A Secret Life - Hiding In Plain Sight

Did you know that people can put on a happy face yet once alone, they can slip easily into a state of depression. Depression can hold someone hostage as they try to deal with the challenges of life. While some people are able to work through the challenges, there are others who become overwhelmed with the constant struggles of what they determine is too much to handle. It happens. You have no idea what someone is going through. In fact, you may hear the family and friends who are in shock as they face the sudden death of a loved one who they thought was doing great. You may even hear someone say, if I had his/her kind of money/fame, I would be so happy. What we do not know, is the private hurt or internal suffering that they may be facing.

Recently, young actor Lee Thompson Young committed suicide. He had a great reputation of being a clean cut guy. He did not take part in the popular celebrity lifestyle of drugs or alcohol. The news of his suicide was unexpected by those who knew him well, including the cast and crew of the series where he shared a starring role.

"Everyone at 'Rizzoli & Isles' is devastated by the news of the passing of Lee Thompson Young. We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man," TNT, Warner Bros. and executive producer Janet Tamaro said in a joint statement.
"He was truly a member of our family. Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both on- and off-screen, for his positive energy, infectious smile and soulful grace. We send our deepest condolences and thoughts to his family, to his friends and, most especially, to his beloved mother," the statement said.

And his mother who friends said that he shared a close bond with said - "We're all just in total shock," his mom, Velma Love.

Depressed people may be the life of the party or they can be quite engaging. Keep in mind, some people who are depressed may not want anyone to think that they are ill, sick, weak, lack self esteem and the other negative terms attached with depression. Unfortunately, in some cases, the depression can become so overwhelming that one becomes so hopeless and they feel that there is no other choice but to escape life. Rapper Freddy E had a dramatic end with tweets to his followers.


The 22 year old rapper Freddy E's suicide was also a shock to his family, friends and fans. Here's a post shared by his parents


If you or someone you know is depressed, please seek help. Whether you pray, meditate, seek counseling or other professional help - take control and do something. As you can see, sometimes not even the glitz, glam and screaming fans can save one from depression.

Yoga - Try It You May Like It

Yoga it does a body, mind and spirit real good. It involves stretching of the muscles which is great as it releases the lactic acid that builds up with muscle use and causes Fatigue, pain, stiffness and tension. It also improves your posture and upper body strength.

Yoga is used to treat clinical depression and heart disease. Studies have indicated that other benefits can be found in improving chronic medical conditions, as it has relieved symptoms of asthma, arthritis and back pain. The National Institutes of Health is interested in the benefits of yoga and has funded clinical trials on yoga and its health benefits for insomnia and multiple sclerosis.

There are many forms of yoga. Asanas, ashtanga and power yoga are among the different forms of yoga and varies in their levels of activity. If you have never tried yoga because you think it's to difficult or you just never gave it any thought - why not give it a try, before you know it you may be a pro :-) The benefits are worth it and you can begin by checking out the video below. Go on and give it a shot.

Winter Blues

I have the blues
You have the blues
We all have the blues
That old winter blues

What are the blues - specifically the winter blues?

According to research studies, the winter blues is a form of depression that takes effect during the late fall through the winter season. In addition, studies show that 4 to 6% of the US population suffers from seasonal depression. Furthermore, 10-20% suffer from a mild case of winter blues. Interestingly,the majority of those who suffer from the winter blues are women ages 20-40 years old. However, the winter blues has also affected children and adolescents. So while many are happy for the white fluffy snow, planning ski trips, snowboarding or ice skating and all of the winter season activities, others are not so delighted. In fact, they may become depressed.

The culprit?

Although it is not known what is exactly responsible for the winter blues, there are many factors that are associated with the winter blues. One factor that is most common is the daylight change period. The lack of sunlight, not to mention the warmth that goes along with it, creates a lethargic, low level energy.

Melatonin is responsible for sleep and waking cycles. Serotonin has a broader role as it is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for mood, hunger, and sleep. Needless to say, as daylight savings ends the hours of sunlight decreases. it is at this point, the winter blues kicks in gear and the mood changes begin. It really takes it's toll on the way one who suffers of the winter blues respond to things. They do not want to socialize, they are tired and cannot wait to get home to relax. In fact, the winter blues may even affect the ability to concentrate.

Do I have the winter blues or do I just prefer to stay out of the cold?

Well, do you feel the need to hibernate - do you want to sleep and wake up in the springtime? Do you just prefer to be left alone until it's spring? Then most likely you are suffering from the winter blues.

Any Good News?

Here's the good news, there are various forms of therapies that may help you overcome the winter blues:

Light Therapy - normal light fixtures emits 250 to 500 lux on the other hand,light boxes emit high intensities of light of 2,500 to 10,000 lux and produce similar effects to the sun’s natural rays and as a result the mood is improved.

Sleep Strategies - get to bed early and wake up in time to enjoy the sunlight hours

Eating Plan - increase portions of complex carbohydrates, like pasta and rice, and healthy simple carbohydrates like fruits and fruit juices during meals, and avoid those unhealthy snacks. Unhealthy snacks are a quick fix of pleasure that will ultimately decrease your energy.

Burning Calories Plan - exercise it enhances your mood and boosts your energy

The Very Last Plan - Medication should be the very last resort and it should be administered by a health care professional who has evaluated your complaints. If it is determined that the other methods would not work for you - then this is the option.

Spring is on the way - hang on in there.