"If you can't be happy where you are, maybe you need to move!" Written by Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D.
Every time I give a talk about life transition, someone invariably calls to say, "I believe happiness is inside us. If you can't be happy here, you can't be happy anywhere."I have to resist temptation to shout, "Aaargh!" We all know people who never seem to be happy. They move from one town to another. Maybe they keep changing jobs. It's tempting to say something like, "People your age always have trouble when they move to a new community." Or, "Very few people enjoy their jobs -- get used to it!" Both of those statements are true. However, some people really will be happier in New York City than in a small town in Iowa, and vice versa. Some people have managed to choose a career that clashes with their personalities, talents and needs. When they move, they're happier almost immediately. But don't be too quick to tell yourself (or your friend), "So, move already! Stop complaining!" If you've had several unhappy moves, identify underlying cause. You may simply be a restless person who needs a career and lifestyle that offers variety. You may be an outgoing, lively person, in a career or town that rewards quiet, reserved communication styles. You may be a morning person in a world that demands staying awake past midnight and sleeping till noon.
| | Major Depression and Manic-Depression — Any difference?Written by Michael G. Rayel, MD
Countless number of patients and their family members have asked me about manic–depression and major depression. “Is there any difference?” “Are they one and same?” “Is treatment same?” And so on. Each time I encounter a chorus of questions like these, I am enthused to provide answers. You know why? Because difference between these two disorders is enormous. The difference does not lie on clinical presentation alone. The treatment of these two disorders is significantly distinct. Let me begin by describing major depression (officially called major depressive disorder). Major depression is a primary psychiatric disorder characterized by presence of either a depressed mood or lack of interest to do usual activities occurring on a daily basis for at least two weeks. Just like other disorders, this illness has associated features such as impairment in energy, appetite, sleep, concentration, and desire to have sex. In addition, patients afflicted with this disorder also suffer from feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. Tearfulness or crying episodes and irritability are not uncommon. If left untreated, patients get worse. They become socially withdrawn and can’t go to work. Moreover, about 15% of depressed patients become suicidal and occasionally, homicidal. Other patients develop psychosis—hearing voices (hallucinations) or having false beliefs (delusions) that people are out to get them. What about manic-depression or bipolar disorder? Manic-depression is a type of primary psychiatric disorder characterized by presence of major depression (as described above) and episodes of mania that last for at least a week. When mania is present, patients show signs opposite of clinical depression. During episode, patients show significant euphoria or extreme irritability. In addition, patients become talkative and loud.
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