Situational Depression or Reactive Depression (Adjustment Disorder)

What is Adjustment Disorder?An adjustment disorder is characterized by the development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor (or stressors) occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor. A stressor is anything that causes a great deal of stress in the person's life. It could be a positive event, like a wedding or purchasing a new home, or a negative event, like a family member's death, the breakup of an important relationship, or loss of a job. These symptoms or behaviors are clinically significant as evidenced by either of the following: Marked distress that is in excess of what would be expected...

Alexander Technique for Depression and Stress

BackgroundThe Alexander technique is an educational program that aims to change habitual patterns of movement and posture that are thought to be harmful. Teachers of the Alexander technique guide clients ("students") through various movements using verbal directions and light touch. The goal of these sessions can be to improve coordination and balance, reduce tension, relieve pain, decrease fatigue, improve various medical conditions or promote well-being. Students are encouraged to use what they learn in everyday life. Actors, dancers and athletes use the Alexander technique to improve performance.F.M. Alexander, an Australian-English actor,...

May Clinical Depression Be Contagious?

A man is walking a very long road from one village to another. At the outskirts of the new village he encountered a farmer laboring in his field, cutting hay. He said to the farmer, “I have walked a great distance to come to this village of yours. I have left my village looking for a new home, perhaps I will find it here. Tell me, how are the people in this village? What kind of people are they?” The man in the field thought a moment, then asked, “What were the people like in the village you came from?” The traveler replied, “They were uncaring, self-absorbed, cynical, and unfriendly. That’s why I left.” The farmer paused before replying and...

Laughter Therapy to Fight Depression

Patient: I have a problem doctor. I feel depressed and worthless.Doctor: You should cut down on your drinks.Patient: I don't drink and have never touched a drop in my life.Doctor: You should cut down on your smoking.Patient: I don't smoke either doctor.Doctor: You should cut down on womanizing.Patient: Good heavens!! Haven't touched a woman in my entire life.Doctor: Your problem is you have no problems!! Get yourself a drink, learn to smoke, and find a couple of girlfriends and you will be alright.Therapeutic Effects of LaughterPlato's remark that "Even the Gods love jokes." must be correct, for the value of laughter is recorded in sacred scripture....