I met someone recently who has been taking anti- depressants for five
years.

They have been taking there daily pills and state they do not feel
better. The individual sees his physician for medication management
however he seems to still feel unhappy.

There are studies that support medication and there studies that do
not support medications.

The bottom line is after 5 years they still feels bad and unhappy. He
can be put on another med and be re evaluated if they desire so..

If an individual lacks self love and is putting themselves down
mentally then they still will feel unhappy. There are 24 hours in the
day to affirm ourselves and see the glass half full instead of always
empty.

Cognitive Behavioral therapy helps us look at our thoughts and change
irrational and unhealthy thoughts that are not working for ourselves.
It is a powerful form of counseling and psychotherapy.

Lifeworksaz.com provides counseling and therapy for adults, teens,
college students , families , and more.

David R Abrams
Life Works AZ PLLC
David@Lifeworksaz.com
602 575 4030

An article from the LA Times states " Antidepressant medications
likely provide little or no benefit to people with mild or moderate
depression, anew study has found. Rather the
mere act of seeing a doctor, discussing symptoms and learning about
depression probably triggers the improvements many patients experience
while on medication ."

The article states " only people with severe depression receive
additional benefits from drugs, said the senior author of the study,
Robert J DeRubeis, a University of Pennsylvania psychology professor."

Lifeworksaz.com provides counseling and psychotherapy for teens and
adolescents and families in Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona,
Ahwatukee Arizona, Glendale Az, Peoria Arizona. Lifeworksaz.com
provides counseling for depressed mood, anger, self esteem, behavior
mod, relationships, anxiety and more.

David R Abrams
Life Works AZ PLLC
David@Lifeworksaz.com
602 575 4030

Adults and children that face constant stress at home or at work have an increased
risk being depressed.

Reports that stress at a young age permanently alters the activity of a key gene in the brain, resulting in a lifetime of elevated levels of a hormone that contributes to depression.

Science is just beginning to understand how stress affects the body causing depression. One process has recently been discovered by an international team of researchers. This team focused on a the serotonin transporter gene which regulates the levels of a brain chemical called serotonin.

There are many factors that impact mood: stress, loss, moving, a new job, a new relationship, self esteem , sleep, cognitions, unhealthy thoughts, health , diet, exercise and more.

Looking at a wide array of areas that may impact your depressed mood is vital in making changes and creating the balance and happiness you desire.

A diet of junk food impacts depression per British scientists.

People that eat high fatty diets, processed meals, and processed
sugars are almost 60 percent more likely to suffer from depression
than those eat a diet full of : fruit, fish, and a vegetable diet.

There is a belief that is full of antioxidants and folates found in
many foods helps fight depression.

Eating a diet that is balanced: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts has shown promise in elevating mood for those that have had a depressed mood.

A diet that has fish in it is also an important part of this diet. Clearly diet can impact mood. Eating at least three healthy meals w healthy snacks is important for energy and mood.

Take the time to eat healthy foods and it will flow over into your life: physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Sometimes a child may become terrified, trying every avoidance tactic in order to stay away from school. Parents should be aware that children who regularly say that they are too sick to go to school, could be doing so in order to avoid anxious feelings or could be using behaviors that will help them avoid attending school.

Children suffer what is called a separation anxiety which is fear of leaving the safety of their parents or home.

Child anxiety can present itself in a number of ways including but not limited to:

Fears about safety
Stomach aches, headaches, physical symptoms
Fear of leaving home
Fear of going to school and leaving parents
Fears and nightmares
Challenges sleeping

It is always challenging to go back to school for children when they have had a very long summer break, long vacations, divorce, moved to a new area, changing to a new school is may be also a huge inducer of anxiety.

A child with separation anxiety may display many behaviors or a few below:

Fear of being alone
Fear of the dark
Fear of danger
Nightmares

Child anxiety can lead into family problems, social issues, and more panic and anxiety if not treated. Counseling and psychotherapy that is best will address the child’s irrational thoughts as well as help the child create healthy coping thoughts. Helping the child overcome these fears is important and learning tools to stay calm and feel safe. Family counseling and involvement in counseling is vital and important in creating desired changes.
Lifeworksaz.com specializes in family counseling Phoenix, child therapy, and teen psychothrapy in the valley area.

Treatment options for children with depression are similar to those for adults, including psychotherapy (counseling) and medicine . The role that family and the child’s environment play in the treatment process is different from that of adults. Many primary care physicians’ may suggest psychotherapy/ counseling first, and consider antidepressant medicine as an additional option if there is no significant improvement. Currently, there are no good studies documenting the effectiveness of medicine over psychotherapy in children.

There is a lot of controversy about using medication with children. Children and teens are still developing and hormones are rapidly changing. The FDA has warnings on antidepressant medications in that it increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents.

Children with bipolar disorder are usually treated with psychotherapy, counseling, and a combination of medicines, usually an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer. Use of an antidepressant alone can trigger bouts of mania.

The FDA has determined that antidepressant medications increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders.

Many parents prefer counseling with a specialist that does counseling and psychotherapy with children, teens, and adolescents. Counseling and psychotherapy are natural methods to treat mood and behavior. Family counseling is a part of the process. It is important for parents to be a part of the process.

Teen suicide is the number three leading cause of death for adolescents after accidents and homicides.In N California four teens stepped in front of trains within a 6 month period which all resulted in suicide.

It is important to check in with your child or teen daily and find out how they are feeling daily. If you do not do this you leave the door open for a child or teens pain to ooze out in unhealthy ways: anger, drugs, alcohol, addiction, depression, anxiety, and more…The only way to do so is to ask and to listen. Parents should use empathy and attempt to understand their child or teens “issues’, challenges, pain, sadness,and anger.

There are many red flags for teen depression for parents to be aware of: child or teen displays hostility, withdraws into room, does not want to talk, isolates, feels hopeless, isolates, grades drop, low energy, sleeps to little, sleeps to much, decreased interest in activities, can not enjoy previously enjoyable activities, a change in eating habits, talks about running away from home, suicidal thoughts or talk, self destructive behavior, cutting self, physical complaints , physical illnesses, irritability, feeling rejected, feeling guilty,low self esteem and more. These are just a few signs that may indicate your child is depression or suffering from depression.

Counseling and psychotherapy with a professional that specializes in teen and adolescent counseling and family counseling is an important step to help your child or teen. Some parents prefer medication management only, however, most experts state counseling should go hand in hand with medication.

Here are some important elements to help your child or teenager with ADD or ADHD:

1. Create a daily schedule for your child or teen with specific chores and daily duties. Place the chart where your child or teen can see the list( back of the door, refrigerator, bathroom mirror etc)

2. Parents will simplify directions: ex: please come to the table instead of I want you to do A, B, C, D.

3. Gross motor movements: get your child and teen involved in exercise and sports daily( the more intense the better).

4. Progressive Relaxation and meditation

5. Imagery and visualization

6. Prepare your child and teen between activities with a time line.

Hulk Hogan stated on Larry King Live last week he was suicidal. Hogan stated his wife of 24 years filed for divorce and he was depressed. Reports allege Hulk had an affair with his daughters friend during the marriage. Reports also allege his wife had an affair with a nineteen year old.

Hulk stated he was also down and depressed that his son was charged with reckless driving. His son served time in jail after crashing a car with a friend in it. His son Nick’s friend John Graziano allegedly is in a semi comatose state according to news sources. This is a a tragedy.

According to Hulk Hogan he is becoming spiritual “through Christ” and is feeling better.