Understanding Depression - What treatments are available?

Antidepressants

Antidepressants work on chemical messengers in the brain to lift your mood. The usual recommendation is that you stay on them for six months. There can be some unpleasant side effects, which are worse to begin with.
Of the various different types available, SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are usually better tolerated.
When coming off anti-depressants, it is important to reduce the dose slowly over a period of weeks to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Psychological treatments

Counselling can be short or long-term. It involves talking with someone who is trained to listen with empathy while you express your feelings and find your own solutions to your problems.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

Identifies and helps change negative feelings affecting behaviour and may last up to 12 months.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Focuses on relationships. Therapy often continues for six to 12 months.

Psychodynamic counselling/Physchotherapy

Psychodynamic counselling or psychotherapy focuses on how past experiences may be contributing to experiences and feelings in the present.
Psychotherapy is not usually available on the NHS. It is more frequent and intensive than counselling. For lists of qualified and regulated therapists, visit the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy at www.bacp.co.uk.

Source:  http://www.retailtrust.org.uk/services/retailhub/emotional-support/understanding-depression/available-treatments

Trigeminal Neuralgia Support

When dealing with Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), patients often suffer from debilitating pain that can inhibit them from enjoying everyday activities. In an effort to find cures and help patients suffering from TN, The Facial Pain Association (FPA) provides numerous pages of information, support, and discussions on our website. We urge patients and doctors to explore the website to learn more about TN.
Patients not only need a cure, they need support. To help patients cope with Trigeminal Neuralgia and other facial pain, encourage them to consider some coping options below:

1.       Join an online support group. TNA Facial Pain Network offers an online community for those who are involved with Trigeminal Neuralgia in some way. On this website, patients can access chat rooms, discussion boards, events, videos, photos, TN information, and much more. This community is not limited to patients suffering from TN. Supporters of those with TN and others who are eager to encourage patients are welcome to join.
2.       Make a list of all the positive aspects in your life. Avoid thinking about the pain and concentrate on things that make you feel better. Add photos of family and friends, write quotes from loved ones, or list your favorite songs to listen to when you are feeling down. Positivity can help cope with pain.
3.       Keep a diary of your experiences. Not only can this help your doctor, this can help you, as well. Keeping track of your experiences and pain from Trigeminal Neuralgia will enable you to understand the pain. You can determine what triggers the pain, what helped relieve the pain, and the intensity level of the pain.
4.       Practice healthy habits. This should be incorporated to your routine regardless of if you experience TN. Be sure to get adequate amount of rest, eat healthy, and exercise as often as possible. Your doctor can help you determine which exercises are safe. Keep a food diary to figure out which foods trigger pain. (Protein shakes are a great option because it does not require a lot of chewing.)
5.       Research TN and the treatment options. Understanding the disease and options for treatment can help patients during the coping process. The FPA website provides a lot of information to educate all interested in understanding TN.

For more information regarding Trigeminal Neuralgia and online support, please click here!

Source:  http://fpa-support.org/trigeminal-neuralgia-support/?gclid=Cj0KEQiAzZHEBRD0ivi9_pDzgYMBEiQAtvxt-B_FL6_ck5Jeq3pPlQNBjAmm2LaTM5wXT43Nn5fmO80aAvNJ8P8HAQ

Reducing Anxiety & Overcoming Depression

Transcendental Meditation: an evidenced-based approach

How Transcendental Meditation reduces anxiety and depression. Scientific studies have shown that during TM practice, cortisol and other stress indicators fall markedly, blood pressure tends toward normal, the whole physiology shifts toward more settled and balanced functioning. This reversal of the stress response in the body results in a clearer, calmer, more harmonious state of mind and emotions outside of meditation.

Holistic Technique

Forty years of scientific research on Transcendental Meditation has identified a wide range of positive effects from regular, twice-daily practice. This research shows how TM impacts all aspects of mental and physical health - facilitating healing while promoting holistic growth and transformation.

Scientific studies

Decreased Anxiety

A comparative study, involving 1,295 subjects, found the TM technique more effective than other approaches at reducing anxiety. The study also found that TM practice significantly lowers anxiety among people with the highest measures of trait anxiety. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. May 2014, 20(5): 330-341.

Normalization of High Blood Pressure

A meta-analysis conducted at the University of Kentucky considered a wide variety of meditation practices and found TM to be the only technique to significantly reduce high blood pressure. American Journal of Hypertension 21 (3): 310-6, 2008.

Biochemistry of Reduced Stress: Reduced Plasma Cortisol

Significantly decreased plasma levels of cortisol are seen during TM practice, indicating reduced stress in the physiology. Hormones and Behavior 10: 54–60, 1978.

 

Source: http://uk.tm.org/web/lp-anxiety/reduced-anxiety?leadsource=CRM1784&gclid=CJ_-gsbjxtECFUM6Gwodzo0H2w