Hi everyone – Barnaby here again.

I wanted to thank everyone again for all the suggestions and advice sent in to me by CantSleep’s readers. One reader recently pointed out that migraine headaches can often be the cause of insomnia. I do occasionally get headaches, so this prompted me to research what constitutes migraine headaches symptoms. The following are the most salient migraines headaches symptoms:

– Moderate to severe pain effecting either one or both sides of the head
– Head pain which increases with physical exertion
– Nausea which accompanies head pain
– Head pain of a throbbing nature
– Strong sensitivity to light and/or sound

There can actually be migraine headaches symptoms which occur prior to the onset of a migraine headache. These precursors to a migraine are termed “aura’s”, and they can include:

– A craving for candy or other sweets
– Drowsiness
– Insatiable thirst
– Feelings of depression

After perusing these migraine headaches symptoms and auras, I determined that I was not suffering from migraines. However, some of you might have insomnia which results from migraine headaches, and in order to ascertain this it is necessary to be fluent with the above list of migraine headaches symptoms. Seeing that migraines weren’t the cause of my insomnia, my quest for the cause — and cure — for my chronic insomnia. Hopefully this will come soon.

In a recent post here on CantSleep, I alluded to the fact that I ruled out clinical depression as the cause for my case of insomnia. However, an appreciable percent of those having trouble sleeping do suffer from clinical depression. It is important to know the signs of clinical depression, whether relating to yourself or seen within a loved one. If anyone around you is displaying the signs of clinical depression, it is important that they seek immediate professional help. Left untreated, clinical depression can prove fatal. Signs of clinical depression can include:

– Decreased energy levels and fatigue
– Insomnia
– Loss of interest in work and/or hobbies
– Disinterest in sex
– Sudden temper and irritability
– Sudden change in eating habits including either weight gain or loss
– Persistent thoughts of death
– Minor but chronic aches and pains

If you — or someone you love — is showing the signs of clinical depression, then seeking help can prove to be a lifesaver. Unfortunately, suicide claims the lives of tens of thousands on an annual basis, and proactive treatment could have prevented virtually all of them. Modern treatment for clinical depression is highly effective, and once treated those who suffer from clinical depression can lead normal and happy lives. Hopefully this information can spur someone out there to take the first — and most important — step by recognizing the signs of clinical depression and seeking help.

Hi Everyone,

It’s Barnaby, and unfortunately I have returned. Not that I didn’t miss all the wonderful feedback from the readers of CantSleep.com — but I had thought I had put my trouble sleeping to bed once and for all (no pun intended). For around two weeks, Valerian was working perfectly — but, to my dismay, last weekend I once again had trouble sleeping. I at first chalked it up to a temporary relapse into insomnia, but after tossing and turning the entirety of last night I realized my trouble sleeping has returned with a vengeance. I’ve previously enumerated here at CantSleep my search for the root cause of my insomnia — to no avail. My sleep apnea test came back negative, I don’t suffer from depression and I’ve severely limited my consumption of caffeine and alcohol since my trouble sleeping began several months ago.

I thought I had found the magic bullet to cure my trouble sleeping with Valerian — but alas, that was too good to be true. Well, I’m going to have to delve back into my insomnia research and unfortunately start again appointments with specialists in my seemingly never-ending quest for a good night’s sleep. I shall keep everyone updated on my sleep (or lack thereof).

Cheers,

Barnaby

Hi Everyone,

Barnaby here. On a sour note, my sleep travails remain unabated. The past week has only allowed me one decent night’s sleep in between quite a few nights of tossing and turning. Instead of complaining about my own sleep issues, I wanted to start an important discussion about clinical depression. Once you recognize the signs of clinical depression, what are the best depression treatments? The answer to that question depends upon the nature of your individual case, and a full diagnosis and treatment regimen can only be devised by a qualified mental health care provider. Some who are diagnosed with clinical depression receive depression treatments including psychotherapy and group therapy as opposed to medications. As the above video illustrates, the future might hold gene treatment which can treat — or even prevent — clinical depression. However, for now, therapy and pharmaceuticals remain the salient depression treatments.

The majority of those with the disorder receive depression treatments including anti-depressants and/or mood stabilizers. These pharmacological depression treatments have been shown to be highly effective, and today’s depression treatment drugs have far fewer side effects than those of past times. It is important to remain cognizant that none of these treatment solutions provide for an overnight cure. It is paramount to stay the course with your prescribed depression treatments, and retain hope that there will be sunnier days. I’ll be back here at CantSleep again soon. I’d like to thank everyone who has sent in suggestions, tips and sympathies regarding my nagging insomnia. Hopefully I’ll have good news to post soon!

Barnaby

Clinical depression is a serious condition which afflicts a substantial number of us, yet many are unable to recognize the symptoms of clinical depression. Everyone has occasion to feel “depressed” or sad — that is a part of the human condition. However, those afflicted with clinical depression experience these emotions with severe intensity and for extended periods of time. This often leads to dysfunction, and in the worst circumstances to suicide. There are effective treatments for clinical depression, but without first recognizing the symptoms of clinical depression they can not be used.

Clinical depression expresses itself differently within various people. Common symptoms of clinical depression include extended feelings of hopelessness or helplessness. More subtle symptoms of clinical depression include the inability to make decisions, forgetfulness and lack of concentration. Obviously, many of us experience these symptoms occasionally as a part of everyday life, however, when they become pronounced and chronic it might point to a diagnosis of clinical depression. Another facet within symptoms of clinical depression is a loss of interest in hobbies, work — or even sex.

Clinical depression has been tied to insomnia, and the inability to fall asleep could be a symptom of clinical depression. Your appetite can also be a telltale when it comes to clinical depression. Either sudden weight loss, or alternatively weight gain, can both be symptoms of clinical depression. Most all of these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions — or just be a phase not relating to any disease at all. In the end, only a qualified professional can make an accurate diagnosis of clinical depression. However, it is up to you to notice the initial signs and know when possible symptoms of clinical depression are present warranting further examination.

Those who experience panic attacks describe them as a highly intense sense of apprehension or fear which suddenly overcomes them for no apparent reason. Typical panic attacks have a duration of 30 minutes, but this can feel like an eternity to those caught in the grips of one. Panic attacks most usually start with what is termed “anticipatory anxiety” giving a telltale signal that one is pending. Furthermore, panic attacks often have the habit of happening during similar circumstances, locations or situations. The intensity and specific symptoms of panic attacks vary by person, but most who have had them describe the feeling as one of overwhelming terror. In many instances, panic attacks are actually mistaken for a nervous breakdown — or even a heart attack.

Nausea, shortness of breath, sweating and heart palpitations are some salient examples of the effects of panic attacks, and these symptoms in and of themselves often create further panic thus creating a self-defeating “positive feedback loop”. This means that the effects of panic attacks serves to increase the level of anxiety even further thus intensifying the panic attack. Panic attacks are differentiated from typical anxiety by their intensity and episodic nature. Panic attacks can be a sign of an underlying psychological condition, or they can also occur within people who’s mental health is otherwise fine.

There are several possible causes of panic attacks. Genetics can explain some scenarios where panic attacks appear to run in a family. Panic attacks can also have biological causes stemming from a disease, vitamin deficiency or a parasitic infection. Some medications have been shown to have panic attacks as a side effect, and some sufferers can tie panic attacks to the consumption of alcohol or drugs. Whereas some experience panic attacks at seemingly random intervals, others can pinpoint the exact situations which have the proclivity to trigger one.

It might be hard to believe, but panic attacks are part of the body’s self defense mechanism and are meant to protect you from harm. Panic attacks are a part of the body’s “fight or flight” response which serves to protect us from potentially dangerous situations. However, when they occur outside of a justified context, panic attacks can be debilitating and serve to prevent sufferers from leading productive lives. Panic attacks can also greatly impact our sleep, and those who suffer from chronic insomnia might want to investigate whether panic attacks play a role within their sleepless nights.

Those who suffer from panic attacks can find relief from therapy or, in some cases, pharmaceuticals. Panic attacks are highly treatable, and oftentimes self-help techniques including controlled breathing can help to keep them at bay. Should you be experiencing sudden senses of dread, chronic insomnia or inexplicable fear, then you might be one of the many who suffer from panic attacks. If so, the most important first step is recognizing your condition so you can embark upon finding the most appropriate treatment for your symptoms.

Depression screening historically was a hit or miss affair, but today it has evolved into a scientific multi-stage diagnostic regimen able to pinpoint depression signs and symptoms facilitating the correct depression diagnosis. Mental health practitioners can avail themselves of a multiplicity of initial depression screening tools. These include the General Health Questionnaire, the Zung Self-Assessment Depression Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Study Depression Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory among several others. These preliminary depression screening tests enable practitioners to focus in on a clinical depression diagnosis in cases where the circumstances warrant it.

These initial depression screening tests are just the first phase of a multi-pronged diagnostic approach. Patients who score high for depression probability on the given initial depression screening test can then be analyzed by utilizing extended interviews and scrutiny of whether other depression signs and symptoms are present. It is often hard to discern between fleeting normal emotional variations and instances of actual clinical depression. The duration of the applicable emotions is a key indicator — most experts agree that feelings of sadness, hopelessness or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities for more than two weeks is indicative of clinical depression.

Clinical depression is widespread. Recent studies have quantified that depression entails a cost upon society higher than cancer or cardiovascular disease. Depression is insidious because those who suffer from it often are unaware of its presence. Although depression screening efficiency has reached high levels, many who suffer from it never take the first step of seeking a depression screening. Several of the depression screening tools listed above have exhibited over 90% success rates, but a test is only useful if a patient arrives to take it. If you are experiencing violent mood swings, extended feelings of sadness or intense apathy, then the culprit could be clinical depression.

Trouble sleeping can also be a sign of depression. Periodic insomnia is suffered by many, but a sudden onset of having trouble falling asleep night after night can be a symptom of depression. Fatigue during the day or oversleeping can also be depression signs and symptoms — a full depression screening can determine whether depression is the root cause of your sleep troubles, or whether your insomnia is caused by something else entirely. Those who suffer from chronic insomnia should definitely ascertain whether depression could be a contributing factor.

Clinical depression is exceedingly difficult to diagnose because it manifests itself differently within each patient. Depression signs and symptoms can vary widely, however, when they last beyond brief periods these indicators should be scrutinized with an eye towards whether they warrant further investigation. Being upset because of a break-up with your partner or losing a job is perfectly normal — not all depression signs and symptoms are a concern when exhibited within a justifying context and brief in duration. However, experiencing these otherwise normal negative emotions for extended periods of time should give pause for concern, and — in some scenarios — they can constitute possible depression signs and symptoms.

Some of the most salient depression signs and symptoms can be seen within your sleep habits. Although occasional bouts of insomnia are completely normal, chronic insomnia can be one of the symptoms of clinical depression. Conversely, oversleeping can also be supportive of a depression diagnosis. Clinical depression can interfere with our normal thought processes and result in losing concentration and the inability to make decisions. It is obviously difficult to discern whether these behavioral nuances are just personal eccentricities, or whether they constitute applicable depression signs and symptoms. A depression screening conducted by a qualified professional is able to differentiate between harmless vagaries of human emotions versus pathologies warranting a clinical depression diagnosis.

Feelings that nothing matters anymore — often characterized by helplessness, hopelessness and apathy — are telltale depression signs and symptoms. Clinical depression can be so overwhelming that those who suffer from it feel there is no escape — or even worse that the only escape is through death. Fixation with, or constant discussion about, death is a very concerning depression sign which justifies immediate mental health intervention. This apathy can extend to former interests including hobbies, studies, work — or even sex. A sudden and extended loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed are among the most common depression signs and symptoms.

A substantial change in appetite is also a sign of clinical depression. This can apply in either direction — both overeating as well as sudden weight loss. Having unexplained constant minor aches and pains can be quite normal, but it also can be indicative of depression in some circumstances. These depression signs and symptoms can be quite difficult to discern in the proper context, and only a professional mental health practitioner can make a definitive depression diagnosis. However, it is up to you to remain cognizant of what the initial depression signs and symptoms are in order to know when it is time to seek help.

When it comes to the cause of depression within both adults and children, much remains unknown. However, researchers have identified a wide range of potential causes which practitioners can remain vigilant for when conducting a depression screening. The root cause of depression in a given case can be either biological or psychological. Obviously, events like the death of a loved one can be an environmental cause of depression, while certain diseases and conditions can prove to be the predicate of a biological cause of depression. Clinical depression is a serious disorder, and it can interfere with all facets of our lives ranging from job performance to insomnia and other sleep-related depression signs and symptoms.

Life situations can often be a major cause of depression. Examples include depression emanating from physical or emotional abuse, death of a loved one, a divorce, loss of a job or other major life changes. In some of these scenarios, depression will not appear for quite some time after the underlying trigger event. This can be akin to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) where the symptoms of the disease are not seen until several years after the stressors ceased. The grieving associated with death can also be a cause of depression — death is always “depressing” in general, however, some of us cross the line into actual clinical depression as a result of the departure of someone close to us.

Environmental causes of depression often revolve around the workplace and/or financial issues. These two arenas are often intertwined. A change of employers — or a job change within the same employer — can lead to depression. This is especially salient when these type of life changes occur consequent to another known cause of depression. Some behaviors can lead to biologically-induced depression. Over 30% of substance abusers have shown to be experiencing depression. It is often difficult to ascertain which came first — the depression or the substance abuse. Many abuse substances as a form of self-medication to address pre-existing clinical depression. Genetics can be a cause of depression, and some of us might just be born to have a higher propensity to experience it independent of outside life events.

Determining the cause of depression in a particular case is often difficult, and it is of secondary concern. The primary importance is to recognize depression signs and symptoms which is required in order to then pursue treatments aimed at identifying and rectifying the root cause of depression in the case at hand. Changes in sleep patterns often prove to be a telltale sign of depression, and those with persistent insomnia or inability to get out of bed in the morning should investigate whether depression is contributing to their sleep issues. The good news is that there now are several effective treatments for depression — the most important step is to recognize the problem and take the first steps to address it.

In past decades, various forms of mental illness were all lumped together resulting in a generalized diagnosis. Today, mental health professionals are able to pinpoint symptoms enabling a specific type depression diagnosis. The term depression is actually an umbrella categorization which includes several types of depression within it. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is one form of clinical depression which occurs only during certain times of the year. Bipolar disorder, otherwise known as manic depression, is a depression diagnosis relating to those who experience rapid and dramatic mood swings. A chronic depression diagnosis indicates the condition is projected to remain static unlike the SAD variety of clinical depression.

Whereas most doctors utilize high tech machines and blood tests to diagnose physical ailments, mental health professionals must derive their depression diagnosis from a review of your symptoms, case history and results of verbal interviews. In many respects, depression screening is as much of an art as it is a science. This is due to the fact that clinical depression manifests itself differently within individual patients. While some suffering from depression become detached, withdrawn and apathetic, others act out with irritability and rage. Practitioners must look at the totality of your symptoms in order to determine whether you have clinical depression — and if so, which form of depression has beset you.

Seeing that clinical depression can have genetic roots, a part of the depression diagnosis regimen is to review your family history. Many patients wonder what their sibling’s or parents’ mental health history has to do with anything, but these questions are asked for a good reason. A history of clinical depression within your family can be a vital clue within the depression diagnosis process. Your appetite, work performance, relationship statuses and personal financial situation can all also provide clues enabling a correct depression diagnosis — which explains why your practitioner is asking these seemingly random questions.

Your sleep habits also can serve as the proverbial canary in the coal mine when it comes to making a depression diagnosis. Insomnia, restlessness and wakeful early hours can all be signs of clinical depression. Conversely, some with clinical depression experience the opposite symptoms being unable to get out of bed in the morning and sleeping during large portions of the day. Although there could be a variety of causes of insomnia, clinical depression is among the most salient and widespread.

Those who are experiencing persistent feelings of hopelessness — or have violent mood swings — could be afflicted with clinical depression. The good news is that there are a variety of excellent treatments now available ranging from pharmaceuticals to therapy. The most important first step is to receive an accurate depression diagnosis enabling you to embark upon your road to recovery.

They can range from a minor annoyance all the way to a head-pounding migraine, and headaches can be experienced infrequently or, alternatively, on a daily basis. The one thing in common with all who suffer from any form of this malady is that they are constantly seeking more rapid and reliable headache cures. Surprisingly, some headache cures are quite simple. Many experts believe that one of the easiest headache cures is to drink iced coffee. This addresses two avenues of headache relief — caffeine and coldness. The chill of the drink serves as a vasoconstrictor — meaning that the throbbing vessels in your brain will constrict thus limiting the pain. Furthermore, caffeine has been shown to be among the lesser known headache cures — especially for those who have high intakes of caffeine on a daily basis. Should those people not get their requisite coffee fixes, then a headache may ensue — thus making caffeine one possibility within the arena of headache cures.

Among other easy headache cures are to remove items which may be constricting the blood flow to your brain. This can include sunglasses, ponytail holders, goggles or headbands. This is easily done and often accomplishes what other headache cures can’t. Applying an ice pack to the back of your neck can also be a quick cure for a pounding headache — this is especially salient within the realm of migraine headaches. Dehydration often proves to be the culprit behind many headaches, and another easy option within headache cures is to simply drink water thus becoming more hydrated.

Although headaches often interfere with the ability to get a full night’s sleep, one possible cure for a headache is to lie down in a dark and quiet room. Many who suffer from migraine headaches see their symptoms exacerbated by bright or flashing lights and loud noise. Removing yourself to a quiet space can prove to be the best of migraine headache cures. Thousands of years of use has also shown that meditation and Yoga can be among the most efficient headache cures — especially for tension headaches which account for the vast majority of those that occur.

Some who suffer from headaches swear by aromatherapy. This involves stimulating your senses with given aromas, most often ones like peppermint oil. Dabbing a few drops on your temples and behind your neck can prove to be among the best smelling headache cures. When all else fails, medication is always a stand-by solution for headaches. This can range from over-the-counter drugs like aspirin all the way to prescription medications for the worst and most chronic episodes. Pharmaceuticals are among the least desirable headache cures, but in some instances there is no good alternative.

Feeling sad on occasion is a part of the human condition. No one can entirely escape experiencing negative emotions, and it is perfectly normal to grieve upon loss or be anxious during the run-up before a major life event. However, some of us experience — on a chronic basis — what should be occasional emotions. Extended periods of sadness, significant mood swings or severe constant anxiety can all be symptoms of clinical depression. Although much surrounding depression remains a mystery, research has indicated that clinical depression can have genetic, biological or environmental roots. Some of us unfortunately have a predisposition to be depressed because of the make-up of our genes. Others suffer from depression as a consequence of a chemical imbalance within the brain. A third group becomes depressed because of life events or other stimuli within their environments. The good news is that there is depression help no matter what the origins and specifics of your case may be.

Understanding your particular form of illness is required as a predicate to effective depression help. Clinical depression used to be viewed as a single overall depression diagnosis, however, mental health professionals are now able to isolate your particular form of clinical depression. Examples of clinical depression varieties include bipolar disorder, major depression, chronic depression and seasonal affective disorder. Each of these types of depression have their own depression treatment, and it is important to receive the correct depression help designed to address your individual depression symptoms and case history. A professional can administer a comprehensive depression screening which can identify your particular type of depression thus enabling the initiation of the most appropriate treatment regimen for your individual depression symptoms.

The most important first step is to recognize when clinical depression may be present. When left untreated, studies have shown that 10% of those who suffer from it will eventually commit suicide. This obviously makes it paramount to obtain treatment, and the earlier it is done translates to the better the expected outcomes. It is not possible to receive depression help if you are unaware you have it in the first place. A primary sign of clinical depression is within your sleep habits. Are you experiencing chronic insomnia and waking up early in the morning? Or, alternatively, do you find it impossible to get out of bed in the morning or just desire to withdraw to your bed and sleep away the day? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then it can possibly indicate the presence of clinical depression.

Depression help can come either in the form of pharmaceuticals or therapy — or a combination of both. The current success rate for treating clinical depression is high — you just have to take the most important first step of recognizing the problem and seeking depression help.