Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Are you depressed or know someone who might be?

Many who know me, know that I suffer depression,,more so in the winter months.
One thing I have learned is this: you can't run and hide from depression.
I have gotten many emails in the past few weeks about friends, students, people all over the World asking about depression. I am not a therapist or a Doctor. I can only tell you my own personal struggle with depression, share with you what I do to help the depression.
Depression is a real illness like diabetes or any other illness. I listen to people all the time say things such as: it is all in there head, why don't they just get off the couch and go for a run or walk, why don't they eat better....and so on.
Why, why, why???
Until you have experienced depression yourself of have been with someone who suffers depression it is very hard to understand.
Below is some information that I hope will help you today. I am here for all of you as your friend.
Please share with all of us the ways you deal with depression or ask other questions on how you can help someone you know that is suffering from depression.

Lisa


DEPRESSION

There are several signs and symptoms that help a healthcare professional determine if a person is suffering from depression. In general, a person must have five (or more) of the symptoms listed below during the same two-week period.
These symptoms must represent a change from the way he or she used to function. In addition, at least one of the symptoms must be either
#1 depressed mood or #2 loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
Common symptoms of depression1 1. Depressed or irritable mood most of the day—nearly every day
2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (such as hobbies, work, sex, or being with friends) most of the day—nearly every day
3. A sudden change in weight (weight loss without dieting, gaining more than 5% of body weight in 1 month), or a change in appetite
4. Inability to sleep or sleeping too much, nearly every day
5. Agitation or restlessness (observed by others) nearly every day
6. Constant fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
7. Frequent feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt nearly every day
8. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions nearly every day
9. Frequent thoughts of death or suicide (or a suicide attempt or plan) /
Important note: If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, seek professional help immediately through your healthcare professional, or call 411 to get the phone number for the nearest local suicide hotline./ In addition to having five or more of the symptoms above, in order to lead to the diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD)This is a physician's term for a specific type of depression.

A person who suffers from a major depressive disorder must have either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. The person must have these symptoms consistently for at least a two-week period. Furthermore, this mood must represent a change from the person's normal mood. It should also be having a negative impact on his or her daily function, such as family, work, socializing, etc. A depressed mood caused by drugs or alcohol, or one caused by a medical condition, is not considered a major depressive disorder. Remember, only a doctor can properly diagnose this or any other disorder.
<../resources/glossary/terms_m-p.aspx>, the symptoms must cause significant distress or impair the person's ability to function.
This means the symptoms have a negative affect on how the person functions socially, at his or her job, or in some other aspect of their life. It's important to know that there are several different illnesses that can account for symptoms of depression.
Your doctor or other healthcare professional must rule out other possible causes (including other medicines or illegal drugs) before diagnosing you with depression.^
1 There are many reasons, or even a combination of reasons why a person might become depressed. These include traumatic life experiences such as the death of a loved one, certain diseases or medicines, substance abuse, hormonal changes, or a family history of depression. Sometimes the cause of depression is unknown. More often it is a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors that bring on a depressive episode.^
1 Whatever the circumstances, depression is caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Normally, these “chemical messengers” help nerve cells communicate with one another by sending and receiving messages. They may also influence a person's mood. In the case of depression, the available supply of the chemical messengers is low, so nerve cells can't communicate effectively. This often results in symptoms of depression .
Anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status, can suffer from depression. A disease that affects millions of Americans each year, believed to be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. <../resources/glossary/terms_d-l.aspx>.
It is estimated that 19 million American adults suffer from depression every year.
Depression is not a weakness or a character flaw—it is a real medical illness. But the good news is that with proper treatment, 4 out of 5 patients will improve.^
1 People who suffer from depression are not just moody or have “the blues” for a few days. They experience long periods of feeling very sad and lose interest in social and daily activities. Many feel they have no concentration and no energy. Depression can change the way a person feels, thinks, and behaves.
* The causes of depression are not always clear. It may be triggered by an event or for no apparent reason at all. Genetics may also play a role in not providing your brain with enough serotonin. A neurotransmitter that is believed to influence mood. SSRIs help relieve the symptoms of depression by increasing the available supply of serotonin in the brain. <../resources/glossary/terms_q-s.aspx>. Learn more about the causes of depression . * The symptoms of depression may differ from person to person.

Some symptoms may include a persistent sad mood, lack of pleasure in activities, change in sleep or eating habits, or a feeling of worthlessness. Learn more about the symptoms of depression . * If you think you may be suffering from depression, take the Depression Self-Screener <../check_symptoms/dep_screener.aspx>. Results are anonymous. Be sure to share your answers with your healthcare professional so he or she can properly diagnose your condition and provide appropriate treatment. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression. * If you don't know whether or not your depression is serious enough to visit a doctor, read our Seeing a healthcare professional <../talk_doctor/seeing_hcp.aspx> section for guidance.

* Dealing with depression can be challenging. But it is treatable with medicine and therapy.
Read more about treatment options , and review some suggestions on additional ways of coping with depression .

Did you know that a person can experience both depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) at the same time? Learn more about the connection between depression and GAD .

*References: 1.* National Advisory Mental Health Council. Healthcare reform for Americans with severe mental illnesses. /Am J Psychiatry/. 1993;150:1447-65.

Depression is Not the Same for Everyone You don't need to experience all of the signs and symptoms listed above to be diagnosed with depression. Symptoms will also vary from person to person. For instance, compared with depressed men, depressed women are more likely to experience guilt, weight gain, anxiety, eating disorders, or increased sleep. Depressed older adults tend to experience persistent sadness or “empty” moods. It is important to remember that depression is a medical condition like any other. And, just as there are treatments for conditions like diabetes or heart disease, there are treatment options available for depression. Be sure to seek the assistance of a healthcare professional so they can determine if you have symptoms of depression.
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, take the Depression Self-Screener <../check_symptoms/dep_screener.aspx> and then discuss the results with your healthcare professional. Did you know the symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can overlap? Or that a person can experience both conditions at the same time? Learn more about the overlap of depression and GAD .

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Visit www.EndurancePlanet.com for My Interview on Injuries and the Ten-Percent Rule

I am so honored to be a part of the EP expert group for the website: www.EndurancePlanet.com

Part of being an EP expert means being interviewed and responding to questions posed by their website visitors.

This week, I respond to a runner dealing with injuries as he approached his first 100 miler.

Download this interview as an MP3 file and listen to the interview on your next run.

Happy Feet!

LSB

Monday, February 09, 2009

Read All About It!




FACEBOOK: Become a Fan of Dreamchasers Outdoor Adventure Club


I am getting my feet wet on Facebook and thank all of you who have become my friends!

I’d love to invite each of you to be a part of the Dreamchasers group on Facebook. I know so many of you know each other already…but here’s a chance to meet a few more great people. And post some photos from your training and races…how I love to see those!

Nuts and Bolts…how do you join?

Go to this link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Victor-ID/Dreamchasers-Outdoor-Adventure-Club/59145279166

And in the upper right-hand side of the page you’ll see a link that reads ‘Become a Fan’. Click on it and your part of the group!




GOOD READING: Women’s Running Magazine!

I read the inaugural issue of Women’s Running magazine…and thought, “How great! A magazine for women about running!” And I read it cover to cover…and discovered interesting and informative articles. I know that before the year is over, I will be reading articles in this magazine about one of you reading the Blog today.

So here’s an offer for you to think about: Subscribe to Women’s Running magazine now and receive 10 issues for $19.95 plus get a free Run Girl shirt.

Women’s Running magazine has the stories, advice and inspiration to keep you motivated and running strong. Women’s Running will help you:

· Run smarter with women’s-specific training plans.
· Find the latest shoes, gear and apparel just for women.
· Eat healthier using our easy and nutritious recipes.
· Get inspired and motivated for your next run.
· Discover new events and organizations created just for women runners like you.


Subscribe Now to receive your free shirt! Visit www.womensrunningmag.com/freeshirt to sign up.

Note: Women’s Running was formerly Her Sports + Fitness magazine. If you subscribe to this offer and you already have a current Her Sports + Fitness subscription or recently subscribed to Women’s Running, we will add your new issues to your current subscription. No issues will be lost.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Great thought!

The more things you are glad for,

the more things you will have to be glad for...

Just be glad and your fate will change,

a new future will dawn for you.

Happy weekend!!!!

Lisa

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

A Valentine’s Gift She Will Not Forget



For those of you considering Valentine’s gifts for your sweetie, or for those of treating yourself (you deserve it!), I’d like to tell you about an upcoming camp.

Please join us in March 2009
for the Dreamchasers Women’s Training Camp
at the Teton Springs Lodge and Spa


The camp is for all women of ALL abilities who want to learn all about fitness and how to accomplish anything. She can snowshoe, skate ski, walk, hike, run…even bring her bike!




Attached is information regarding the camp.
CAMP DESCRIPTION



And we are so pleased to announce the list of Guest Speakers who will be presenting at camp. GUEST SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES




If you live locally and do not require hotel accommodation, please e-mail Colleen at colleen@dreamchaserevents.com and she can provide you details about our locals package.



Dreamchasers has a longstanding tradition of hosting memorable camps that help people move towards a healthy lifestyle and enjoy lots of laughs. Please take some time to visit our feedback from past campers.
CAMPER TESTIMONIALS





Something to enjoy apres work-out...a hot tub and a magnificent view!


Click HERE to visit the website fo Teton Springs Lodge & Spa, the beautiful place where we wil stay.