Depression as Learned

This psychological model of behavior is based on the premise that human behavior is learned as a child from observing the parent's behavior in coping with the reality of life and its limitations on the individual.

Specifically, the behavior associated with depression and other behavior associated with so-called mental illnesses are actually psychological tools used inappropriately in what is considered by mental health providers as maladaptive behavior.

That depression is learned is based on the observation that the average child will imitate (mimic) its parents.

If the mother becomes depressed and retreats to the safety of bed in response to the stress of coping with the dominance of her husband, then the child will choose the same behavior under stress.

Since sleep is related to depression i.e. the behavior of a sleep-deprived person is similar to a person with a mood disorder, the quality of sleep is a critical factor in the genesis of depression.

Self-esteem itself is a conceptual artifact tied to ego and how a person values her contribution to family and society.

Depression is thus a coping mechanism that originally is a temporary reaction to stress, be it dominance from authority, loss of a loved one, pain both physical and psychic, etc.

It only becomes inappropriate when a person chooses to sleep a lot, develops morbid ideation about death, and eats inappropriately (extremes in diet).

Diet itself may affect the depressed person.

Sugar, alcohol and recreational drugs are known to affect mood through action on human metabolism i.e. blood sugar, neurohormones, etc.

The nutritional standard of a family requires improvement over the average diet which consists of too much sugar.

Magnesium and calcium are two essential minerals tied to mood, through body metabolism and regulation of hormones.

Complex carbohydrates are useful in regulating the blood sugar level, so that mood swings are lessened.

Multivitamins may help in optimizing intake of essential nutrition.

In addition, the herbs which aid in regulation of moods are skullcap, passion flower, chamomile, St. Johns wort, and hops. In addition, 5-HTP or chamomile tea may be taken before bedtime.

However, the use of herbs may require consistant routine, and is recommended for acute depression. Chronic depression involving abuse and violence, both to and by the depressed person, requires medical intervention.

When the person's mental state has stabilized, usually with an anti-anxiety drug, it is appropriate to improve the person's diet through substitution with low-sugar, moderate protein and complex carbohydrates.

Please note that caffeinated beverages before bedtime may result in delayed sleep and reduce the quality of sleep. So reduce consumption of such beverages.

The 8 Signs of Mania

1. Recognize the early warning signs of mania-e.g., insomnia, surges of energy, making lots of plans, grandiose thinking, speeded-up thinking, overcommitment, excessive euphoria, spending too much money, etc. Let friends and family know of these symptoms so that they can also become alerted to the start of a manic episode.
   
   
2. Create a stable lifestyle in which you keep regular sleep hours. Studies show that intervals between manic episodes are considerably longer in those people who live in stable environments. In addition, eat a diet that is high in complex carbohydrates and protein, avoiding foods such as simple sugars that can cause ups and downs. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided.
   
   
3. Use planning and scheduling to stay focused and grounded. Make a list of things to do and stick to it.
   
   
4. Try to engage in a daily meditative activity which focuses and calms the mind. If you are too restless for sitting meditation, go for a leisurely walk, taking long, deep breaths along the way.
   
   
5. Refrain from taking on too many projects or becoming over-stimulated. If you feel an excess of energy starting to overtake you, channel it into productive physical activities such as doing the dishes, mopping the floor, cleaning out the basement, weeding a garden, etc.
   
   
6. Psychotherapy and support groups can help you to explore the emotional aspects of the illness, as well as provide support during times of stress.
   
   
7. If you feel that things are getting out of hand, call your doctor or therapist. This is especially true if you start losing sleep, as sleep deprivation is one of the major contributors to mania.
   
   
8. Ask a good friend or family member to track your activity level. Sometimes a manic episode can 'sneak up on you,' and an objective person may be able to spot it before it gets out of hand."

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Reference:

9 Types of Depressive Disorders: http://www.hbcprotocols.com/9types.html