| Depression is quickly becoming one of the biggest | | | | Take time out to be quiet and attend to personal |
| health problems in the world. According to a study by | | | | needs. Meditation is a way many people do this. It is |
| USA Magazine, 75% of doctor visits in the US are for | | | | easily learned and takes care of the need to unwind. |
| stress and depression related illnesses. Clinical | | | | After meditating, a few minutes rest should be taken |
| depression is Australia's fastest growing illness. How | | | | before resuming other activities. |
| do you know if you are depressed? | | | | YOGA, PILATES OR TAI CHI. |
| The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing | | | | All 3 activities include movements to reduce your |
| found that one in four women and one in six men | | | | stress levels. They can also benefit your fitness, |
| suffered from depression. In 20 years, depression will | | | | balance, strength and flexibility. Why not join a class |
| be second only to heart disease as the nation's | | | | today? Don't worry, they have beginners' classes and |
| biggest health problem. Chances are, you may be | | | | cater for all age groups. |
| suffering from stress and anxiety, even depression. | | | | DIET AND NUTRITION. |
| Here are some of the warning signs. | | | | Healthy eating is an important factor in beating the |
| WORK STRESS. | | | | blues. Foods containing omega 3 fatty acids, |
| Fear of going to work. | | | | particularly fish oils, can reduce stress. Increased |
| Conflict with co workers. | | | | intake of the minerals magnesium, zinc and selenium |
| Errors or loss of concentration. | | | | may help. B group vitamins are very important, |
| Absenteeism or being physically there, but doing little | | | | particularly if you live or work in a highly stressful |
| work. | | | | situation. An important benefit with these nutrients is |
| Unusual or unacceptable behaviour. | | | | that they can increase the level of serotonin [the feel |
| Aggression or hostility. | | | | good hormone] in the brain. |
| Accidents or near misses. | | | | QUALITY SLEEP. |
| Trouble with customers. | | | | High levels of stress can make you restless and lead |
| Feeling unable to cope with constant work demands. | | | | to disturbed sleep. You need a minimum of 6 hours |
| Working more slowly or making more mistakes. | | | | sleep per night to function effectively. Lavender oil |
| Poor time management. | | | | and chamomile tea can be effective sleep inducers. |
| GENERAL STRESS. | | | | PETS. |
| Disturbed sleep. | | | | Have you noticed how you feel "at ease" when in |
| Lack of energy or motivation. | | | | the company of your pet? Do you have a warm |
| Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness. | | | | feeling when you see or stroke a puppy or kitten? |
| Physical aches and pains. | | | | Pets can have an extraordinarily positive effect on |
| Poor concentration, memory or being easily | | | | our feelings and emotions and a growing body of |
| distracted. | | | | research has indicated their benefits to our health. |
| Feeling that life is not worth living. | | | | Owning a pet has been associated with a reduced |
| Loss of interest in sex. | | | | risk of heart disease and cancer as well as a |
| Difficulties with home life and routine daily activities. | | | | reduction in symptoms of stress, depression and |
| Feeling easily tired. | | | | anxiety. |
| Withdrawal from social activities. | | | | According to cancer specialist Dr Bernie Siegel, our |
| Suicidal tendencies. | | | | body chemistry changes when we are in the |
| Sadness, worthlessness. | | | | company of pets. "Levels of the stress hormone |
| Frequent moaning, groaning and sighing. | | | | cortisol go down, immune function improves and |
| SO WHAT CAN YOU DO? | | | | perhaps more significantly, serotonin levels increase". |
| As Richard Bach in "Illusion", so eloquently put it: | | | | he says. |
| "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the | | | | OTHER STRATEGIES. |
| Master calls a butterfly." | | | | Some of the best ways of dealing with stress and |
| There is much you can do to reduce you stress | | | | depression are often the simplest. Spending time with |
| levels {regardless of whether external stressors | | | | nature {such as a park or beach},spending time with |
| change}. Here are 6 of the best. | | | | friends, smiling, being happy, laughing, having fun and |
| EXERCISE. | | | | looking for the positive aspects of life, are just a few |
| There is growing evidence that exercise, and in | | | | simple examples. Being grateful for just being alive is |
| particular strength training, should be provided as a | | | | another. Yesterday, my wife Ros attended the |
| first line therapy for depression, according to exercise | | | | funeral of a close friend who died of cancer. She was |
| therapist Chris Tzar. "In the coming years, medical | | | | 49. |
| practitioners may find themselves prescribing exercise | | | | Finally, learning to say no, simplifying your life and |
| and healthy eating habits as frequently as drugs," he | | | | reducing your commitments, may be very helpful too. |
| says. | | | | It may be time to nurture "you" rather than always |
| MEDITATION. | | | | trying to please others. |