds that are responsible for controlling mood.
5-HTP - The body makes 5-HTP from tryptophan, a common amino acid found in high-protein foods such as chicken, fish, beef, and dairy products. In the body, 5-HTP boosts levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that has a positive effect on mood and, as such, it has been used to treat depression. In fact, 5-HTP has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants in several small clinical trials.
Tyrosine - Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid produced inside the body from phenylalanine. Tyrosine combats stress by increasing the production of adrenaline. It also boosts dopamine levels, which influence moods.
Phenylalanine - Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. Inside the body, phenylalanine is converted into tyrosine, which in turn is used to produce two important neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. Some studies indicate that phenylalanine supplements is useful in treating depression.
Inositol - Inositol is required for the proper action of several brain neurontransmitters, including serotonin and, as such, it is currently thought that a reduction in brain inositol levels may induce depression.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Omega 3 Fatty Acids like those found in fish oil have shown to be successful in boosting mood and alleviating depression. Researchers have found that the lack of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA is linked to depression. Indeed, while fish oil is not an herbal medicine for depression, it's one worth considering.
Vitamin B-complex - The B vitamins are crucial for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. In fact, the B vitamins are often referred to as the stress and energy vitamins. More specifically, studies have shown that clinical depression sufferers often have low levels of one or more of the B vitamins (especially B6, B12 and folic acid).
Side Note: Serotonin is manufactured in the brain from the amino acid, tryptophan with the help of three friends, which are vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid.
Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre's Opinion on Natural Nutrients and Herbal Medicine for Depression
We believe you may want to consider a comprehensive formula specifically designed to combat depression. In fact, a comprehensive formula using carefully selected ingredients can offer more therapeutic benefits, often better than taking a single nutrient or herb on its own.
Therefore, it's important to understand the how and why of what makes some these comprehensive depression products useful, which is an important factor in making an informed choice. Moreover, mixing and matching nutrients and herbs on your own can be very dangerous to your health as well as expensive.
However, make sure that the product is professionally and scientifically formulated by a highly-credentialed scientific team that can ensure the proper blending of ingredients to maximize the therapeutic benefits needed to combat depression.
Final note about natural nutrients and herbal medicine for depression ...
It's important that you always speak to a physician before taking any dietary and herbal supplements. In addition, you should never stop taking any prescribed medications to try any these nutrients without talking to your physician and/or psychiatrist.
Cindy Amorin is the chief editor of Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre, an information-rich site that discusses nutritional, dietary, and herbal supplements and their potential therapeutic value.
Herbal medicine for depression
St. John's Wort - St. John's Wort has a long history of folk use for treating depression, anxiety, and other ills. Today, many studies have backed up its favorable depression effects and, as such, it is a very popular herbal medicine for depression. In fact, it often referred to as nature's Prozac. It appears to boost levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which is a powerful chemical that is responsible for good moods. It has also been shown to increase the concentration of two other brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are also responsible for moods.
Kava - Kava is an herb that has been used in the Fiji Islands for many years. This powerful one is highly touted as nature's valium because it promotes calming and relaxing effects. More specifically, Kava helps treat depression occurring with anxiety.
Ginkgo biloba - Ginkgo is prized for its ability to increase oxygen flow to the brain and other bodily tissues. Ginkgo also improves the activity of neurotransmitters and, as such, it can help treat depression, especially in the elderly who suffer reduced blood flow to the brain.
In addition to the aforementioned herbal medicine for depression, there are other important natural nutrients that can help lift depressive feelings and enhance your mood:
SAMe - SAMe is a substance that appears to boost levels of important brain compounds such as serotonin, dopamine, and phosphatidylserine. In addition, SAM-e enhances serotonin and dopamine as it facilitates their binding to the proper receptor sites in the brain. Serotonin and dopamine are two very important compounds that are responsible for controlling mood.
5-HTP - The body makes 5-HTP from tryptophan, a common amino acid found in high-protein foods such as chicken, fish, beef, and dairy products. In the body, 5-HTP boosts levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that has a positive effect on mood and, as such, it has been used to treat depression. In fact, 5-HTP has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants in several small clinical trials.
Tyrosine - Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid produced inside the body from phenylalanine. Tyrosine combats stress by increasing the production of adrenaline. It also boosts dopamine levels, which influence moods.
Phenylalanine - Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. Inside the body, phenylalanine is converted into tyrosine, which in turn is used to produce two important neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. Some studies indicate that phenylalanine supplements is useful in treating depression.
Inositol - Inositol is required for the proper action of several brain neurontransmitters, including serotonin and, as such, it is currently thought that a reduction in brain inositol levels may induce depression.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Omega 3 Fatty Acids like those found in fish oil have shown to be successful in boosting mood and alleviating depression. Researchers have found that the lack of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA is linked to depression. Indeed, while fish oil is not an herbal medicine for depression, it's one worth considering.
Vitamin B-complex - The B vitamins are crucial for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. In fact, the B vitamins are often referred to as the stress and energy vitamins. More specifically, studies have shown that clinical depression sufferers often have low levels of one or more of the B vitamins (especially B6, B12 and folic acid).
Side Note: Serotonin is manufactured in the brain from the amino acid, tryptophan with the help of three friends, which are vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid.
Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre's Opinion on Natural Nutrients and Herbal Medicine for Depression
We believe you may want to consider a comprehensive formula specifically designed to combat depression. In fact, a comprehensive formula using carefully selected ingredients can offer more therapeutic benefits, often better than taking a single nutrient or herb on its own.
Therefore, it's important to understand the how and why of what makes some these comprehensive depression products useful, which is an important factor in making an informed choice. Moreover, mixing and matching nutrients and herbs on your own can be very dangerous to your health as well as expensive.
However, make sure that the product is professionally and scientifically formulated by a highly-credentialed scientific team that can ensure the proper blending of ingredients to maximize the therapeutic benefits needed to combat depression.
Final note about natural nutrients and herbal medicine for depression ...
It's important that you always speak to a physician before taking any dietary and herbal supplements. In addition, you should never stop taking any prescribed medications to try any these nutrients without talking to your physician and/or psychiatrist.
Cindy Amorin is the chief editor of Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre, an information-rich site that discusses nutritional, dietary, and herbal supplements and their potential therapeutic value.
Debt and Family Stress
Over the years, hundreds of students have shared with me that their parents are fighting, not speaking to each other, or are feeling stressed due to financial pressure. Common themes centered on a parent losing his or her job, not being able to afford "what others have, and battles among siblings who have to share "family gifts." For years, many parenting authors shared their concerns and made claims that financial pressure was a leading cause of divorce in the United Stated. The good news is that many of these claims are no longer being made without proof. In fact, Jan Andersen, associate professor at CSU Sacramento, research indicated that financial pressure was not a leading cause of divorce in the U.S., but is often ranked four or fifth in that category (MSN, Money).
Over the past five years, tens of thousands of Websites have been developed to assist families with financial advice to reduce not only debt, but the stress that comes with the debt. Most of these sites, however, do not provide resources, strategies or techniques for parents to utilize in helping their child and themselves reduce the emotional stressed caused by financial difficulties. To reduce family stress, help your child become more accountable with his or her money and become a role model in your home with financial matters, parents may apply some of the strategies listed below.
Have a discussion with your children at an early age (five or above) to let them know that items cost money. Have this type of discussion several times a year. Don't lecture, but provide information in a learning atmosphere. Share (at an age appropriate level) what you, as a parent do for a job or how you make money to buy things. Don't allow your child to learn that materials goods come at no cost.
Show your child how you pay your bills; what it cost to heat the home, pay for car repairs and buy groceries. It's not appropriate to share your private computer accounts, codes and passwords for bank accounts. It is important to let the child know that you have a system in place to pay for things that your family needs.
Hold a discussion with your children that centers on the following:
Family/Individual Needs: Food, shelter, clothes, transportation (car), communication (phone), etc. vs.
Family/Individual Wants: TV, cell phone, toys, games, trips, jewelry etc.
Let your children know that you love them; especially during stressful times. Spent time talking, doing activities that don't cost anything (play cards, games, read, take a walk etc.). Having fun does not have to cost a lot of money. Saying, "I love you" is free!
Over the past five years, tens of thousands of Websites have been developed to assist families with financial advice to reduce not only debt, but the stress that comes with the debt. Most of these sites, however, do not provide resources, strategies or techniques for parents to utilize in helping their child and themselves reduce the emotional stressed caused by financial difficulties. To reduce family stress, help your child become more accountable with his or her money and become a role model in your home with financial matters, parents may apply some of the strategies listed below.
Have a discussion with your children at an early age (five or above) to let them know that items cost money. Have this type of discussion several times a year. Don't lecture, but provide information in a learning atmosphere. Share (at an age appropriate level) what you, as a parent do for a job or how you make money to buy things. Don't allow your child to learn that materials goods come at no cost.
Show your child how you pay your bills; what it cost to heat the home, pay for car repairs and buy groceries. It's not appropriate to share your private computer accounts, codes and passwords for bank accounts. It is important to let the child know that you have a system in place to pay for things that your family needs.
Hold a discussion with your children that centers on the following:
Family/Individual Needs: Food, shelter, clothes, transportation (car), communication (phone), etc. vs.
Family/Individual Wants: TV, cell phone, toys, games, trips, jewelry etc.
Let your children know that you love them; especially during stressful times. Spent time talking, doing activities that don't cost anything (play cards, games, read, take a walk etc.). Having fun does not have to cost a lot of money. Saying, "I love you" is free!
My Elderly Father Was Swinging From the Chandelier, Protecting The Dignity Of Aging Loved Ones
Often, the focus of the person providing the direct care is on protecting their loved one, and enhancing their dignity and self-esteem. As their loved ones behavior becomes unpredictable and care needs increase, it is sometimes easier to avoid telling anyone, or going out in public, such as church or visiting with friends.
The Challenge - The person providing the direct care has difficultly sharing with family and friends the actual behaviors and physical care needs of their loved one, resulting in caregiver isolation.
It can be over whelming and sometimes embarrassing for the caregiver to share the details of the loved ones condition or behavior with family members, neighbors or people at church. Many family members only see what is really happening when they get together for special occasions and holidays.
The Solution - Being aware of your loved ones condition and behavior is essential in helping the direct caregiver.
1. The family may want to schedule regular visits on a rotating schedule, so they can see their loved ones behavior first hand.
• Sometimes each family member sees things in a little different way, and if they each visit at different times they can get together later to share their views of the situation.
• The direct caregiver may react differently to each family member; being more open with some.
2. The direct caregiver and/or other family members may want to join a support group. It is sometimes easier to discuss the situation with others who are in similar situations as yours.
3. Explore ways of protecting the dignity and self-esteem of your loved one:
• Explain their condition and behavior openly to others before they see the person.
• Accommodations can be made to make you and your loved one more comfortable in a public situation. For example, the Alzheimers' Association has cards that can be given to the server in a restaurant that explains your loved ones dementia and behavior.
As you visit your aging loved ones, observe for changing care needs and behaviors. Have different family members or friends visit at different times of the day and evening. Stay the night. Provide opportunities for the direct caregiver to discuss the most challenging aspect of care. Talk with friends and family members about their observations. Develop ways to protect the dignity and self esteem of your loved one when inviting people in or when taking the loved one out.
Carol McGowan RN and Cindy Streekstra RN are Caregiver Coaches and geriatric nurses who share a mission of caring for caregivers as part of a family unit. Their passion for caregivers has led them to create The Caregiver Cottage, a virtual place of support where they guide family caregivers through the care giving experience.
The Challenge - The person providing the direct care has difficultly sharing with family and friends the actual behaviors and physical care needs of their loved one, resulting in caregiver isolation.
It can be over whelming and sometimes embarrassing for the caregiver to share the details of the loved ones condition or behavior with family members, neighbors or people at church. Many family members only see what is really happening when they get together for special occasions and holidays.
The Solution - Being aware of your loved ones condition and behavior is essential in helping the direct caregiver.
1. The family may want to schedule regular visits on a rotating schedule, so they can see their loved ones behavior first hand.
• Sometimes each family member sees things in a little different way, and if they each visit at different times they can get together later to share their views of the situation.
• The direct caregiver may react differently to each family member; being more open with some.
2. The direct caregiver and/or other family members may want to join a support group. It is sometimes easier to discuss the situation with others who are in similar situations as yours.
3. Explore ways of protecting the dignity and self-esteem of your loved one:
• Explain their condition and behavior openly to others before they see the person.
• Accommodations can be made to make you and your loved one more comfortable in a public situation. For example, the Alzheimers' Association has cards that can be given to the server in a restaurant that explains your loved ones dementia and behavior.
As you visit your aging loved ones, observe for changing care needs and behaviors. Have different family members or friends visit at different times of the day and evening. Stay the night. Provide opportunities for the direct caregiver to discuss the most challenging aspect of care. Talk with friends and family members about their observations. Develop ways to protect the dignity and self esteem of your loved one when inviting people in or when taking the loved one out.
Carol McGowan RN and Cindy Streekstra RN are Caregiver Coaches and geriatric nurses who share a mission of caring for caregivers as part of a family unit. Their passion for caregivers has led them to create The Caregiver Cottage, a virtual place of support where they guide family caregivers through the care giving experience.
The Correlation Between Writers And Depression
Is there a correlation between writers and depression? Well it may seem so, since so many writers have admitted to having some form of depression or going through bouts of depression. What’s interesting is how so many writers seem to welcome their depressive state because they believe that it causes them to write better. Why do writers feel that creativity is born solely from a cathartic event which usually entails some form of suffering either mentally or physically?
True many writers are depressed, but I feel that this is because of the conditions that writers face. Irregular hours, Isolation, a lack of exposure to sunlight, and the greatest factor, financial and professional uncertainty—all may cause a depression or worsen one.
These factors would cause anyone to become depressed; writers are just unfortunate enough to face all them.
Scientists have been debating why writers are more prone to depression, what they should be asking is why some writers enjoy their depression or feel that they create better pieces when they are depressed.
Because of the financial and professional uncertainty there is a correlation between writers and depression. Many writers feel that when there are no major assignments coming in (free lance writer) or no works being published/bought there are depressed. Well this shouldn’t surprise anyone. I don’t think anybody is ecstatic when they have bills to pay and no way to pay for them.
It’s no secret that some writers go through bouts of depression. But what makes them so different from any other creative master? I’m sure that there are many “work at home” gurus who are depressed or painters or even designers. Anyone who has an uncertain future in their career and spends a lot of time alone is prone to depression. Yet, their depression isn’t as glamorized as it is with writers.
Writers may be depressed, everyone is sometimes but to say that they are more creative when they are is myth. And I feel that writers should ease up on the affection that they have for their depression. Why would anyone want to welcome an unhealthy state? Why would you want to be depressed in order to create?
Writing is therapeutic, and can be used as an escape and a release. In many ways writing can be seen as an antidepressant. But for anyone to relish in their depression is to deny themselves the real art of creating. If you can only produce a document when you are experiencing one particular state, then you will never know what it is like to create from a different one. It makes me sad to think that any writer would use depression as a crutch for their creativity.
I want to be able to write when I’m happy or sad, when I see something that aggravates me or amuses me, when I’m at my highest point or my lowest. I want to always be able to tap into my writing skills anytime, anyplace. Are some days better than others? Of course, I’m sure that all writers will agree they feel inspired during some moments more than others. But how can anyone have a flourishing writing career when they are dependent on their depression to inspire new ideas. Clinical depression is very real and very serious yet there are writers who refuse to take their medication because they don’t feel that they can write unless they are depressed.
You may be a writer, but it is no excuse to neglect your health. Get out as much as you can, eat well, sleep well and exercise. Finding company among other writers is also helpful. There may seem to be an unhealthy bond between some writers and their depression but you must try to find writing in the act itself. Creativity stems from both negative and positive experiences.
True many writers are depressed, but I feel that this is because of the conditions that writers face. Irregular hours, Isolation, a lack of exposure to sunlight, and the greatest factor, financial and professional uncertainty—all may cause a depression or worsen one.
These factors would cause anyone to become depressed; writers are just unfortunate enough to face all them.
Scientists have been debating why writers are more prone to depression, what they should be asking is why some writers enjoy their depression or feel that they create better pieces when they are depressed.
Because of the financial and professional uncertainty there is a correlation between writers and depression. Many writers feel that when there are no major assignments coming in (free lance writer) or no works being published/bought there are depressed. Well this shouldn’t surprise anyone. I don’t think anybody is ecstatic when they have bills to pay and no way to pay for them.
It’s no secret that some writers go through bouts of depression. But what makes them so different from any other creative master? I’m sure that there are many “work at home” gurus who are depressed or painters or even designers. Anyone who has an uncertain future in their career and spends a lot of time alone is prone to depression. Yet, their depression isn’t as glamorized as it is with writers.
Writers may be depressed, everyone is sometimes but to say that they are more creative when they are is myth. And I feel that writers should ease up on the affection that they have for their depression. Why would anyone want to welcome an unhealthy state? Why would you want to be depressed in order to create?
Writing is therapeutic, and can be used as an escape and a release. In many ways writing can be seen as an antidepressant. But for anyone to relish in their depression is to deny themselves the real art of creating. If you can only produce a document when you are experiencing one particular state, then you will never know what it is like to create from a different one. It makes me sad to think that any writer would use depression as a crutch for their creativity.
I want to be able to write when I’m happy or sad, when I see something that aggravates me or amuses me, when I’m at my highest point or my lowest. I want to always be able to tap into my writing skills anytime, anyplace. Are some days better than others? Of course, I’m sure that all writers will agree they feel inspired during some moments more than others. But how can anyone have a flourishing writing career when they are dependent on their depression to inspire new ideas. Clinical depression is very real and very serious yet there are writers who refuse to take their medication because they don’t feel that they can write unless they are depressed.
You may be a writer, but it is no excuse to neglect your health. Get out as much as you can, eat well, sleep well and exercise. Finding company among other writers is also helpful. There may seem to be an unhealthy bond between some writers and their depression but you must try to find writing in the act itself. Creativity stems from both negative and positive experiences.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)