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	<title>Fighting the Darkness: My Battle with Depression</title>
	<link>http://jamie.psychcentral.net</link>
	<description>After hiding my battle with depression for almost 15 years, it's time to share my struggles and triumphs.</description>
	<pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:17:26 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>The light at the end of the tunnel</title>
		<link>http://jamie.psychcentral.net/2008/02/07/the-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel/</link>
		<comments>http://jamie.psychcentral.net/2008/02/07/the-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:17:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jamieleggatt</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jamie.psychcentral.net/2008/02/07/the-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Shortly after attempting suicide at the age of 17, I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression and saw a wonderful psychologist. He explained depression to me in a way that keeps me hanging on when the going gets rough.
He said that depression is like being in a dark tunnel with no light. Although there is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Shortly after attempting suicide at the age of 17, I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression and saw a wonderful psychologist. He explained depression to me in a way that keeps me hanging on when the going gets rough.</p>
<p>He said that depression is like being in a dark tunnel with no light. Although there is always a light at the end of every tunnel, we often can’t see that light because the tunnel is too long. But each day is a step forward towards that light and if we keep plugging away, we will eventually see the light at the end of the tunnel.</p>
<p>I had been struggling with undiagnosed depression since I was 12 years old, which made my tunnel of depression a journey that lasted over five years. But he was right; eventually I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. With that experience in the back of my head, I always know that eventually the light will come. It’s just a matter of time.</p>
<p>This Christmas when I spiraled into another bout of depression, I reminded myself that even in the darkness, even when I can’t see it, there is light waiting for me at the end. After just over a month, I can finally see that speck of light waiting for me at the end of the tunnel and I know that if I just hold on a little longer, I’ll break out into the light again.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Fighting Depression Naturally</title>
		<link>http://jamie.psychcentral.net/2007/06/28/fighting-depression-naturally/</link>
		<comments>http://jamie.psychcentral.net/2007/06/28/fighting-depression-naturally/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:05:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jamieleggatt</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Natural Treatment]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Treating Depression]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jamie.psychcentral.net/2007/06/28/fighting-depression-naturally/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Lately I&#8217;ve been looking for natural methods to help improve my depression and have found some great information through Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., C.N.S.
I just finished listening to her audio seminar, &#8220;Lifting Depression Naturally&#8221; and found it very interesting. You can find the seminar on her audio seminar page - scroll down to click on the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Lately I&#8217;ve been looking for natural methods to help improve my depression and have found some great information through Ann Louise <span class="blsp-spelling-error">Gittleman</span>, Ph.D., C.N.S.</p>
<p>I just finished listening to her audio seminar, &#8220;Lifting Depression Naturally&#8221; and found it very interesting. You can find the seminar on her <a target="_blank" href="http://www.annlouise.com/ann_louises_audio_seminars.asp">audio seminar page</a><font color="#ffffff"> </font>- scroll down to click on the link she provides to play the audio.</p>
<p>Here are a few highlights:</p>
<p>One way to battle mild to moderate depression is through nutrition. Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error">Gittleman</span> explains that depression has been linked with hypo-<span class="blsp-spelling-error">glycaemia</span> (reactive low blood sugar) and suggests eliminating all gluten, dairy and yeast products. The best diet to overcome the hypo-<span class="blsp-spelling-error">glycemic</span> response includes quality proteins, lots of fresh vegetables, nuts and seeds, moderate dairy and a small <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">amount</span> of fruits. Good fats (such as fish oil and flax seed oil) are also essential.</p>
<p>Consider using supplements that battle low blood sugar, such as chromium, <span class="blsp-spelling-error">glutamine</span>, standardized ginseng extract, zinc and magnesium.</p>
<p>Having a <span class="blsp-spelling-error">GLA</span> deficiency that can trigger depression. She believes <span class="blsp-spelling-error">GLA</span> deficiencies can be genetic and warns that people with Scandinavian, Native American, Scottish, Celtic and Irish ancestry are most at risk.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t forget the importance of Vitamin B and <span class="blsp-spelling-error">folic</span> acid!</p>
<p>Although it seems like a lot of work, I&#8217;m willing to try a natural method for managing my depression. I&#8217;m going to give her suggestions a try and will let you know how it goes. First I need to go shopping. My cupboards are filled with all food it shouldn&#8217;t be!</p>
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		<item>
		<title>John Travolta says no to psychiatric medication</title>
		<link>http://jamie.psychcentral.net/2007/06/22/john-travolta-says-no-to-psychiatric-medication/</link>
		<comments>http://jamie.psychcentral.net/2007/06/22/john-travolta-says-no-to-psychiatric-medication/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:28:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jamieleggatt</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Stigma]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Treating Depression]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jamie.psychcentral.net/2007/06/22/john-travolta-says-no-to-psychiatric-medication/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[First Tom Cruise and now John Travolta - which celebrity will speak out next about treating an illness they have never experienced and have no real education about.
When Tom Cruise started the argument with Matt Lauer on the Today Show in 2005, I was deeply offended and terribly worried that his insensitive and uneducated comments [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>First <font color="#ffffff"><a href="http://fightingthedarkness.blogspot.com/2005/06/lies-about-depressive-illness-are.html">Tom Cruise </a></font>and now <font color="#ffffff"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/06/20/travolta.drugs.ap/index.html">John Travolta </a></font>- which celebrity will speak out next about treating an illness they have never experienced and have no real education about.</p>
<p>When Tom Cruise started the argument with Matt Lauer on the Today Show in 2005, I was deeply offended and terribly worried that his insensitive and uneducated comments would do harm to anyone that actually took stock in what he said. (<font color="#ffffff"><a href="http://fightingthedarkness.blogspot.com/2005/06/lies-about-depressive-illness-are.html">Click here</a> </font>to read my original post on Tom Cruise)</p>
<p>Now John Travolta is sharing his uneducated opinion on psychiatric medication with the press.</p>
<p><font color="#ffffff"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/06/20/travolta.drugs.ap/index.html">CNN.com reported</a></font>, &#8220;John Travolta says his thinking is in line with fellow Scientologist Tom Cruise, who has publicly defended the religion&#8217;s stance against psychiatry and the pharmaceutical industry.&#8221;</p>
<p>The article continues with a quote from Travolta.</p>
<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t want to create controversy; I just have an opinion on things, and there is nothing wrong with stating your opinion if you are asked,&#8221; he continues. &#8220;Everyone wants that right, and because you are famous doesn&#8217;t mean you have less of a right.&#8221;</p>
<p>I do agree that he has a right to his opinion, but worry about the dangers of sharing such a narrow minded opinion with the public.</p>
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