Psychology and Relation With Food

        Conversations related to eating and food is said to have no end . Questions like " where to eat " or "eat what ? " Is always interesting to leveled . Scientific findings regarding the food was like it never stops flowing . Human life is closely related to food issues . What can I say ? Activity eat and find food is indeed one of the basic human instinct . Since the first human to set foot on earth - even from the first life on earth - no , activities chew - swallow - and -let - digestive - system - care of the rest has ensured continuation of human life . Thus, we can say that the search for and enjoy the food was one of the fundamental aspects of human life . There is even a special part of the brain that regulate these issues ( to be discussed later ) .

        But, for me that according to matchmaker site must click ' excess few pounds ' in the Self Description , discussion of food issues do not stop at the topic of ' places to eat well ' and ' new recipe ' . I also have to talk about the dark side of eating and foraging activities , namely , the problem of ' hold and reduce the size of the meal ' or in daily language known by the word DIET . The question of why people should diet with regard to many things which if translated to produce a single piece of new writing again . But in short like this , or a control diet meal instinct is closely related to two other basic instincts , namely , the instinct of sex ( some of the excess pounds will be difficult to get a pair ) and the instinct of self-defense ( the excess pounds proved to have some range of employment options narrower , so the ability survivalnya be lower) .

       However, I am not alone . Even the " friend " of mine who are both facing a problem diet and being overweight ( obese even ) very much - perhaps one of them is you . An editorial in the Washington Post stated that the rate of obesity in children in the United States has increased three -fold in just two decades . Even Mary Boggiano , my fellow colleagues psychology practitioners claim that sixty- four percent of all people have a weight problem ( which makes me ask , ' if so , how do we determine the weight of "normal " ? Because meaning is normative people weight above the " normal " , right? ' ) .

       Deviated slightly from the subject , half of sixty percent of the human population who have a weight problem is one third of the citizens of the United States , which makes the country deal with the problem seriously overweight . So much for gravity to the point that they sometimes act silly . For example , in February 2008 to a fairly busy month in the state of Mississippi after some members of the planning legislation passed legislation mandating state for the waiters to refuse to provide food for diners who are overweight . If this law to political reality , rejection at the restaurant will be quite a massive recall thirty percent of adults in Mississippi suspected of suffering from obesity .

        Still slightly deviated from the subject , the making of laws relating to food , not only in the state of Mississippi . In fact there is a national law ( which is popularly known as the Cheeseburger Bill ) which complicates the consumer to sue food companies . This law was made after three people in 2002 who demanded fast-food restaurants ( which has the symbol of the golden arch ) because they think fat calories in burgers made ​​in the restaurant was well above their estimates , thus eventually making them obese . Although there was previously a consumer who successfully sued tobacco companies which he has made himself addicted to cigarettes , the demand for this restaurant is canceled by the court and the trigger was made ​​Cheeseburger Bill . Proponents of the legislation Cheeseburger said that unlike tobacco , does not make a person addicted to food and the amount of food that enters the body entirely within the control of individuals who eat it .

        But is that true ? Psychology replied , ' yes and no ' . Conversation strayed from the topic lead us into the main discussion that I want to convey . Starting from the question ' is it true food can cause addiction ? ' Is the answer we have raised the question of how the brain works in regulating the activities of eating , where knowledge of the brain will help us to understand the diet .

       To answer it true that food can be addictive , we need to know how the brain works in regulating feeding behavior ( here , I pay off my promise above ) . In 2007 , the magazine Scientific American Mind discusses this issue ( under the heading This Is Your Brain on Food ) . In a recent issue of Psychology Today magazine , this discussion resurfaced with the title Consuming Passions . The explanation that I put in here is basically the incorporation of both the article. This article is my opinion also added Diane Papalia et al conclude . (author of Human Development , discusses the book of human life from the embryo until his death ) which states that the major cause of human death is actually not a decrease in body function ( degeneration ) , but rather due to a lifestyle that is not responsible for ( among others , do not keep the pattern and feed composition ) .

        Well , let's discuss the process that the brain in regulating feeding behavior ( if you do not like the translation of the human physiological system , you better skip down three paragraphs , calculated from this paragraph . I'm not angry . Pledge ! ) . Parts of the brain that regulate feeding behavior called hypotalamus ( located in the middle of the brain ) . Part of the outer ( lateral ) hypotalamus is part of what makes hunger , while the front - middle ( ventromedial ) hypotalamus is the part that gives a sense of fullness .

When the stomach is empty , a hormone called Ghrelin released by the body . This hormone then , with the help of blood , until at Lateral Hypotalamus ( LH ) and LH release substances make ' hungry ' that Neuropeptide Y ( the substance that tells the body and tasteful hungry or want to eat ) . Ghrelin also inhibits hormones that inform the brain that the body is feeling full or sufficient ( agents ' full ' ) , that pro-opiomelanocortin ( POMC ) . Thus, humans also feel hungry ( or tasteful to eat ) . Not enough ? The body has a second mechanism , when the body is less energy because of lack of food , the amount of blood sugar and insulin in the blood decreases . This information is received LH and come into the driving Neuropeptide Y secretion and inhibit POMC production . More hungry ' us if our brain was not obeyed .

         In contrast , when stomach contents then we , blood - sugar levels and insulin increased , thus lowering LH back Neuropeptide Y and let POMC to be present in the brain ( brain so say , ' okay , we're full , all happy ' ) . There was also relief of leptin , a substance that is presented by a substance that inhibits the body fat ' hungry ' and increase the production of substances ' full ' . In addition through the blood , the body feel full of information that is also channeled directly through the nerve , ie with a peptide called Cholecystokinin ( CCK ), which tells the brain that the stomach is filled through the nerve . Perhaps the full body of information that can be channeled through the "shortcut" so that we can immediately stop eating before the stomach is too full .

         However, humans often stubborn . Often we hear people who do things , such as homework , forgot to eat . Well , your body makes a different system to help him get food security . This system is called a sense of pleasure . When food goes into our body , a substance called dopamine is released into the brain - the limbic system ( which regulates motivation and pleasure ) called the striatum ( part of the brain to feel pleasure from food and orgasm ) . Dopamine provides a delicious sensation to the brain . Thus, the activities of eating into a fun activity , which causes the man would be happy to put food in his mouth and cause the body to have assurance that the man will enter the body needs to stay alive .

          However , humans are creatures who have the pleasure seeking nature . If he gets the enjoyment of an activity , on the next occasion where he wants the pleasure , he would repeat the earlier activity . Here, there is a separation between the two forms of hunger . The first is actually hungry hungry , hunger is caused by physiological processes above ( through Ghrelin , blood - sugar and insulin ) are referred to as ' hungry stomach ' . The second type is hungry hunger ( appetite ) to get a sense of pleasure from dopamine , the so-called ' brain hungry ' or in our culture is known as the ' hungry eyes ' .

        Apparently , part of the brain that get pleasure from dopamine ( Striatum ) is the same part that get pleasure from narcotics . The statement was made ​​by the magazine Scientific American Mind . Meanwhile , the article from Psychology Today has a different view by stating that the food is actually a natural substance that causes pleasure , while the drug is a substance that causes the double pleasure of food . Whatever view you receive , it can be concluded that food and drugs provide similar pleasure ( different in the strong sense of pleasure ) so that , food may lead to addiction .

        How about the way food is addictive ? This discussion will be entered dietary problems . People taking narcotics and obese people have one thing in common , their brains are not normal . They have hypersensitif dopamine receptors , which makes little exposure to things they like ( drug or food ) to make them become obsessed to get it ; exposure is not only to taste the things they like , but enough to see these items or see the others enjoy these goods .

       But how dopamine receptors can change so hypersensitive ? In laboratory experiments , it was found that the style diet ' revenge ' alter dopamine become hypersensitive . Intent -style diet ' revenge ' are on a diet to reduce certain types of foods ( usually high in calories such as rice ) . The problem , it was found that humans tend to have a period of ' revenge ' in which there is a time between the current diet of high-calorie foods in large quantities entered . THEN hold the body style diet by eating indulgent body without this control could actually make dopamine receptors become hypersensitive and makes the body so obsessed with food such restraint . Thus , the addiction to food ensued and the man who had reached at this stage will have difficulty controlling food intake into the body .

       Another problem found was the body turns out not to have a system that is reminiscent of that weight has reached an over -weight or obese . The body only has a system that would panicked when body weight decreased . So , if you gained weight from 60 kg to 80 kg , your body will stay calm . But , if you go down and then the weight of 80 kg to 79 kg , the body will be ordered so that you eat in order to get back to the point of 80 kg .

       Therefore , psychology concluded that the best form of diet is a diet that is logical , eat small portions under your current portion ( and decrease slowly improved portion ) and do not listen to your body ' panic ' to make you hungry . Then , do the extreme cutting a type of food ; better you reduce all kinds of food but in a tiered phase and a reduction in small increments . If you gain weight , do not be handled by reducing the size of the meal ; should tackle with exercise , even if at the time you are lazy to exercise.

Why Good People Can Be So Evil Dan Rather

       Philip Zimbardo , in his research on why good people can turn out to be evil and vice versa , found that there are three main factors underlying it , namely :

1 . Disposition ( can be regarded as a person's innate personality )

2 . Situations ( certain situations can make people become evil or good )

3 . System ( political , economic , etc. which creates a situation experienced by the people )

Of these three , former psychology researcher is convinced that someone has evil nature because they did have a ' seed ' evil since birth . But Zimbardo found that this is not true . He found that the environment was a bigger factor in making a person becomes evil . In the 1970s , he experimented a big risk on the matter, namely " Stanford Prison Experiment " .

       In these experiments , he asked for volunteers willing to help play a role as a jailer and inmates for 2 full weeks . The study involved people who did not have a history of going to jail or commit any crime , it can be said that they are all good people . From the beginning of the study , they actually scripted as prisoners , ranging from being picked up at their homes with a police car and handcuffs from the police , to the rules in the simulated prison located in the basement of Stanford University . The first days of the study took place as expected , but in a few days after that , there are events beyond expectations . The guards began to act out the instructions on the grounds ' educate ' the prisoners are not disciplined , followed by a reaction against the prisoner . There's even one prisoner until tantrums and eventually must be removed from the study because of worry will find negative effects of the experiment . Due to continuous chaos occurs , the study concluded in just over a week .

       From these studies , Zimbardo drew the conclusion that environmental factors are factors that are very strong and dominant in changing someone from good to evil or vice versa                  ( discovery against the old theory that the disposition ( personality ) is the dominant person in changing a person's behavior . And of research , Zimbardo offers a solution , ie heroism or ' heroic ' to fight the abominable system and the resulting situation for the good of mankind.

     Heroism is not a hero in the sense that Superman or the things that baffle others . The definition of heroism is the heroism in the sense that dared to challenge the system that is bad and focus on solving a bad situation better by being a little ' devian ' or different from others . Zimbardo pointed out that in the case of Abu Ghraib prison , there is someone who dared to reveal the treatment of human guards are not there to the media , namely Joe Darby . He dared to bear the terror threats just to do ' what he should do ' . And that is what is called the Zimbardo heroism by which he poured in his book , " The Lucifer Effect.

Understanding About Transpersonal Psychology

      Science always evolves over time , this happens in all fields of science . So it is with the science of psychology . After knowing some schools such as psychoanalysis , and humanistic bihavioristik , now introduces the world of psychology transpersonal psychology . In this paper a brief overview of the four schools of thought in psychology, transpersonal psychology .

       Transpersonal psychology first developed by the experts who previously elaborates humanistic fields such as Abraham Maslow , CG Jung , Victor Frankl , Antony Sutich , Charles Tart and others . By looking at the figures from the beginning it can be seen that transpersonal psychology is a direct descendant of humanistic psychology . The only difference between humanistic psychology and transpersonal psychology transpersonal psychology is more digging in the human capacity in the spiritual world , peak experiences , and mysticism experienced by humans . Some have argued that the field of spirituality and mysticism dominated by religious experts and practitioners of mysticism , but it turns in its development , awareness of this can be applied and discussed in science .

      Broadly speaking, as proposed by Lajoie and Shapiro in the Journal of Transpersonal Psychology Transpersonal psychology is defined as the study of the highest of human potential through recognition , understanding and realization of the oneness , spirituality and transcendental consciousness . Transpersonal psychology also break away from attachment to the various forms of religions. But nevertheless in transpersonal psychology research examines the spiritual experiences experienced by spiritual experts from various religions as a research subject .

         Transpersonal Psychology found the highest potential of individuals present in the spiritual world that is non - physical , as shown by a variety of experiences such as the ability to see the future , extrasensory perception ( ESP ) , mystical experiences , spiritual development , peak experiences , meditation and various studies parapsychology or metaphysical nature . With well aware about the human condition is not only located in the physical world and believe that only the most important details of the individual lies in the spiritual world that is invisible and abstract . in other words, transpersonal psychology perceive us as spiritual beings having a human experience and not the man who has a spiritual experience .

      Armed with theory and research in accordance with the nature of scientific objectivity , then the assessment of the development of a wide variety of things mystical and mysticism no longer be a taboo subject for discussion and even learned , for the use and benefit are both useful for development of human life . From the research has been shown that individuals tend not to talk about their peak experiences with others . Most common reasons is that they feel it is a very personal experience , intimate , and did not want them to , that they do not have adequate words to tell , or if they fear others will harass experience it or think they are not sane or the like .

        Transpersonal psychology is a school of psychology that combines three existing articulate manner all the theories with the human condition as a spiritual being . Although always received strong opposition from those who wing positivist and materialist transpersonal psychology on the other hand get a good place in the academic field with the start of a wide range of research that aims to assess the human spiritual dimension , in this millennium era then this is touted as a true aquarian era actually been realized .

SELF CONFIDENT

Self-confidence is one aspect of personality that is very important in human life. Self confident people are confident about their own abilities and have realistic expectations, even when their expectations are not realized; they stayed positive and can take it.

Definition

Self-confidence is a mental or psychological condition of a person who gives a strong confidence in him to do or perform any act. People who do not believe in themselves have a negative self-concept, lack of confidence in his ability, because it is often kept to them. Self confidence is a mental or psychological condition, which individuals can evaluate the entirety of her strong belief in giving him the ability to take action in achieving various goals in life.

People who have good self-confidence, they have positive feelings toward themselves, have strong beliefs on him and had accurate knowledge of the capabilities. People who have good self-confidence are not the only person who feels capable of (but not really afford) but is a person who knows that he can be caused by experience and calculation that he did.

Synonyms:  aplomb, inner strength, positive self-image, self-assurance

Personality traits of people with low self-confidence

When this is linked to the practice of everyday life, people who have low self-confidence or have lost confidence, tend to feel / be as below:

• Do not have anything (desires, goals, targets) which fought energetically

• Do not have a decision to step decisive

• Easily frustrated or give up when faced with a problem or difficulty

• Less motivated to go forward, laziness or half and half

• Often fails to accomplish its tasks or responsibilities

• Awkward in dealing with people

• Can not demonstrate the ability to speak and the ability to listen to a convincing

• Often have unrealistic expectations

• Too perfectionist

• Too sensitive

Help: low self-confindence

Counselling,  life coaching, and hypnotherapy are common therapies used to help improve self-confidence.

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EATING DISORDERS

• Types of eating disorders.

There are two common types of eating disorders:

• Bulimia nervosa — characterized by a cycle of binging and purging. Binge-eating is

the uncontrolled consumption of large amounts of food lasting a few minutes to several

hours. This is followed by purging, or a ridding the body of food eaten during a

binge, either through self-induced vomiting, laxatives, fasting, severe diets, or vigorous

exercise.

• Anorexia nervosa — self-imposed starvation. People with anorexia refuse to eat and

con- sider losing weight paramount in their lives. They may try different methods of

purging to further lose weight.

People who are bulimic eventually recognize they have a problem. People who are anorexic

will deny their behavior is abnormal. People who are bulimic usually maintain a nearnormal

weight, while people who are anorexic become shockingly thin. A person with

anorexia may turn to bulimia as an alternative form of weight control. This is called buli

marexia.

• Who it affects.

While eating disorders affect both men and women of all ages, the typical person with an eating

disorder is a woman whose abnormal eating behavior began in her teenage years. She is most

likely a perfectionist and a high achiever, concerned about her appearance and how she is perceived

by others, but emotionally insecure, often frightened, and lonely.

The woman with bulimia binge-eats in response to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or anger. Feeling

guilty over subsequent weight gain, she turns to purging as a way to alleviate those feelings. The

cycle of binging and purging becomes a part of her daily life and she may binge just so she can

purge. This cycle continues until she recognizes she needs help.

The woman with anorexia may equate being the best with being the thinnest because dieting is

something she finds she can do successfully. She may do this in reaction to a fear of growing up or

in rebellion against parents or other authority figures.

• Physical effects.

The abnormal eating habits of someone with an eating disorder can seriously affect his or her

physical health:

• Vomiting can lead to erosion of tooth enamel, perforate the esophagus, lead to internal

bleeding, and cause infections of the salivary glands and throat.

• Purging upsets the balance of fluids, hormones, and nutrients needed by the body to

function properly, leading to muscle cramps, stiffness in the limbs and joints, ulcers,

cramps, an irregular heart rhythm or heart failure, damage to the kidneys and liver,

diabetes, and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

• Binging can lead to ulcers and a fatal rupture of the stomach.

• Excessive use of laxatives can damage the digestive tract and lead to colitis.

• Severe fasting — as in anorexia — starves the body of needed nutrition, leading to

shrinkage of vital organs, irregular heart rhythm or heart failure, and infertility. Some of

these effects, if not detected in time, can be permanent or fatal.

• Anorexia can lead to constipation and difficulty in urination, muscle cramps, swelling of

joints, nerve and tendon damage, digestive problems, and loss of concentration.

Because people with bulimia use food as an escape, they may turn to other substances, such as

alcohol or drugs, to both escape and to break the binge-purge cycle. This practice can lead

to substance abuse and addiction.

• Warning signs.

Any of the following may be a warning that someone is bulimic or anorexic:

• Secrecy, especially in bulimia, where a person hides their binging and purging

• Leaving the table immediately after eating to use the restroom (to purge)

• Abuse of laxatives

• Severe weight loss or dramatic fluctuations in weight

• Depression brought on by a poor self-image

• Severe dieting and excessive exercise

• Abnormal interest or obsession with food (in bulimia)

• Unusual eating habits, such as taking only tiny bites (in anorexia)

• Absence of menstruation

• Cavities and gum disease (caused by vomiting or poor nutrition)

• Hair loss or dull, stringy hair (due to lack of protein)

• Excessive body hair (to compensate for heat loss) and extreme sensitivity to cold

(in anorexia)

• Treatment.

Both bulimia and anorexia can be treated with a combination of medical and psychological approaches

to deal with the physical effects of abnormal eating and the underlying psychological

problems that may have caused it.

In a society that discriminates against people, particularly women, who do not look slender, many people

find they cannot – or think they cannot – meet society's standards through normal, healthy eating habits

and often fall victim to eating disorders.

     Refrences : http://dmh.mo.gov/docs/mentalillness/EatingDisorder.pdf

Hasminee Uma K. E. NIM: 12410215.

SEXUAL ABUSE

•  The offense

Sexual abuse knows no demographic boundaries, but more than 80 percent of victims are female,

while the overwhelming majority of perpetrators is male. The typical victim is a pre-teen girl

abused over a long period of time by a middle-aged male family member who may have experienced

sexual abuse himself.

Sexual abuse is not driven by love or sexual gratification; rather, it typically is an act of control

over a weaker victim to bolster an offender’s feelings of low self-worth, to gain attention, or to feel

cared for by someone. Typically, the offender is someone unable to have a healthy, intimate relationship

with other people.

The offender often takes advantage of the natural trust among family members and then uses the

same trust to hide the offense, threatening further harm or the loss of another family member’s

trust and affection if revealed. A complex bond may develop between an offender and victim.

•  The effects

Some of the physical effects of sexual abuse are immediately apparent and can include bruises,

cuts, burns, injury to genitals, damage to reproductive and other internal organs, pregnancy, and

sexually transmitted diseases.

The psychological effects of sexual abuse may appear immediately, but often are delayed. Sexual

abuse can destroy trust and warp the victim’s perception of a normal, loving relationship. Victims

frequently feel they are at fault for the abuse and have low self-esteem. These feelings can lead to

depression, eating and sleeping disorders, and suicide attempts.

Victims may fall into a pattern of searching out marital and sexual partners who abuse them. They

may find it difficult to form meaningful and lasting relationships with members of the opposite

sex or to have normal sexual relations. They may use sex to gain attention or affection and may see

themselves worthy only as sex objects.

Victims also resort to defense mechanisms to blot the incidents from their mind. These repressed

feelings of anger and guilt may lead to physical and psychological problems. Physically, repressed

feelings may cause ulcers, colitis, and migraine headaches, for example.

Psychologically, repressed memories of abuse may resurface as symptoms of other mental illnesses.

Unless a history of abuse is revealed, a victim may be treated for a mental illness while the real

cause of the symptoms goes untreated.

•  Treatment

The physical trauma of sexual abuse usually heals without long-lasting effect. The psychological

trauma also can be treated successfully. Through support groups and individual and group

therapy, a victim can overcome the barriers that the memories and pain of abuse place in the way

of a normal, happy, and productive life. Recovery may take anywhere from three to five years of

intensive therapy and years of follow-up and support.

•  What can be done?

Good communication within a family may be the best defense against sexual abuse. Parents

should make it clear to their children what types of attention and touching are permissible and

what parts of the body are private and not to be touched by another person.

Adults may be unwilling or may find it hard to believe a child’s complaint of abuse, but children

rarely lie about sexual abuse. Parents should assure children that they will be believed and loved

no matter what they have to tell.

Warning signs include changes in a child’s personality, a sudden aversion to another person, and

unusual secretiveness. Parents should be alert to unexplained bruises, tenderness, and rashes, especially

on or about the genitalia and mouth. They should question unwarranted gifts or money

and talk with children about close relationships they form with adults.

Sexual abuse makes up three-fourths of all crimes against children. To report suspected or known

abuse, call toll-free, 1-800-392-3738. The call is confidential.

Sexual abuse affects at least one of every 10 families in the United States. In Missouri, more than 2,100 cases

are reported each year, but it is estimated that nine in 10 cases are never reported.

Any sexual contact between an adult and an unconsenting person is considered abuse and any sexual contact

between an adult and a minor, regardless of consent, is abuse. Sexual abuse also can include indecent

exposure, pornography, obscene phone calls, or exposure to sexual acts.

Like rape, sexual abuse is a form of violence. Its effects span generations with many victims of childhood

sexual abuse experiencing emotional problems years later as adults.

Refrences :  http://dmh.mo.gov/docs/mentalillness/sexabuse.pdf

Hasminee Uma K.E . NIM 2410215.

STRESS

Causes.

Stress is the body’s and mind’s way of meeting a challenge, such as the following:

• Change in life, on the job, or in daily routines

• Money problems

• Illness or injury

• Family changes

• Retirement

Any one of the above may be minor, but many minor challenges can add up to a very stressful

situation.

Anxiety.

Stress leads to a build-up of tension that, if not relieved, can cause anxiety — a fear of what

might happen even when no threat exists. Some signs of anxiety are nervousness, dizziness,

trembling, a pounding heart, inability to relax, breathing difficulties, and abnormal eating habits.

A little anxiety is necessary to stay alert, but prolonged anxiety can lead to serious health problems

such as ulcers and high blood pressure and can impair the ability to enjoy life.

Depression.

The disappointments or frustrations that cause stress also can lead to depression, a serious mental

illness characterized by fatigue, insomnia, boredom, restlessness, lack of interest in life, and

withdrawal. Left untreated, depression can lead to feelings of unworthiness, isolation, and even

suicide.

Reducing stress.

Because some stress in life is unavoidable, avoiding stress when possible is a good mental-health

practice. Below are some tips.

• Talk things over with a friend or someone who is involved in the problem.

• Exercise regularly.

• Plan work to make the best use of time.

• Take a break.

• Learn to relax.

• Be realistic.

• Avoid stressful situations.

• Work to change stressful conditions.

Some don’ts.

There are ways to relieve stress that are actually more harmful in the long run.

• Don’t turn to drugs or alcohol.

• Don’t smoke.

• Don’t drink beverages that contain caffeine.

• Don’t ignore the warning signs: nervousness, irritability, panic, mysterious aches and

pains, headaches, insomnia, dizziness, pounding heart, or abnormal eating habits.

Getting help.

In a situation where stress is getting out of hand, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Asking for help is

not a sign of weakness, but a sign of intelligence. Many employers offer employee assistance programs,

and schools have counselors who can help. Or, consult a physician or community mental

health center. Mental health professionals can help in looking at life, finding the sources of stress,

and suggesting ways to deal with it.

People under stress can also help one another by being good listeners, offering

constructive advice or assistance, and suggesting professional help and just being supportive of

those who choose to seek such help.

Stress is an unavoidable and necessary part of life. It helps the mind and body deal with life's challenges,

such as an algebra test, a job interview, or another driver pulling out in front of us. It accelerates the heart

rate, rushes adrenalin to the muscles, and makes people mentally alert.

But too much stress is harmful. If it doesn't disappear after the challenge is met, or if challenges occur too

often, then it can affect both mental and physical health.

Dealing with and reducing stress can improve both physical and mental health.

Refrences : http://dmh.mo.gov/docs/mentalillness/stress.pdf

Hasminee Uma K. E. NIM : 12410215

DEPRESSION

 Types of depression.

There are three types of depression:

• Mild depression is the most common and can be brought on by both happy and

sad events. A wedding is certainly happy, but also very stressful, and the stress can be

depressing. Another common cause is childbirth, which may lead to post-partum blues.

While usually mild, it can become severe.

• Moderate depression, or a feeling of hopelessness, lasts longer and is more intense.

Moderate depression is often brought on by a sad event, such as a death of a loved one

or loss of a job. It usually does not interfere with daily living, but can become severe. If

it persists, professional help may be warranted.

• Severe depression can cause a person to lose interest in the outside world, can cause

physical changes, and can lead to suicide. A person with severe depression requires

professional treatment.

 Who is affected.

One in five people suffers from depression at some point in their life. Depression can strike anyone,

even children and babies who have been abused or neglected.

Middle-aged adults, however, are more likely to become depressed than any other age group.

While depression is often associated with loneliness, married people are more likely to become

depressed than single people. Women are twice as likely as men to become depressed.

 Symptoms.

The symptoms of depression range from feeling “down” to feeling suicidal. A slowing down or

neglect in performing daily tasks, irritability, poor memory, or changes in behavior are all symptoms.

A loss of sexual desire or loss of warm feelings toward family members, a lack of pleasure

in anything, or a loss of self-esteem can be symptoms. Physical changes can include sleep disturbances,

fatigue, unexplained headaches or backaches, digestive problems, and nausea.

All of us at some time experience one or more of these symptoms. But when they become persistent

and so severe that pain and other problems outweigh pleasure much of the time, then it is

time to seek professional help.

 Causes.

There is no one cause for depression. Personality, personal relationships, physical health, and

genetics are all factors. People who are highly self-critical, very demanding, or unusually passive

may be prone to depression. Problems with a spouse, a child, or an employer can cause depression.

Imbalances in the chemicals in the brain due to illness, infection, or medications can be a

cause. Substance abuse can be a symptom of depression, but also a cause. And while depression

cannot be inherited, it does seem to be more prevalent in some families..

 Treatment.

As with most illnesses, treatment is easiest and most effective when begun early. A combination

of the following is often used:

• Medication is often used in cases of severe depression and can bring relief in

three to four weeks.

• Psychotherapy in the forms of counseling, group sessions, and psychoanalysis are

valuable tools in treating depression.

• Electroconvulsive therapy, or “shock therapy,” involves administering mild electrical

shocks to the brain while a patient is under anesthesia.

 Prevention.

Depression cannot always be avoided, but because it is often related to stress and physical problems,

it is possible to lessen the chances of becoming severely depressed. Here are some tips:

• Take time for a favorite activity as a way to relax and relieve stress.

• Get plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy body, to relieve tension, and to help get a

good night’s sleep.

• Don’t try to be Superman or Superwoman. Know your limitations and avoid stressful

situations.

• Cultivate friendships to have someone to talk to who can provide support.

• Don’t be afraid of feelings. There’s nothing wrong with being mildly depressed. But if

you feel it is more than mild depression, don’t hesitate to see a physician.

 What else to do?

People with depression or any mental illness also face the stigma attached by society to these

illnesses. This stigma causes discrimination against people with a mental illness in employment,

housing, health care, and the ability to buy health insurance. By learning more about mental

illness and the effectiveness of treatment, this discrimination can end, removing the stigma that

acts as a barrier to successful treatment.

 Suicide.

Severe depression sometimes leads to a suicide attempt. Suicide threats or attempts must be

taken seriously even if there is no intent to actually die. Warning signs include making out a will,

giving away personal possessions, saying goodbye or suicide preparations, such as buying a gun

or stockpiling pills. If you become concerned that a depressed person may be thinking of suicide,

ASK THEM IMMEDIATELY.

       Everyone suffers from depression from time to time. It's a natural defense mechanism that allows the mind

to take a rest by causing an individual to withdraw from reality for a day or two. But for some people, the

withdrawal is deeper and lasts longer. It interferes with their lives and can lead them to substance abuse

or suicide as a means of escape. When this happens, a person is said to have a mental illness called severe

depression.

References : http://dmh.mo.gov/docs/mentalillness/Depression_001.pdf

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