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feeling depressed

 
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crazyquilt  

Listing Of Clinical Trials For Depression

  • PET Whole Body Distribution Studies Using [11C]CUMI.
    Evaluation study. Background: - Researchers studying new treatments for major depressive disorder are looking at how medications to treat depression act on the brain chemical serotonin, which interacts with specific serotonin receptors on brain cells. Ages 18-65. Location in Bethesda, MD.
  • Shared Decision-Making for Elderly Depressed Primary Care Patients.
    Interventional study. Shared decision-making (SDM), in contrast to traditional medical decision-making, involves a collaborative process where patients discuss personal values and preferences and clinicians provide information to arrive at an agreed upon treatment decision. Ages 65-95. Locations in Bronx, NY; White Plains, NY.
  • fMRI Study of Treatment Changes in Major Depression.
    Interventional study. The overall purposes of this research are to determine if Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has the same healing effect on the brain for people with depression as traditional anti-depressants do, to find out more about the causes of depression and why people differ in the extent of problems caused by depression, and to determine if certain differences in genes within populations are related to clinical symptoms. Ages 18-50. Location in St. Louis, MO.
  • Treatment for Depressed Primary Care Patients.
    Interventional study. This research study develop a collaborative depression care management model (C-DCM) that encourages collaboration between primary care physicians (PCPs) and trained social workers employed by community-based, public and nonprofit mental health clinics. Ages 60 and over. Location in White Plains, NY.
  • Depression Outcomes Study of Exercise.
    Interventional study. This pilot study may yield important research findings on how to adapt exercise treatment for depression among adolescents. Ages 12-17. Location in Golden, CO.
  • Depression Prevention for Pregnant Women on Public Assistance.
    Interventional study. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an interpersonal therapy treatment called the Postpartum Prevention Program in preventing the development of postpartum depression in pregnant women who are financially disadvantaged. Ages 18-40. Locations in Providence, RI; Woonsocket, RI.
  • CBT for Adherence and Depression in Diabetes.
    Interventional study. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating people with depression and type 2 diabetes. Ages 18-80. Location in Boston, MA.
  • Evaluating the Effects of Stress in Pregnancy.
    Evaluation study. This study will evaluate pregnant women with a past or current diagnosis of depression or anxiety to gain a better understanding of how these disorders can affect an infant's development, both during and after pregnancy. Ages 18-45. Location in Atlanta, GA.
  • Identifying Factors That Predict Antidepressant Treatment Response.
    Interventional study. This study will compare different treatments for depression in order to identify which factors predict effectiveness, and will include a companion study which investigates combining treatments and long term effectiveness. Ages 18-65. Location in Atlanta, GA.
  • Group Intervention for Interpersonal Trauma.
    Interventional study. This study will assess the acceptability and effectiveness of a six-session, modular, repeating group for low-income women who have symptoms of depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder following interpersonal trauma exposure. Ages 18-70. Location in Washington, DC.
  • Identification and Therapy of Postpartum Depression.
    Interventional study. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a telephone-based depression screening and care management program in treating depression in postpartum women. Ages 18 and over. Location in Pittsburgh, PA.
  • Bipolar II Depression: Lithium, SSRI, or the Combination.
    Interventional study. This study will compare the safety and effectiveness of a mood stabilizing medication, an antidepressant medication, and a combination of both medications to treat symptoms of bipolar type II depression. Ages 18-65. Locations in Los Angeles, CA; Palo Alto, CA; Mason, OH.
  • Effect of Family-Based Prevention on Children of Depressed Parents.
    Interventional study. This study will test the Protecting Families Program, a 10-week prevention program for depressed parents and their pre-teenage children, by comparing the effectiveness of the program versus parent training alone. Ages 9 and over. Location in Philadelphia, PA.
  • Hormonal Causes of Menstrual-Related Mood Disorders.
    Evaluation study. This study will explore possible hormonal causes of menstrual-related mood disorders (MRMD) by stopping the menstrual cycle with a drug called Lupron and then giving in sequence two menstrual cycle hormones, progesterone and estrogen. Ages 18-50. Location in Bethesda, MD.
  • Function of Catecholamines in the Brain During Depression.
    Evaluation study. This study will explore brain function related to depressive symptoms and will examine DNA for genes that may be involved in depressive disorders, particularly genes that regulate synthesis and metabolism of the brain neurotransmitter catecholamine. Ages 18-45. Location in Bethesda, MD.
  • A Treatment Study for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
    Evaluation study. This study examines the effects of estrogen and progesterone on mood, the stress response, and brain function and behavior in women with premenstrual syndrome. Ages 18-45. Location in Bethesda, MD.
  • Brain Tissue Collection for Neuropathological Studies.
    Evaluation study. The purpose of this study is to collect and study the brain tissue of deceased individuals to learn more about the nervous system and mental disorders. Locations in Washington, DC; Bethesda, MD; Fairfax, VA.
  • Evaluation of the Genetics of Bipolar Disorder.
    Evaluation study. This study looks to identify genes that may affect a person's chances of developing bipolar disorder (BP) and related conditions. Ages 18 and over. Location in Bethesda, MD.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for other NIH studies on Depression.

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friendshelpingfriends  

Stress, Depression and the Holidays: 10 tips for coping

Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression.

By Mayo Clinic staff

The holiday season, which begins for most Americans with Thanksgiving and continues through New Year's Day, often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it's no wonder. In an effort to pull off a perfect holiday, you might find yourself facing a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name a few. So much for peace and joy, right?

Actually, with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress and depression that often accompany the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

Recognize holiday triggers

Learn to recognize common holiday triggers, so you can disarm them before they lead to a meltdown:

  • Relationships. Relationships can cause turmoil, conflict or stress at any time, but tensions are often heightened during the holidays. Family misunderstandings and conflicts can intensify — especially if you're thrust together for several days. On the other hand, facing the holidays without a loved one can be tough and leave you feeling lonely and sad.
  • Finances. With the added expenses of gifts, travel, food and entertainment, the holidays can put a strain on your budget — and your peace of mind. Not to mention that overspending now can mean financial worries for months to come.
  • Physical demands. Even die-hard holiday enthusiasts may find that the extra shopping and socializing can leave them wiped out. Being exhausted increases your stress, creating a vicious cycle. Exercise and sleep — good antidotes for stress and fatigue — may take a back seat to chores and errands. To top it off, burning the wick at both ends makes you more susceptible to colds and other unwelcome guests.

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

  1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
  2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
  3. Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videotapes.
  4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression too.
  5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.
  6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That'll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
  7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
  8. Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
  9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
  10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Take control of the holidays

Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you may find that you enjoy the holidays this year more than you thought you could.

reply to friendshelpingfriends
booperlynn  

I am hear to listen

Friendship can mean alot of things. It is so hard today to find a true friend. I am one of those people. I am hear if anyone needs to talk. I am trustworthy and reliable so dont be affraid to contact me for anything

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Mckenna  

Last resort

 In January of 2005 I was employed witha company I had been with 7 yrs, had a vehicle, health insurance and I was purchasing a home. Due to stress related issues i went out on stress leave and upon being released to go back to work I was laid off.  I have never been without a job.  I am 30 yrs old, no children and unmarried.  I have endometriosis, severe psoriasis and no medical insurance.  I have no vehicle now and I am unable to get to and from a job.  I was receiving unemployment until I accepted a job referred to me through the Texas Workforce Commision  to work from home.  I used the last of my money to rent a computer set up a phone line start internet service and register with this company only to find they are not a legitimate company.  I am now broke.  I have to reapply for benefits and wait for a decision if I am still eigible as I wasn't looking nor can I show proof of job hunting.  The gas has been cut off in my home.  The electric is next.  I am being evicted due to not paying my rent for January.  My electric bills have been averaging about $200 per month because Xcel stated there is a problem and I am using 3 times the electricity I should be using.  There is no water pressure in this house.  The land lord will not fix anything and is instead evicting me.  I have to go to court on February 2, 2006. I have animals to feed and myself. I have a pension check for $4700 coming to me March 24, 2006 but I don't have 60 days to wait and I am unable to get a loan.  I have to be out of this house on February 7, 2006 and I have nowhere to go, nowhere to store my stuff and no money to do it with. I have never not had a job, never had any utilities disconnected. I am very depressed and I just need a little help please.    Thank you .
reply to Mckenna