Possible New Method to Treat Stress-Induced Depression

Many parents of children with special needs experience depression induced by the stress of the challenges they face daily. Hope is on the horizon as researchers continue to investigate innovative new treatment methods.

Scientists at the RIKEN-MIT Center for Neural Circuit Genetics have discovered how memories (both positive and negative) impact mood disorders. These researchers sought to determine if a positive memory could overcome a negative one. The subjects were mice engineered to have memories tagged in the dentate gyrus area of the brain, which could be reactivated through an optical fiber.

Male mice were first provided with exposure to a female mouse to create a positive experience to remember. Then they had a negative event that led to a form of depression. Light was then used to remind the mice of the earlier positive experience and caused a rapid recovery from the depression. This was continued for five days, leading to continual reactivation of the positive memories and resistance to stress-induced depression.

The take away? While this is an early study, it may lead to new treatments for depression. Individuals can try using positive memories to reduce their depression--it can't hurt.

Do you have any experience using positive memories to treat or reduce your depression?

Helping Children with Disabilities Start, Follow Through, and Complete Activities - Improving Executive Function

Many people with disabilities struggle with executive functioning. Your executive function abilities can be compared to the leader of an orchestra. These skills are what coordinates all other brain activities. Individuals who have problems with executive function will struggle to

• plan a project
• determine how long an activity will take
• tell a story out loud or in writing
• share details that are organized or sequential
• memorize and retrieve memories
• start activities
• generate ideas
• recall information while doing something else--such as remembering what to do next as they are getting dressed

Diagnosis of an executive function disorder may be made through standardized testing by an educational diagnostician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Challenges with executive functioning may also be part of another disabling condition such as ADHD, autism, depression, learning disabilities, brain injuries, Alzheimer's, stroke, etc. 

There are two types of executive function: organization and regulation. Organization is involved for tasks like making a grocery list, getting to the store, purchasing the items, and getting them put away. Regulation is required to react to changes, such as lowering the volume of your voice when you go from outside to in the house.

There are many things you can do at home to improve executive function:

• Give step-by-step instructions for new activities, with visual reminders to use along the way. 
• Make use of organizers, watch alarms, computer reminders, and other devices for reminders.
• Use visual schedules when learning how to get ready for school, making a simple meal, or performing household tasks like setting the table. 
• Combine oral instructions with visual or written reminders when possible. 
• Plan for transitions between activities (give warnings and reminders).
• Use checklists for long tasks.
• Break big projects (like cleaning the room) into smaller pieces, like 
• clean off the bed
• pick up the clothing
• put Legos away
• put game pieces away
• close closet door
• put books away
• Train your child to write the due date at the top of every assignment.
• Organize desks and lockers on a weekly basis
• clear clutter
• throw away trash
• have a "to do" area and a "completed" area
• make sure supplies are easy to reach
• Make a reusable checklist for homework and projects
• get supplies out
• seat in designated area
• work for 15 minutes
• 2 minute break
• work for 15 more minutes
• put supplies away
• put work in backpack to take to school
• Schedule monthly troubleshooting sessions to review problems and form solutions.

How do you best deal with executive function challenges?

Wellness Wednesday - Probiotics and Depression

A recent study by the Human Microbiome Project revealed an additional link between our gastrointestinal systems and our brains. Turns out, what happens in our digestive tracts can change emotions and behaviors.

The short version is that probiotics can have an impact on how we act and feel. How? By changing the chemical makeup of your blood and physical changes in the brain itself.

When you have more probiotics in your system and are stressed, less corticosteroids are released in your bloodstream, and you are able to remain calmer for a longer period of time. You are less likely to have an emotional or physical reaction with these lower levels.

In addition, the brain creates more receptors of a type that reduces anxiety. This means you naturally have a better capacity to relax.

The takeaway? Get out there and eat some yogurt, or take probiotic supplements. Your mood will thank you.

At Season's End by Eric Hendershot

"At Season's End" by Eric Hendershot is a sweet story set during the depression. It follows the life of Sally as she travels across the country with her mother, father, and younger brother, Tim.

The live of itinerant farm workers is a continual struggle. Forced off their farm. little family relies on faith, hard work, and the kindness of strangers to survive. They are not above inventing a history to improve their lot, but overall live by a strong moral code. At one point, they try to settle down to a more typical lifestyle. After going back on the road, a double tragedy hits the family and the siblings must find a way to survive.

I was fascinated to learn why some people choose to continue live in this way. They form strong friendships and a supportive community that bands together in challenging times. These people are free with their money and property to the point of sacrificing necessities. I was impressed by their charity and love.

You will enjoy this book through both laughter and tears and look forward to a sequel.

Purchase your copy at Amazon, Barnes and Noble,

Learn more about the author at http://atseasonsend.wordpress.com/