CanDrugStore Health Blog

December 8, 2011

Postpartum Depression – A Gendered Condition No More

Filed under: Depression,pregnancy — Tags: Depression, post partum depression, postpartum depression, pregnancy — jmullen @ 8:38 pm

Depression shows no prejudice – it affects all social classes and races. Knowing this, it is surprising that the media and medical professionals stereotype this mental illness as a female. A recent study confirms that as many as one-in-ten new fathers demonstrate signs of postpartum depression. Originally doctors stipulated that the postpartum depression condition was linked to hormonal changes during pregnancy; however, this new study indicates that men also experience postpartum depression, likely linked to negative environment changes, such as lack of sleep, changes in personal routine, and subsequent relationship issues. The lead researcher of the study stresses the need to treat depressed parents as soon as possible. If depressed parents are left untreated, there is the long-term risk of behavioral and psychiatric problems in said child. The child’s issues can later become a societal problem, as they may “act” out in the future.
While new father depression is just as much an issue as new mother depression, many men are less willing to seek help. Postpartum depression has always been characterized as a female issue, so men are less willing to admit that they are experiencing issues. The stigma against male postpartum depression must be eliminated! For more information about male postpartum depression, visit the following website: www.postpartummen.com

With this new awareness about postpartum depression in men, below find this detailed list on postpartum depression symptoms and treatments.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms:

Males tend to become more aggressive; women tend to be sad
Lack of interest in your baby or negative feelings towards your baby
Worrying about hurting your baby
Lack of concern for yourself
Loss of pleasure
Lack of energy and motivation
Feeling of worthlessness and guilt
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleeping more or less than usual
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Postpartum Depression Treatment:

So you are experiencing postpartum depression – now what? Whether male or female, there are some universally accepted self-treatment and medical treatment for postpartum depression.

Self Treatment:

Make sleep a priority. While attaining eight hours of sleep may seem impossible, you need to make sleep a priority. Enlist the help of family members while you take a nap.
Make your relationships priorities. When depressed, it is of the utmost importance to stay connected with friends and family, and lean on them for supporting. This means forming a united front with your significant other.
Make meals a priority. When you are depressed, nutrition often falls to the wayside. Good nutrition means will ensure you have more energy and better concentration to deal with your baby.
Ease back into exercise . Studies have shown that exercise is just as effective as antidepressants for treating depression, so it is important to get back on an exercise plan ASAP.

Medical Treatment

If you have sunk into a deep depression, it is important to recognize this fact and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many counselors specialize in postpartum depression treatment. Counseling , and antidepressants if necessary, have been proven to provide effective results towards combating postpartum depression.

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September 7, 2010

How to Help a Loved One Suffering From Depression

Filed under: Depression — Tags: Depression, depression symptoms — Candace @ 9:37 pm

When someone you love is suffering from depression in can affect you almost as much as it affects them. First you should understand depression. Those suffering depression may also have additional problems such as OCD, or ADD. Addictions are also often associated with depression. Alcohol, binge eating, drugs, and cutting are ways depressives take away their pain. If you know and care about someone who is suffering from depression here are a few things you can do to help them.

Learn about depression – Since you are already reading this, you are off to a good start. Research depression symptoms and treatment, and try to apply them to your loved one. Knowing is just the start.
Walk a mile in their shoes – Learn what depression really is and try to feel how they feel. Realize when they are grumps in the morning, that that is just a symptom of their condition. Try to understand the misconceptions about mental illnesses and see what they really have to deal with.
Keep an eye on yourself – Depressive symptoms are actually contagious, just like happiness. You will need to sometimes step away from the situation for a break just to keep your own mental health in check.
Join a support group – If you are stressing too much over this, and you are beginning to feel angry and frustrated you may find comfort in a support group. The best thing to do is talk about your frustrations rather than letting them build up inside you.
Be there for them – Lend a shoulder to cry on, and listen to them. Be patient with them and tell them that you care. Share what you have learned as you researched depression. Reassure them that none of this is their fault.
Don’t mix up the depression with the real person – When the depressed person becomes very angry it is not because they are angry with you. Rather they are angry with themselves and the way they feel. If your significant other doesn’t feel like having sex, do not take it personally. Having a decreased sex drive is a classic symptom of depression.
Laziness – Depressed people are not lazy, they are ill. Small activities such as house cleaning or cooking may be very difficult for them. Just like with the flu, sometimes people just don’t feel ‘up-to’ doing chores.
Medication and therapy – These are both critical in their recovery. Try to keep them on the right track.
Love them unconditionally and be sure they understand that you are not frustrated with them, you are only frustrated with their illness.

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March 4, 2010

Foods That Will Make You Happy

Filed under: anger,anxiety,Depression,energy,happy,insomnia,magnesium,potassium,seasonal depression,serotonin,Uncategorized,viatmin B6 — John @ 4:36 pm

For some of us Depression is a very serious issue that continually arises. However, for most of us we occasionally just feel sad or angry, or don’t really feel anything. Yet, there are some ways to increase our general happiness. The key to this isn’t medication, and it doesn’t require you to do yoga for 5 hours every day. In fact, it is a rather simple method of obtaining happiness or at least boosting that mood for awhile, watch what you eat.

No, I don’t mean you necessarily have to eat healthy, although I’m sure that would also make you a happier person anyway. Watch what you’re putting into your body because there are some foods that can actually increase you levels of happiness. So if you’re feeling a little down try some of these for a boost.

Sunflower Seeds – The folate and magnesium found in sunflower seeds play an enormous role in regulating your mood. In fact, magnesium deficiency often results in fatigue, nervousness, and anxiety and has often been linked to mood disorders. Magnesium has also been proven to help in the treatment of depression, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.

Bananas – A banana will provide you with an energy boost due to the fructose. The fiber will help keep your energy balanced. Bananas will also provide you with carbohydrates, and vitamin B6, which both help in making serotonin.

Dark Chocolate – Chocolate can play a huge factor on mood control. There are many different substances found in chocolate that are known to boost one’s mood. For example, fat, sugar, caffeine, phenylethylamine, flavonols, theobromine, and tryptophan, are all found in chocolate. Not to mention just the taste and texture of chocolate can make a person very happy.

Eggs – Eggs help balance your emotions and help boost energy levels. Additionally, eggs can help symptoms of depression and even lessen memory problems.

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January 20, 2010

Fish Oil Health Benefits Revealed

Filed under: Depression,fish oil,fish oil supplements,Omega-3,Omega-3 fatty acids,stress,Uncategorized,weight loss — Nicole @ 5:14 pm

A recent study has discovered the reason why fish oil is so beneficial to our human bodies. Researchers have concluded that the omega-3 fatty acids, which the body absorbs from oily fish, protect what is essentially a ‘cap’ on each cell that determines how long that cell will live. When a regular cell in the human body divides, this ‘cap’ splits, and becomes shorter, causing the cell to die sooner. In this study, cells were shown to have lived longer when exposed to the omega-3 fatty acids, as the ‘shortening’ effects on the ‘caps’ diminished. When given a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, the tested rats demonstrated that they live around a third longer than normal.

In addition to this new life-lengthening information, the Omega-3 in fish oil has several other health benefits that you should be aware of:

Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease – Omega-3 is extremely beneficial to your cardiovascular health, and has been proven to lower cholesterol, reduce risk of heart arrhythmias, effectively treat strokes, and avoid cardiac arrests.
Increase Weight Loss – An Australian study demonstrates that the consumption of fish oil improves the efficiency of exercise, and increases weight loss.
Improve Immunity – The Omega-3 fatty acids within fish oil have been shown to positively influence the immune system.
Inflammation Ease – Fish oil has been used in treatments of several conditions, which induce inflammation, including Crohn’s Disease and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Depression – Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to even reduce symptoms associated with depression, including sadness, anxiety, restlessness, mental fatigue and stress. Those who consume fish oil on a regular basis are proven to have a lower incidence of depression.

Doctors recommend that you eat at least two servings of oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines per week, so as to receive all of the benefits listed above. If you find that you are not able to introduce fish into your regular diet, fish oil supplements are an option as well.

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January 14, 2010

Medical Aid Needed In Haiti

Filed under: Depression,earthquake in haiti,Flu,haiti,haitian earthquake relief,Tamiflu,Uncategorized — John @ 4:03 pm

After the massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake (the worst in Haiti in two centuries) struck Haiti, the country has been in a panic. Many are dead as a result of the damage caused and many more are missing. Many people are attempting to contact loved ones with little success. People are afraid to sleep in buildings in fear of them collapsing. Instead, some people have chosen to sleep among the dead, a very disturbing sight for anyone to witness.

The damage in Haiti is very severe and much aid is required. Many countries have begun sending medical supplies and personnel to Haiti, but due to poor infrastructure, proper distribution of aid is difficult.

The global effort to help Haiti is certainly helping, but everyone needs to chip in. Send blankets, clothes, cash donations, all will help. If every person in America sent $1, there would be $300 million of aid we could send.

Money can be used to purchase medicines and the cost for temporary shelters and medical centers. Without proper treatment, and a safe place to stay, the already high death toll, which has been estimated to be near 50,000 and rising, will continue to climb to devastating heights.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere; they don’t have easy access to all of the medicines we do. If one of them gets the flu they might not be able to go out and get something like Tamiflu. If you start developing severe depression, you can’t go out and get anti-depressant medication. We are truly lucky that we live where we do. Just imagine if it had been us.

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December 17, 2009

“Don’t Worry Be Happy” – 4 Ways to Help You Stay Happy This Winter

Filed under: Depression,endorphins,music,seasonal depression,stress,Uncategorized,ways to stay happy,winter — John @ 3:18 pm

Winter tends to bring darkness, cold weather, and cause many people to become emotional wrecks. Some people suffer from frequent depression, others from seasonal depression, and everyone else just seems to get in a bad mood when there’s less light out. However, there are some things everyone can do to make them feel happier.

1. Listen to Some Music – Music has a very wide range of abilities, from getting us pumped up for the big game, or calming us down so we can relax after a hard day of work. When we listen to music, endorphins are released causing that sort of happy feeling we get from sex or food.

2. Laugh – When you’re in a rather foul mood laughing can sometimes be hard. However, laughing is one of the best things to cheer you up. Try inviting a group of your friends over to watch a funny movie. The chances you’ll laugh increase significantly when you’re with others than when you’re alone. Laughing not only triggers endorphins, making you happier, but reduces specific stress hormones, and strengthens your immune system.

3. List the Things You’re Thankful For – It may seem kind of weird, but occasionally when you’re in a bad mood try writing down a few things you’re thankful for. This may help put things into perspective for you, and help you really see how lucky you are. However, don’t try this too often as it will lose its effectiveness over time. Additionally, it might not work for everyone, but it certainly couldn’t hurt to try.

4. Sex –Sex causes endorphins to be released that help reduce pain, but when there is no pain present, the endorphins can cause euphoria. A healthy sex life can significantly improve your overall mood, and actually provide many health benefits, such as a reducing your stress level.

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December 2, 2009

5 Simple and Natural Solutions to Depression

Filed under: Antidepressant,depressed,Depression,solutions to depression,solve depression,Uncategorized — Candace @ 4:57 pm

It is predicted that by next year depression will be the second largest illness after heart disease. Depression affects people of all ages. It can be as trivial as being gloomy when the weather is bad or as traumatic as suicide thoughts, attempts, or completions. Here are 5 natural ways to alleviate the minor cases of depression.

1. Get a Pet – Anything you can pet can help you deal with depression. The simple thing of stroking an animal can help compose you. If you are allergic to animals there are breeds of dogs which do not provoke any allergic effects.

2. Exercise – As unappealing as it sounds, exercise can be a great natural solution to depression. With exercise your heart rate is increased and endorphins, which create positive feelings, are released in your brain. Exercise also takes your mind off negative thoughts by preoccupying your mind and body.

3. Surround yourself with happy people – Have you ever heard the saying “You are who you hang out with”? Depression is contagious. If a person suffering from depression spends time with negative people, their condition may worsen; therefore surround yourself with positive people.

4. Set a goal for yourself – To get your life to move forward in a positive direction, set a goal to achieve. Take the time to write down the goal. This will be a good, constant reminder for you, and will allow you to see how far you have progressed from the beginning. Even if you do not reach your ultimate goal, you will be proud of how far you have developed.

5. Eat healthy – Fish and other sea foods are a good for depression as omega 3 and fatty acids have been said to reduce the symptoms of depression substantially. Try to keep a healthy food balance and avoid skipping meals.

If your symptoms of depression persist, there are widely used medications available for everyone.

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October 26, 2009

5 ways to Prevent Seasonal Depression this Winter

Filed under: Antidepressant,Depression,healthy living,sad,seasonal depression,stress,Uncategorized,vitamin b,vitamin B12,winter — Amanda @ 4:10 pm

Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD) is a condition that occurs in over 60% of Americans. It is commonly referred to as seasonal depression because it tends to occur during certain months of the year – most commonly during the winter hence the term “Winter Blues”. With seasonal depression you may experience some of the following symptoms:

fatigue, weight fluctuations, irritability, conflicts with others, lack of motivation, cravings for carbohydrates, and difficulty concentrating.

If you are ready to say goodbye to your symptoms of SAD, try applying some of these tips to your daily lifestyle

1. Sun lamp

A lack of sunlight and brightness outside is the main cause of “gloominess” for many of those with SAD. Try buying a sun lamp in order to bring more light into your life and boost your mood. You may find yourself feeling more energetic!

2. Eat well

In order to improve your energy levels, try to cut back on caffeine and white flour. You will find that you enjoy a more natural energy boost from a better diet when you quit your coffee drinking and snacking habits. In addition, eating healthy means that your body is getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals it requires. Pick up some vitamin supplements if your eating habits aren’t great – Vitamin B6 and B12 are natural antidepressants.

3. Take a breather

Clear fresh oxygen is crucial for stabilizing mood. Try taking a quick 15 minute daily walk in order to boost your mood – bundle up so you don’t freeze in the cold weather!

4. Stress Management

Learn to control your stress levels in a meditative and relaxing way. Wind down at the end of a long day doing something you enjoy such as reading, exercising, watching TV or taking a bath

5. Exercise

Exercise is important for physical health – but it is just as important for mental health. When we exercise our bodies release endorphins which are hormones that affect our mood in a positive way. The more you exercise, the happier you will feel!

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September 24, 2009

Foods that Fight Depression

Filed under: amino acids,depressed,Depression,epsom salt bath,Lack of Vitamins,magnesium,Uncategorized,vitamin b,vitamin B12,Vitamins — Amanda @ 4:02 pm

Amino Acids – Amino acids are essential for the body to make neurotransmitters which send signals to the brain and affect your mood. Some amino acids make serotonin which is a feel good chemical.

Foods with Amino Acids: Turkey, cheese, fish, almonds, chicken, avocadoes, bananas and beans

Vitamin B6 & B12 – These vitamins also help the body make neurotransmitters. If the body does not receive enough vitamin B, serotonin levels will drop. Vitamin B12 helps make SAM-e. Some studies have shown that when levels of SAM-e drop, symptoms of depression become noticeable.

Foods with Vitamin B6: beef, tuna, bananas, turkey, chickpeas
Foods with Vitamin B12: clams, oysters, chicken, crab, salmon, turkey, tuna, milk, eggs

Magnesium – those who suffer from depression usually have lower magnesium levels. Magnesium is crucial for the formation of serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Magnesium treatment may also help anxiety and insomnia problems associated with depression.

Foods with Magnesium: oat bran, halibut, spinach, barley, beans, and artichokes. Taking an Epsom salt bath will also increase magnesium levels.

Omega 3 – Omega 3 boosts oxygen levels in the blood increasing the body’s ability to convert amino acids into neurotransmitters. Studies have found that those with a lack of Omega 3 acids have less of a capability to send feel-good chemicals like serotonin, dopamine and nor epinephrine to the brain.

Foods with Omega 3: salmon, sardines, tuna, flax seeds, and walnuts.

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August 25, 2009

Sleep: The Big Factor

Filed under: asthma,chronic fatigue,Depression,irritable,sleep,sleep deprivation,students,Uncategorized,university — John @ 12:16 pm

Most students when they move to go live in dorms at University start getting less and less sleep. Obviously this is a very large problem for many students, not just for grades, but for their health too.

Student life on campus can be very hectic, very busy, and very fun. All of this is true, but you have to learn how to balance. Sleep deprivation is a very troubling problem almost all students living on campus face. Sleep deprivation can make students more likely to develop depression, become very irritable, and worsen existing conditions such as diabetes, chronic fatigue and even asthma.

Many of the students start to see a drop in marks. This can be attributed partially due to the higher expectations, but zoning out during class, and being too worn out to study can play a big part. Students should try to go to sleep before midnight whenever they have class the next morning. If they want to stay up and party, they should try and plan it when they have a day off after a night of partying.

Some of the kids, well maybe not kids anymore, but adults now, actually start skipping class because of their need for sleep. This will show a significant drop in grades at the least. Most that continue to skip class will see themselves getting set up for a failing grade in their course.
University students need to remember there really isn’t an alternative to sleep, and adequate sleep is one of the most important things. Bring ear plugs if you must, but go to bed early, or at least earlier.

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