Depression – Is it A State of Mind, or a Disease?

Depression is a very common word people use these days. Almost every other person is suffering from its menace. It’s a state of mind where someone feels dull or uninterested most of the time. Clinical depression is the name given basically to the state of mind which makes one feel sad and upset.   It may be mild or severe depending upon other associated symptoms and the severity of sadness. It basically includes:

• Feeling unwanted and hopeless

• Sleeping and appetite disorder

• Feeling restless and tired.

• Negative thoughts about everything around.

• A feeling of isolation and insignificance

• Suicidal thoughts.

These are some major symptoms which must last for at least two-three weeks for a diagnosis of depression else it would be called simply a situation of sadness and grief. 

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Depression should not be associated with sadness or grief every time. Since there are several other reasons for depression as well.  For instance - Death of a loved one, financial crisis, failing in an exam or break up in a relationship are some situations where one feels sad and upset which is natural in such situations. But this is not depression. Continue feeling the same way for some time may lead to the start of depression and if not controlled at a proper time may lead to a state of mind which is suffering from depression.

Depression is not a body disease which can be cured with certain medication or ointments, it’s something related to someone’s state of mind. How mind feels and behaves is what defines the degree of depression.

 The dull and unwanted feeling may lead to isolation and then ultimately may cause a situation where someone is all alone, low and depressed. On the other hand, one who is surrounded by friends and family feels the feeling of belongingness and don’t usually suffer this phase of depression.

Depression may be caused due to various reasons:-

• Some may be caused due to past unfortunate events while for others it may be due to Brain Disorders. Depression can be genetic also for example if one identical twin faces depression there is 80% chance that the other may also face it at some point of time in his life. 

• Most people realize about their depressive state of mind later in life but it can always be diagnosed through various ways. Treating depression is not an easy, understanding one's state of mind and then measuring the degree of depression for proper diagnoses requires a set of skills and ability.

Depression can be treated using various methods:

• Medication: In the medication process various antidepressants are prescribed to the patients. These are not sedatives and don’t lead to habit forming. Usually, the practitioner suggests using this medication even after the improvement of symptoms. These are free from the effect of any side effect and eventually help in taking care of this easily. 

• Psychotherapy: It’s talk therapy and is used for the treatment of the mild depressive state of mind. Here you can talk to yourself and try to eradicate the root cause of Depression. 

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Mainly used for patients suffering from severe major depression or bipolar disorders who have not responded to other treatments. This is taken in the worst case scenario and should not be used in case of ordinary depression cases. 

Apart from the above treatments, one can always help himself to stay away from such disorders by doing something that you love. 

• Getting surrounded by people, who make u feel happy and significant are some instances which help in curbing depression at the very initial level. 

• Whatever treatment you take there is always a room for scope and improvement; you always need to find some time for yourself to improve your state of mind. 

• Meditation and relaxation of body and soul are very much required if you are recovering from depression.

• Tension and stress can lead to a worse situation and can intensify your feelings of depression. 

• Dedicating more time to hobbies and other things which u enjoy doing can lead to a happy state of mind. Thus indulge yourself in various activities in order to lead a happy and comfortable life. 

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Cause, Symptoms and Treatment for Meningitis

An inflammation of meninges near the brain and spinal cord is known as Meningitis. Inflammation is caused when the fluid surrounding membrane becomes infected due to bacterial or viral infection. It can affect people of all age even new-borns. It can lead to a serious problem if left untreated and so must immediately seek a doctor.

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Causes of Meningitis:

The main cause of meningitis is different microorganisms like virus, bacteria, fungi or parasite. These microorganisms spread through the bloodstream and thus area near the brain and the spinal cord gets infected. It is also caused due to infection caused by a contagious problem like coughing, sneezing or even kissing.

• Bacterial meningitis is caused by different bacteria like Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, TB, Group B streptococcal and E. coli. Meningitis caused by any of such bacteria must be treated immediately and even in the adverse condition, it can cause blood poisoning.

• Viral meningitis is less risky and common as compared to other microorganisms. Children are mostly affected by virus meningitis and if treated on time it can be cured easily. It is mostly caused by enteroviruses which are present in the form of fluid in the mouth and nose.

• Organisms which grows slowly affect membrane near the brain is known as chronic meningitis. It grows slowly and is quite similar to acute meningitis.

• Fungal meningitis is not contagious and is mostly affects whose immune system is weak.

Symptoms of Meningitis:

Effect of meningitis starts within hours of infection and can worsen in a short span of time. Some of the common symptoms of meningitis caused by different microorganisms are mentioned below:

• Severe headache is one of the common symptoms of meningitis. It is different from a normal headache and sometimes accompanied by vomiting and nausea.

• sleepiness with difficult in waking 

• stiff neck which makes gives severe pain while moving near a chest

• lack of concentration, inactive and confusion 

• Reduce in appetite

• Fever where temperature ranges from 100.5 to nearly 104 degrees.

• Skin rashes which do not turn white and is similar to meningococcal meningitis. 

Infants and newborns who are affected by meningitis will not have the same symptoms as in the adult. They may have vomiting, tiredness, and fever. Even the intake of food and water will also be reduced. You will find the swelling on the skull on new-born and thus make them bad-tempered. 

Treatment for Meningitis :

Meningitis is caused by different microorganisms and so treatment is also dependent on the type of meningitis and age of the affected person.

Bacterial meningitis:

 Severe bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics and even in many cases, doctors opt for corticosteroids. This medication will give quick relief and also minimize complications like brain swelling.

 Until doctor is unable to know about the exact cause of the infection they opt for a broad-spectrum antibiotic to reduce complications.

 Type of bacteria and effect will decide the does and combination of antibiotics.

 In many cases, the doctor removes infected sinuses which is the bone behind the ear.

Viral meningitis:

 In the case of mild viral meningitis, it is advisable to have bed rest, pain medication to relieve fever and intake of liquid.

 If there is swelling in brain or seizure doctor prescribe for corticosteroids and anticonvulsant.

 Meningitis caused by herpes virus will be treated with antiviral medication.

There are cases when it is unclear regarding meningitis and in such condition, doctors opt for antibiotic and antiviral to cure the problem. If the effect of the disease is minimal it can be cured with homely remedies like an ice pack, neck support and most importantly staying hydrated.

If the above-mentioned symptoms persist for a long time and there is no effect after trying homely remedies it is advisable to seek a doctor. In many cases, it gets quite severs and even risk life and so timely medication help to diagnose the problem correctly. Always practice hygiene and change lifestyle to prevent this harmful disease.

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Acidity: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Acidity is a common condition which affects most of the Indian population. It is commonly called as acid reflux. It is normally felt in the lowest chest portion of the human body. Generally, it is caused due to the backflow of stomach acid into the food pipe. Acidity is an effect of unhealthy eating practices, poor choice of lifestyle and excessive junk food habits. There is a forum of best doctors near me where you can find a suitable solution to this problem from the field’s medical experts. 

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Acid reflux:

• Normally acidity or acid reflux is also identified as heartburn, acid indigestion or pyrosis locally.

• When the acid in the stomach region raises over the esophagus, such conditions are caused.

• It often creates a burning sensation in the lower chest region of the body.

• Other risk factors include continuous smoking and persistent obesity. 

• Doctor widely prescribe drugs to be ingested over a period of time, however complete cure is through a change in lifestyle and eating habits. 

Symptoms:

Patients diagnosed with acidity suffer from persistent burning sensation in the stomach, throat and heart areas. The patient suffers difficulty in swallowing foods with constant restlessness and continuous regurgitation. On prolonged suffering without proper medication leads to belching and nausea. There also will be a prolonged sour taste and taste buds feel lifeless.  Further bad breath and ingestion and constipation. 

If you are suffering from any or most of the above symptoms try to rectify it by asking a doctor. 

How does acidity occur?

Acidity is very common among Indians who are popularly known for having too many spicy foods that aggravate the disease. The gastric glans which is less accustomed to irregular eating habits secretes acids that help in digesting food and killing germs in food. If more amount of acids are secreted, more than that required to digest the food acidity is favored.  The region right below the breast bone of your body faces a burning sensation which no amount of water can subsidize. 

Causes of acid reflux:

Acidity is caused due to a variety of reasons. Some of the major causes include

1. Unhealthy heating  styles and habits

It is widely due to the overeating of junk foods. Irregular eating habits as well as skipping meals is also a prominent reason to heartburns. Sleeping immediately after eating and taking no proper exercises. Even eating before taking bath is found to be one of the reasons for acidity.

2. Eating excessively

One another prominent reason for acidity is excessive addiction to soda, tea, coffee or caffeinated drinks. Avoid spicy foods if you are starting to have any of the above-mentioned symptoms and try to control your eating habits. Lessen the intake of excessive junks like pizza, burger etc. as well as acid rich fruits like lemon, orange also.

3. Side effects due to inherent medications

Inadvertent medications can also cause acidity in the long run. Non- steroidal antibiotics, medications for high blood pressure, medicines for anxiety and depression, antibiotics, and treating of bone diseases have excessive effect in leading to acidity and severity of the disease over time. 

4. Previous medical conditions

People having previous medical conditions can also have effects of heartburns. Some of the diseases include diabetics, asthma, peptic ulcers, hiatal hernia, connective tissue disorders, and Ellison syndrome. These diseases have a significant impact on causing heartburns as their side effects or due to the medication taken for these diseases.

5. Various other causes 

There are many other symptoms like smoking, extreme alcohol consumption, exercise pressure, insomnia, or even infection by a bacteria called Helicobacter pyroli can cause frequent acidity. 

Treatments:

If not treated properly acidity can lead to a symptom called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). You can consult a doctor to get the right medications for this condition. But apart from medications your simple steps in changing your lifestyle can reduce the impact greatly. 

Some lifestyle changes that can be inculcated includes

• Eating frequent but the petite quantity of food. This helps in easier digestion and prevents the build-up of strong acids. 

• Avoid sleeping immediately after eating. Take a small walk after eating, and right before sleeping, this could also help reduce insomnia and help you get some good sleep.

• Try to completely avoid or reduce intake of caffeine, aspirin, and ibuprofen. This is some major players in causing acidity and heartburns.

• Stop extreme smoking and drinking habits.

• Elevate your headrest well while sleeping to enable gravity flow and prevent acid reflux. 

• Medications are always an option. Consult a specialist physician if you have frequent heartburns more than twice a week.

Surgeries have started becoming an option for frequent heartburns if medicines are not beneficial and if the severity of this disease is very high and causes hoarseness, pneumonia and wheezing.

Acidity though seeming less dangerous can cause complications over a prolonged period causing cancer, ulcer, excessive vomiting and difficulty in swallowing. Try to consult a physician and get yourself cured along with proper preventive measure for recurring of the condition. There are several online resources to provide medical help. You can even ask a doctor online.

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Ways to Enhance Your Brain Health

The human body consists of a number of parts and organs which have their own functions to perform. Together they help us in living a normal life but like every machine has a controlling part so does our body. This controller is known as the brain. It is the important work that it performs because of which it requires extra protection which is given in the form of a skull. No matter what work we do, it is the brain that sends the signals to each of the respective parts regarding what to do. Not only this, it is responsible for our memory, creativeness, and intellectual abilities. This is the reason that we need to take care of it and maintain its health.

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Eat Good Food:

Food is one of the basic necessities that we need for living. Nature has offered special food for each organ in bounties to us, and all we need to do is to eat them. Involve food which is good for your brain’s health, i.e. something which is rich in omega 3 such as salmon, trout, and sardines. Vegetarians may go for flaxseeds, walnuts, kidney beans, spinach, etc. Try to eat more fruits and vegetables as they are full of antioxidants which act as a shield for your brain cells. Drink green tea which is again a very good source of antioxidants. Try to limit the intake of food with saturated fat such as butter, red meat, etc. You may learn more about the proper diet through a chat with the professional doctor.

Have Fun:

Avoid stress as much as you can, learn to accept changes, forgive yourself and others. The reason is, stress is said to damage the hippocampus which is responsible for building up new cells in our brain. Whenever you feel overburdened, take a break, go for a walk, dance, sing, paint, do anything that makes you happy and contented. A very important note, do what you love and not something for which you have to force yourself without your own will. Spend quality time with family, go out for a movie with friends, laugh till your stomach aches. In short, say goodbye to stress and hello to healthy mental health. If you are unable to deal with mental stress, then you may get an online solution by doctors.

Stay Positive:

As it is said, change is the only constant, try to deal with it gracefully. No matter what, understand that no problem is more important than your own well-being. Be positive in whatever you do; this helps your brain remain relaxed and function properly. An unnecessary burden is injurious to your mental health; therefore, distance yourself from anything negative that seems like a threat to your mental peace.

Sleep Well:

Resting is important, and sleeping is a vital part of it. Generally, 8 hours of sleep is considered to be the ideal number of hours for an adult. Sleeping helps your mind freshen up, save important facts, and build new cells. It boosts creativity and improves one’s problem-solving skills which are very important in today’s era. One must have a proper sleep schedule and must try to go to bed happy to have a good sleep. In case you are having a problem in taking proper sleep because of undergoing stress, have a free online chat with the doctor.

Meditate:

In the current time, when life has become hectic and stressful, it is important to take out some time to connect with one’s own self.  Meditation is a great way to do this; it helps relieve stress and de-clutter one’s life, thus helping in gaining focus. This practice is said to increase the grey matter in the brain which contains neuron cell bodies which enhances the memory. It helps one remain calm and deal with life situations in a much-sorted way.

Be Active:

To remain fit physically, we do exercise, same way to make our brains healthy, we need to do exercise for it as well. Wondering how you can do it? All you need to do is solve puzzles, try to answer tricky questions, rejumble the sentences, do something creative, let the ideas fly when you do these activities, a positive change will be experienced by you. These kinds of activities help in raising the IQ level of our brain and thus in remaining active.

Reduce Alcohol and Quit Smoking:

Drinking alcohol in limit is fine but having it excessively is not at all a healthy choice. Studies show that people who drink a lot have a problem remembering things; the reason is that it affects your brain badly. Therefore, it is recommended that one must drink only in limit till it is fine for your health. Talking of cigarettes, it has been found that people who have a habit of smoking two packets or more in a day itself are likely to have twice the chances of suffering from dementia in their older days.

Indulge in Healthy practices:

Just like your body, the mind needs exercise too; they are incomplete without each other. A dysfunction in the body can affect the brains functioning by increasing stress level while the unhealthy mind can affect the functioning of the brain. There are a number of practices which should be followed to have a strong brain. The best way to have a healthy brain is by conducting regular intellectual exercises, taking a special healthy diet over regular intervals, and making meditation a part of life. Don’t forget to take a sound, timely sleep of 8 hours at least daily to let your brain relax and refresh.

Summary:

It has been observed that increased interaction with your family members by spending quality time with them can help you in remaining grounded and at peace. Making friends with people who bring out the best in you is yet another way of having mental well-being. Try and remain away from negative people as they may suck out the happiness from your life making you sad and angry. Having a good lifestyle becomes a habit over a period of time if you train your brain in a smart way.

If you have a habit of smoking and drinking excessively, then watch out, as it is not at all good for your brain. If you wish to have a good memory and protect yourself from the risk of dementia, throw away your cigarette right now. In the end, it all depends on how and what you do keep the controller of your body healthy!

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