Brain Health - Depression

I Found this Article in My Save Section of my computer on Brain health and Depression I present this for your information 

Ernie orange county Calif

Twenty people out of 100 experience some form of depression during their lifetime.  With this high prevalence, we need to better understand this often misunderstood disease.  We have reviewed the chemical imbalance occurring in the brain of depressed people.  Low levels of essential chemicals necessary for brain cell function, such as serotonin, can result in depression.  In addition to chemical imbalance, the brains of depressed people demonstrate decreased blood flow through the frontal lobe, further impairing normal brain activity. 

Several lifestyle factors can worsen or improve the illness of depression.  Nutrition is one factor.  However, diet is not the only way to increase serotonin in the brain.  Exercise raises brain serotonin and increases blood flow through the brain.  Multiple research studies show exercise helps to reduce mild to moderate depression.  Muscle movement (motor activity) increases the stimulation rate of serotonin neurons, increasing the release and synthesis of serotonin.  Also, Remember the brain cannot produce serotonin unless the protein tryptophan is available.  Exercise increases the presence of tryptophan in the brain.  The increased presence of tryptophan persists even after exercise is completed.r

The most consistent effect of increased serotonin and increased blood flow through the brain is seen when regular exercise includes aerobic exercise.  Aerobic exercise requires the use of large muscle groups in a rhythmic motion, such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling.  The recommended minimum length is 30 minutes at least three times a week.

Exposure to bright light is a second possible approach to increasing serotonin without drugs.  Abundant evidence exists on the beneficial effect of bright light exposure in healthy individuals.  There is an interaction between bright light and the serotonin system.  A positive correlation exists between serotonin synthesis and the hours of sunlight.  Since outdoor light is more intense than normal indoor light, 30 minutes being outdoors in the sunlight is recommended.  Maybe you are concerned about the damage of the sun to the skin.  However, to reap the benefits of sunlight, the only body part that needs to be exposed is the eyes.  For example, you could sit on a patio or take a hike using protective clothing and still receive the benefits from sunlight.

Increasing evidence demonstrates what we choose to think about can also alter brain biochemistry.  Numerous studies have shown that alterations in though – such as self-induced mood changes, therapeutic counseling and meditation – can increase blood flow through the frontal lobe of the brain.

Happiness and well-being are important factors in protecting against mental and physical disorders.  Recent studies have shown negative emotions were associated with increased incidence of depression.  Positive emotions protected against depression.

A person’s mood also influences social relationships.  Positive emotions and agreeableness nurture social relationships with others, resulting in higher levels of social support.  Low social support is associated with higher levels of stress and depression, as well as increased illnesses and death from many medical illnesses.

Let’s end this discussion on depression by putting all the lifestyle factors together into a spiritual package.  Research has demonstrated an inner religious experience effective in recovery from depression.  However, an external religious activity was not as effective.

Spiritual food for the brain through Scripture study, meditation and prayer should be taken on a regular basis with the inner convicted purpose of knowing God better. These daily spiritual exercises need to be done with a true inner desire, rather than just going through the forms of religion.  Being exposed to the Light of the World will increase our self-worth and our sense of mission to others.


Anonymous

My Take #8 What is the best way to begin to normalize the dysregulated brain function and allow the person to regain some behavioral control over the use of the addicting substances?My Take #8

The best way to provide a successful result is a residential treatment program. The program begins with a medical assessment before the detoxification begins. The purpose of the detoxification to remove the drugs that are acting on the mesolimbic dopamine system (MLS). Slowly there is fleeting control changes giving back the power to the fore brain (thus the decision make become more normal). 

 Many treatment options are available, and are individualized to fit your recovery needs.  Stopping active addiction is just the beginning.  Recovery is a process of healing the mind, body and spirit.  Our program covers a wide variety of therapeutic areas and techniques designed to get you back into living a happy, clean, and sober lifestyle. For instance gym workouts and groups at the beach in the sunshine allow the nature body chemicals to begin to help take back the brain. Time is the great restorer. Slowly the forebrain gains mental clarity and the loving descent law abiding person returns. This is the beginning stages of getting “CHOICE” back into the equation relating to substance abuse. We use multiple disciplines to help the individual complete the process of early recovery. The process is healing the mind, body and spirit.

Our Goal is to resolve the core psychological problems that trigger the use of the substances. Thus, we provide psychological counseling in one-on-one and group settings through the utilization of the latest advances in Addiction Medicine, individual and group counseling, immersion in 12-Step recovery principles, long term continuing care planning, patients find that full recovery is more than just a possibility.

We teach an understanding of how and why the midbrain Hi-jacks the person away from “the seat of all that we are” in the fore brain. Teach techniques to control the ‘Cravings” that every addicted person has when they are becoming clean and sober. Time and good recovery tools leads to a less intense craving

Ernie @ Hope By The Sea

A Balanced Fulfilling Life After Addiction

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Hope By The Sea has developed one of the most powerful methods of helping clients learn how to make choices that create an effective, balanced and fulfilling life. We will help you clarify and authenticate you, so that you will have a loving, wise and passionate life.  Hope By The Sea is a place to heal from Substance Abuse, Alcoholism, Depression, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other symptoms that have taken over your life, affected your relationships, interfered with your ability to work efficiently, created distance and turmoil with the people you love, in general, caused you grief.  There is HOPE.  You can resolve these issues, as all these symptoms are treatable.                                                              

We understand the disease of addiction’s neurobiology and that the pathology is reversible. Our Program addresses the mid-brain (the survival brain) neurochemistry as well as restoring the dominance of the fore brain (the loving descent law abiding brain).   Various techniques are used to restore the fore brain dominance and to provide tool for the client to deal with the physical and psychological stresses that life brings. 

Ernie Co-Founder of Hope By The Sea