Posts Tagged suffering from depression

Depression And Addiction To Prescription Drugs And Painkillers – The Connection

Posted by admin in Depression, Info on April 2, 2011

By Rose White Young

With the correct help, support and treatment it is usually very possible to overcome drug addiction particularly to prescription drugs and pain killers. Doctors prescribe patients certain drugs (such as pain killers) for ailments such as chronic back pain that could have an addictive component and should only be taken according to prescribed dosages. Some people become addicted to these drugs and start to self medicate and over prescribe. They think that they could not function normally without the “help” of these drugs.

Many people who do this are experiencing underlying emotional problems such as depression. I came across one person who was continuously taking pain killers for pain. He did have pain probably arthritic pain in his joints but he also had underlying depression. Unfortunately he was not able to publicly acknowledge he was suffering from depression. He undoubtedly needed to explore his chronic pain and should have been referred to a consultant. Taking pain killers daily on a continuous basis developed into a certain type of dependence. There was an addictive component in the pain killer that he was unaware of.

According to researches, prescription drugs rank second as the most commonly abused kind of drugs. Examples of these drugs are narcotic painkillers, which are commonly used by addicts in a way that wasn’t prescribed by their physician. The continued use of these drugs could lead to altered thinking and altered brain functions. The effects on the major organs are also devastating, especially on the liver, which is the major organ that synthesizes medication. Read the rest of this entry »

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Overcome Depression – 7 Ways To Help A Depressed Loved One

Posted by admin in Depression, Info on April 1, 2011

By Rose White Young

Support is very important for people who suffer from depression and mental health illness. Often the first person who is in a situation to help a depressed person is a family member or close friend. Sometimes depressed people will reach out for help and try to talk to a family member or friend about the symptoms of depression but not always. Many people who are suffering from depression are not able to ask for help, or they do not know they are depressed or they are afraid to ask for help. Whatever the unique situation it is extremely situation to treat the depressed person with empathy, dignity and love.

The following is a self help guide for people who are trying to support someone with depression. I have detailed 7 ways to help a depressed loved one but you are welcome to grow the list and shape it for your unique situation.

1. It’s not their fault

Remember that they cannot help being affected by depression. Often at the beginning when a person realizes they are depressed they are in a very vulnerable state and are feeling very unsure about who they are. They might feel they are not the person they used to be. It is so important not to administer any blame to anyone about why they are depressed. Depression is an illness, it is no one’s fault. Many intricate factors contribute to the onset of depression.

2. Listen to what they have to say

Encourage the person to talk and listen to what they are saying. Avoid giving your opinion, diagnosis or prognosis. You are trying to build trust and the situation is very delicate and communicate could easily breakdown.

3. Show your love

This point is extremely important. Often when we find out someone we care about is depressed we get a shock and become afraid of the situation. Many people feel like walking away from the problem because they are overwhelmed by it. Read the rest of this entry »

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