Sad, Bitter and Pissed off!!!!!

I am adopted.  My mother passed away on November 26, 2007.  Since my Mother passed away the only person that I hear from on her side of the family is her niece and my cousin Paula.  I made an effort to invite members of the family to my sons 7th birthday party which we had yesterday.  None of them bothered to come.  Paula I knew most likely wouldn’t because she doesn’t drive alot and drives even less in bad weather.

Well I made my last effort to include the others in my life.  The only one I will talk to on a daily basis or invite to anything that I have for my family is Paula.  The others need not worry that they will hear from me again because they won’t.  Lord knows that I don’t need them for anything.

My Mom would be really proud of the way they are treating me and my children.  But, as I told Paula, it is not for me to judge them.  They will be judged by a higher power.  I will leave judgement to Our LORD and Savior. 

It just saddens me that they feel as if we are no longer a part of this family simply because my Mother is no longer with us.

SHE WAS ONLY 13

SHE WAS ONLY 13 YRS OLD…

Her dad was drunk
Her mom was an addict
Her parents kept her
Locked in an attic
Her only friend
was a little toy bear
It was old and worn out
And had patches of hair
She always talked to it
When no one’s around
She lays there and hugs it
Not a peep of sound
Until her parents
unlock the door
Some more and more pain
She’ll have to endore
A bruise on her leg
A scar on her face
Why would she be
In such a horrible place?
But she grabs her bear
And softly crys
She loves her parents
But they want her to die
She sits in the corner
Quiet but thinking,
“Please God, why is
My life always sinking?”
Such a bad life
For a sad little kid
She’d get beaten and beaten
For anything she did
Then one night
Her mom came home high
And the poor child was beaten
As hours went by
Then her mom suddenly
Grabbed for a blade
It was sharp and pointy
One that she made
She thrusted the blade
Right in her chest,
“You deserve to die
You worthless piece of crap!”
The mom walked out
Leaving the girl slowly dying
She grabbed her bear
And again started crying
Police showed up
At the small little house
Then quickly barged in
Everything quiet as a mouse
One officer slowly
Opened a door
To find the little girl
Lying dead on the floor
It must have been bad
To go through so much harm
But at least she died
With her best friend in her arms
A child dies every day from child abuse
And if you have an ounce of pity in you for Auroura (the little girl),
and you hate child abuse with a passion,
just repost this
if you dont repost this you’re a lazy, cold hearted person
repost this saying: she was only 13

Depression

Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

• Definition of Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
• Description of Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
• Causes and Risk Factors of Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
• Symptoms of Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
• Diagnosis of Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
• Treatment of Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
• AlternativeDepression (Major Depressive Disorder)
• Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

Definition of Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

Depression is a medical disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, and a general loss of interest in life, combined with a sense of reduced emotional well-being and low energy. People with depression also tend to have disturbed sleep, reduced appetite and may even feel suicidal.

Description of Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

Symptoms of depression can occur as a result of a wide range of medical and psychiatric disorders. In a person who has been found to not be medically ill, there are three common psychiatric diagnoses in which depression is present: major depressive disorder, Dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder:

· Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see Symptoms below) that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. These symptoms occur without any apparent cause and deepen and persist day-in and day-out for two weeks or longer.

· Dysthymia is marked by mild to moderate depressive symptoms that last at least two years. People with this condition tend to have fewer symptoms than those with major depression, but the symptoms last longer and develop more slowly. Sometimes people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes.

· Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic-depressive illness, involves cycles of depression and elation (mania). Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, a person can have any or all of the symptoms of depression. When in the manic cycle, any or all manic symptoms (see Symptoms below) may be experienced.

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Causes and Risk Factors of Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

Depression is caused by a combination of genetic (inherited), psychological and environmental factors. Depression, especially bipolar disorder, has been shown to run in families. Additionally, having too little or too much of certain neurochemicals in the brain have shown to be the cause of depression. The psychological makeup of a person, such as low self-esteem, pessimism and stress, can also cause depression. Environmental or other associated health factors, such as a serious loss, chronic illness, pregnancy, childbirth, difficult relationships, financial problems, unwelcome changes in life patterns, alcohol, drug abuse and medications can also trigger a depressive episode.

Depressed mood can be caused my a variety of medical conditions and by certain medications, including certain sedating and heart medications. Once these conditions are treated or the medication stopped or changed, the depressive symptoms will usually go away.

Symptoms of Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

The symptoms of depression include:

• loss of interest in the things that the person once enjoyed
• feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps
• feeling slowed down or restless and unable to sit still
• feeling worthless or guilty
• an increase or decrease in appetite or weight
• thoughts of death or suicide
• problems concentrating, thinking, remembering or making decisions
• trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• loss of energy or feeling tired all of the time
• headaches
• digestive problems
• sexual problems
• feeling pessimistic or hopeless
• being anxious or worried

The symptoms of mania are:

• feeling unusually “high,” euphoric or irritable
• severe insomnia
• grandiose notions
• increased talking
• disconnected and racing thoughts
• increased sexual desire
• markedly increased energy
• poor judgment
• inappropriate social behavior

Diagnosis of Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

Diagnosis of depression involves a psychological/physical history and evaluation. According to the American Psychiatric Association, if a person experiences a loss of interest in the things they once enjoyed and are feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps for at least two (2) weeks, and are experiencing at least five (5) of the other symptoms of depression, they may have major depression. If a person experiences euphoria, irritability, or a feeling of being “high” with four (4) other symptoms of mania for at least one (1) week, they may have bipolar disorder.

In addition to listing the symptoms, the doctor will also ask when the symptoms began, how long they have lasted, how severe they are, whether the individual has had them before, and if so, whether or not they were treated and what treatment was received, as well as whether or not other family members have had these symptoms.

Furthermore, a mental status examination will be done to determine if speech, thought patterns or memory have been affected. The physical examination will either diagnosis and/or rule out any medical conditions (such as thyroid disease, cancers or neurologic diseases) that could be causing the depression.

Treatment of Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

Treatment of depression usually involves medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. Other treatments may include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), light therapy and alternative treatments.

Medication

There are more than 20 antidepressant drugs currently available. Antidepressants correct the chemical imbalance in the brain. Because a variety of drugs target different neurotransmitters and imbalances of these neurotransmitters can vary from patient to patient, some drugs may be more effective than others for any individual. Sometimes a combination of drugs is best.

There are four (4) groups of antidepressant medications most commonly used to treat depression:

• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), which include:

amitriptyline (Elavil)

imipramine (Trofanil,Janimine)

nortryptyline (Pamelor)

despiramine (Norpramin)

TCAs work by slowing the rate at which neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) re-enter brain cells. This increases the concentration of the neurotransmitters in the central nervous system which relieves depression.

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). MAO is an enzyme responsible for breaking down certain neurotransmitters in the brain. MAOIs inhibit this enzyme and restore more normal mood states.
• Lithium carbonates, including Eskalith and Lithobid. Lithium reduces excessive nerve activity in the brain by altering the chemical balance within certain nerve cells. This drug has been used to improve the benefit of SSRIs and alone is effective in treating bipolar disorder.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include:

fluoxetine (Prozac)

fluvoxamine (Luvox)

paroxetine (Paxil)

sertraline (Zoloft)

citalopram (Celexa)

escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro)

SSRIs act specifically on serotonin, making it more available for nerve cells, thus easing the transmission of messages without disrupting the chemistry of the brain. Two other antidepressants that affect two neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine, are venlafaxine (Effexor) and nefazodone (Serzone). Another of the newer antidepressants, bupropion (Wellbutrin), is chemically unrelated to the other antidepressants. It has more effect on norepinephrine and dopamine than on serotonin.

Medication usually produces a marked improvement by six weeks, but may require up to 12 weeks for full effect.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy involves talking to family doctor, counselor, psychiatrist or therapist about things that are occurring in a person’s life. The aim of psychotherapy is to remove all symptoms of depression and return a person to a normal life.

There are three psychotherapies commonly used to treat depression: behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy or interpersonal therapy. Behavioral therapy focuses on current behaviors, cognitive therapy focuses on thoughts and thinking patterns, and interpersonal therapy focuses on current relationships.

Although psychotherapy may begin to work right away, it may take eight to 10 weeks to show a full effect for some people.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

ECT, also called electroshock treatment, is used for severely depressed patients and/or those who have not responded to antidepressant medication and/or psychotherapy. During this therapy, an electric current travels through electrodes placed on the temples, causing a generalized shock that produces biochemical changes in the brain.

Light Therapy

In light therapy, a special kind of light called a broad-spectrum light, is used to give people the effect of having a few extra hours of daylight each day. Light therapy is helpful in treating people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a serious depression that recurs each year at the same time, starting in fall or winter and ending in spring.

Helpful Tips

During the treatment process try these helpful tips:

• Do not set difficult goals or take on a great deal of responsibility.
• Break large tasks into small ones, set priorities, and do what you can.
• Try to be with other people.
• Participate in activities that make you feel better.
• Do not overdo it or become upset if the treatment does not work right away.
• Do not make major life decisions.
• Do not expect to snap out of depression.
• Do not expect too much of the depressed person.

AlternativeDepression (Major Depressive Disorder)

Light therapy, acupuncture, herbal remedies (such as St. John’s Wort), exercise, mediation and fasting are shown to help people lessen or eliminate symptoms associated with depression.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

Has a complete diagnostic evaluation been given?

What type of depression is it?

What kind of treatment should be used or sought?

Would an antidepressant medication be prescribed?
If so, what are the side effects?

After treatment is started, how long will it take before there is an improvement?

Is the depression likely to return?

If the depression is due to a serious loss, how long is the depression going to last?
What measures can be taken to help the process?

Where can the family get help to cope with this disorder or get more information?

Degenerative Disc Disease

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease is not really a disease but a term used to describe the normal changes in your spinal discs as you age. Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the interlocking bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist. Degenerative disc disease can take place throughout the spine, but it most often occurs in the discs in the lower back (lumbar region) and the neck (cervical region).

See an illustration of the spine and the discs in your spine.

The changes in the discs can result in back or neck pain, as well as:

• Osteoarthritis, the breakdown of the tissue (cartilage) that protects and cushions joints.
• Herniated disc, an abnormal bulge or breaking open of a spinal disc.
• Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal, the open space in the spine that holds the spinal cord.

These conditions may put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain and possibly affecting nerve function.

What causes degenerative disc disease?

As we age, our spinal discs break down, or degenerate, which may result in degenerative disc disease in some people. These age-related changes include:

• The loss of fluid in your discs. This reduces the ability of the discs to act as shock absorbers and makes them less flexible. Loss of fluid also makes the disc thinner and narrows the distance between the vertebrae.
• Tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer (annulus or capsule) of the disc. The jellylike material inside the disc (nucleus) may be forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule, which causes the disc to bulge, break open (rupture), or break into fragments.

These changes are more likely to occur in people who smoke cigarettes and those who do heavy physical work (such as repeated heavy lifting). People who are obese are also more likely to have symptoms of degenerative disc disease.

A sudden (acute) injury leading to a herniated disc (such as a fall) may also begin the degeneration process.

As the space between the vertebrae gets smaller, there is less padding between them, and the spine becomes less stable. The body reacts to this by constructing bony growths called bone spurs (osteophytes). Bone spurs can put pressure on the spinal nerve roots or spinal cord, resulting in pain and affecting nerve function.

What are the symptoms?

Degenerative disc disease may result in back or neck pain, but this varies from person to person. Many people have no pain, while others with the same amount of disc damage have severe pain that limits their activities. Where the pain occurs depends on the location of the affected disc. An affected disc in the neck area may result in neck or arm pain, while an affected disc in the lower back may result in pain in the back, buttocks, or leg. The pain often gets worse with movements such as bending over, reaching up, or twisting.

The pain may start after a major injury (such as from a car accident), a minor injury (such as a fall from a low height), or a normal motion (such as bending over to pick something up). It may also start gradually for no known reason and get worse over time.

In some cases, you may have numbness or tingling in your leg or arm.

How is degenerative disc disease diagnosed?

Degenerative disc disease is diagnosed with a medical history and physical examination. Your health professional will ask about your symptoms, injuries or illnesses, any previous treatment, and habits and activities that may be causing pain in the neck, arms, back, buttocks, or legs. During the physical examination, he or she will:

• Check the affected area’s range of motion and for pain caused by movement.
• Look for areas of tenderness and any nerve-related changes, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area, or changes in reflexes.
• Check for underlying conditions, such as fractures, tumors, and infection.

If your initial examination reveals no signs of a serious condition, imaging tests, such as an X-ray, are unlikely to help the diagnosis. Imaging tests may be considered when your symptoms develop after an injury, nerve damage is suspected, or your medical history suggests conditions that could affect your spine, such as bone disease, tumors, or infection.

How is it treated?

To relieve pain, put ice or heat (whichever feels better) on the affected area and use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin (such as Bayer), ibuprofen (such as Advil), or naproxen sodium (such as Aleve). Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) also can help relieve pain. Your health professional can prescribe stronger medications if necessary.

Further treatment depends on whether the damaged disc has resulted in other conditions, such as osteoarthritis, a herniated disc, or spinal stenosis. Physical therapy and exercises for strengthening and stretching the back are often recommended, and in some cases surgery may be recommended.