Finding the Origin of a Language

 There are more than five thousand languages known to be spoken in the world. Is there a common beginning to all of these?  Has there ever been a time when only one language was spoken? According to bible, the people of Babylon started building a tower that would reach up to heaven. This was so offensive to God that he obliterated the unity of their language, creating a language that was not understood by the people. Scholars through time have tried to trace the languages to a mother tongue.  By studying the world's great language families, such as Indo-European, the family that includes English This source connects different language families.  And by tracing these commonnalities, such as Indo-European, and by tracing the Indo-European languages back, from which all of the language families have derived.

There are some obvious connections among languages. In Arabic and Hebrew the counting system in each language are similar. Some numbers sound almost identical.

 Sanskrit resembles in certain ways, Greek and Latin and other languages. Certain similarities are striking apparent. The numbers, in English, Latin, Greek and Sanskrit are noticeably alike in all the languages.

By finding patterns, different languages can be grouped together as members of a language family. Finding organized similarities between these languages in areas of their grammar, similarities in their sounds, in their inflections, in the syntax of the language is what linguists faced with. And the similarities have to be very specific, and they have to link to show that these languages form a family.

With a comparative method, linguists have been able to establish the connections among a group of languages from Iceland to India. This group of about one hundred languages is called the Indo-European Family of Languages. Each of these languages can be traced to one of ten individual languages.

 The subgroups of families, that are still spoken today, are Balto-Slavic, Germanic, Celtic, Italic, Albanian, Hellenic, Armenian, and lastly, Indo-Iranian. By looking at the Germanic family, it can be seen how it has evolved into different languages, until find the ones we use today, like Swedish, Danish, English, and Dutch. By studying all the languages in this group, linguists can narrow it down to a mother tongue.

 Linguists look at the current language, and try and find other languages that are related to it, that descend from the same predecessor, and by this act of comparison, try and trace back through time. This is an enormous endeavor, because languages can change in very unpredictable ways, and linguists have to look beneath the surface and find the unity that the languages had before they diverged from each other.

The Muses of Greek Mythology

The Muses were brought to life to make the world forget evil and relieve sorrows and to praise the gods, and their victory over their ancestors, the Titans. Apollo was the main teacher of the Muses.  

They were usually accompanying him and the  and loved singing and dancing while Apollo was playing the lyre.

The home of the Muses was Mount Helicon in Central Greece, a mountain that was sacred to the Greek god Apollo, the Greek god of the music, the light and the sun. Their sanctuary was in Pieria.

The nine muses were the childfren of Zeus and his aunt, Titaness Mnemosyne, Memory. The specific functions of individual goddesses,that they are usually associated with are: Clio – History; Euterpe - Music and lyric poetry; Thalia – Comedy; Melpomene – Tragedy; Terpsichore – Dance; Erato - Love poetry and marriage songs; Polyhymnia - Sacred song and oratory; Urania – Astronomy and Calliope - Epic or heroic poetry.

In ancient times, all learning was under the benefaction of the Muses, and they were the inspirers of poetry, music, and art. It was common for schools to have a shrine to the Muses, and any place dedicated to them was known as a mouseion, the translation of our word museum.

The famous Museum at Alexandria, founded by Ptolemy I, was a temple of learning dedicated to them. As a custom, before poets or storytellers would recite their work, they first appealled for the inspiration and protection of the Muses.

The Name of the Planets and Mythology

With the exception of Earth, all of the planets in our solar system have names from Greek or Roman mythology. This tradition was continued when Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were discovered in more modern times.

Mercury also called Hermes, was the god of commerce, travel and thievery in Roman mythology. The planet received this name because it moves so quickly across the sky.

Venus  or Aphrodite was the Roman goddess of love and beauty. The planet is probably  named so because  it is a brilliant  and  beautiful sight in the sky, only outshone by the Moon and the Sun.

Earth, Gaia, is the only planet whose English name does not derive from Greek/Roman mythology. The name derives from Old English and Germanic. There are many other names for our planet in other languages.

Jupiter, Zeus was the King of the Gods in mythology, making the name  aptly for what is by far the largest planet in our solar system.

Mars  or Ares was the god of War. The planet probably got this name due to its red  coloring.

Saturn, Cronus, was the Roman god of agriculture.

Uranus is the ancient Roman deity of the Heavens, the earliest supreme god.

Neptune, Poseidon, was the Roman god of the Sea. Given the beautiful blue color of this planet, one can understand the name .

Pluto, Hades, was the Roman god of the underworld in Roman mythology. The planet  possibly received this name because it's so far from the Sun that it is in perpetual darkness.

The moons have been known for a long time , and so the names were assigned from mythological characters. For example, the moons of Jupiter were named for those who had roles in the life of Zeus, the Greek mythology counterpart of the Roman God Jupiter.

Medusa

                                                                     

Medusa was one of three of the monstrous sisters known as the Gorgons. They had wings, sharp metallic claws, huge boar-like tusks, and serpents for hair. A look at any one of them would turn men into stone. While her sisters were immortal, Medusa was not. Their parents are the monsters Echidna and Typhoon.

Medusa was once very beautiful. However, she brought on the wrath of Athena after laying with Poseidon in one of Athena’s, the war-goddess, temples. Athena turned her into a Gorgon. Medusa retreated to live with her sisters in a cave at the entrance the Underworld, land of the dead. King Polydectes of Seriphus sent Perseus to slay the Medusa and bring back her head, hoping he would perish so that the king could marry Perseus' mother Danae.

Perseus succeeded in killing Medusa with the aid of Athena and Hermes. The goddess equipped Perseus with the tools he needed to defeat Medusa and he returned with Medusa's head. When he discovered the plot of King Polydectes he used the head of Medusa to turn him and his guests into stones. Her head was later adorned the aegis of Athena's.

When Perseus cut off her head, the winged horse Pegasus leapt from the bloody neck of the slain Medusa . Also the outcome of her death  the hero Chrysaor was born.

The Arthurian Legend

The Arthurian knights, who sat with King Arthur around a circular table, became a fellowship between knights. Some of them are famous as heroes and champions of just cause; however, jealousy, envy and hatred existed within the fellowship. There were enemies within the Round Table as well as those who were not member of the fellowship. The knights were usually of noble birth: they were usually kings and princes, dukes, counts or earls and barons. They formed the strong point of the army. When the knights attend a festival or council at the king's main hall, those who sat at the head of table, usually had precedence over others. These knights would feel envy or jealousy to those of higher ranking. To resolve these problems, Arthur resorted to having his table constructed in a rounded shape. The ingenuity of this design, make all the knights equal, regardless if he was a king or a lower cast baron. No one would have precedence over others. The knights in Arthur's company became known as the Knights of the Round Table. These knights were heroes, renowned for their strength and courage, and for their skill in combat and warfare. So the Round Table actually began as a more of a tradition. With the quest for the holy Grail romance becoming more firmly rooted in the Arthurian legend, the Round Table became directly linked with the Grail. The table did not become just furniture to seat Arthur's knights, nor was it to solve a problem of precedence between knights. When  king  Uther died, the Round Table was passed on to King Leodegan of Camelide, one of his allies and the father of Guinevere. When Arthur married Guinevere, Leodegan gave the Round Table to Arthur as a wedding gift, along with one hundred knights of Leodegan. The Round Table could seat 150 knights, it was Merlin who help Arthur to chose the last fifty knights. Each seat had the name of knight magically written on the back of the seat, in letters of gold. One seat, however, remained unoccupied until the Grail knight  and the best knight would be seated  there; this seat was known as the Siege Perilou s. Arthurian legend (in the 13th-14th century), there was only one seat left vacate, that was the seat that no other knights could sit upon: the "Siege Perilous". Only one of the seats was left vacat. The Siege Perilous was reserved for the true Grail knight, and would remain unoccupied until the Grail hero appeared. Anyone who sat on it would be killed.  The Round Table was very much the symbol of Arthur's power as was his sword Excalibur and his castle abode Camelot.  The true Grail hero must be knight with the purest heart, who was not only chaste, but also a virgin without sins. That knight was Galahad, the son of Lancelot, the only knight allowed understanding of the mystery of the Holy Grail. The Fellowship of the Round Table was very much like the knightly orders of the medieval world. The military orders had begun during the First Crusade. They were intended to care for the sick pilgrims and the wounded knights whom fought the Muslims. The first two orders were established on the Holy Land.  Other orders were established, sometimes by rulers. In Germany, the best known order was Teutonic Order (1189-1525).    Arthur had never established  rules and heraldic designs upon his knights. Each wore knight wore what armor or shield they choose. Some knights wore design upon their shields  where they could be recognized. Often a knight would wear one of the colors, the most common being white, black, red, green and blue. Perceval was usually seen as the Red Knight, because the untrained youth had killed a Red Knight that had spilled wine on Queen Guinevere. The great hero Lancelot wore any armor and shield he was given, due to the fact that he like to travel incognito, so no one would recognize him. Especially when he was on an adventure or participating in the tournament. Lancelot started out being knighted as a White Knight, where the Lady of the Lake provided his armor and weapon, but he changed his armor many times, so he was also the Red Knight, Green Knight and then Black Knight. Shields sometimes had portraylas of animals, sometimes of the crown or sword. Other times, the shield had only one colour or sometimes they had a stripe or two. Arthur carried a shield with image of the Virgin Mary into battle.  The table was more than a dowry of Guinevere. In a way, Guinevere symbolized the kingdom of Logres (Britain). Arthur, who was Logres king, was not only wedded to Guinevere; he became wedded to the land. This link between the rulers who were wedded the land was common themes. The results of the Quest, when the Grail vanished from the world, it also meant the withdrawal of God's grace from Logres. Though the enchantment on Logres was broken and the Maimed King healed, the salvation did not come to the Brotherhood of the Round Table. Instead they were punished for their failings and their sins. One of the most notable deteriorating part of the Round Table was that Lancelot the greatest knight in the world, was in love with Queen Guinevere. Lancelot and Guinevere had committed adultry, tainting the honour of the Round Table. Arthur's war against Lancelot had split the Round Table into two factions, and left him weakened when Mordred betrayed him. Another failing was Mordred, who also belonged to the Round Table, and was born as the result of incest, between Arthur and his half-sister Morgawse. Mordred would allow his own lust for power and his father's wife Guinevere, to seize the kingdom during Arthur's absen Their sins would bring about the downfall of the Round Table and end the imperfect dreams of Arthur and Merlin.

In the end, the final betrayal was adultery committed by one of its members, Lancelot, with Arthur's queen, and the betrayal of  Mordred Arthur’s son born of adultery on his part; that finally brought the downfall of Arthur's kingdom

I Have Hypergraphia

I am a rapid cycling Bipolar I am unstable even on medication I experience hypergraphia which is a drive that causes excessive writing I write blogs about mental illnesses and was writing for 2 days and all of 1 night I went without sleep and could not stop researching and writing 

This may not seem to be a big problem but the drive was so strong that I did not eat or sleep or even rest for all that time I has been coming on slowly ever since I started writing blogs 

I plan on talking to my doctor about this If this is (which I have heard other people talk about) a part of mania if so I have to be more aware of it since writing so much just continues and continues the writing feeds the high or the high feeds the writing I am not sure which but something has to stop it I do not think that anything will if it is part of my mania I just need an answer so that I can try to control it  It is a good outlet for pent up emotions It finally caused relief and relaxation

Conversion Disorder

A conversion disorder is a rare mental disorder in which a person has physical symptoms that no medical condition can explain. The symptoms do not appear to be under the person's conscious control and they can cause significant distress. Examples of symptoms are a loss of muscle control, blindness, deafness and seizures.  People with conversion disorder have blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system symptoms that cannot be explained by medical examination.

Conversion disorder symptoms may occur because of a psychological conflict. Symptoms usually begin suddenly after a stressful experience. People are more at risk for a conversion disorder if they a very high percentage of people with conversion disorder have another psychiatric problem, such as generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or some form of depression. They also report a higher frequency of emotional or physical abuse during childhood.

The physical symptoms are thought to be an attempt to resolve the conflict the person feels inside.  A physical examination is needed to rule out physical causes for the symptoms. The affected body part or physical function will need physical or occupational therapy until the symptoms disappear. For example, paralyzed limbs must be exercised to prevent muscle weakness

Conversion disorder often appears after conflict or stress, though the person is not aware of this connection. The person believes the problem is physical. The name of the disorder comes from the idea that some sort of psychological distress is being converted into a physical symptom. Some experts believe that a conflict or painful thought is so unacceptable that it never reaches the person's awareness.

Conversion disorder is more common in women than in men. It occurs most frequently between adolescence and middle age. It appears more often in places where people know less about medicine and psychology, such as in underdeveloped countries.

A psychiatrist makes a diagnosis of conversion disorder based on the person's health history and a neurological examination. In the most obvious cases this diagnosis is made when the physical symptoms are not part of any known disorder of the nervous system. The doctor also tries to determine if any stress or conflict is at the root of the symptoms.

Conversion disorder can be very hard to detect, even with testing. There is no known way to prevent this disorder. Sometimes symptoms go away on their own after the stress has been reduced, conflict has been resolved and with the support of family. If the person experiences anxiety medication may help.

Psychotherapy can help to find the source of conflict or stress it may be possible to provide relief. With the help of psychotherapy, the person may learn to deal with the conflict and go forward with the new experience or avoid the stressor.

The outlook for conversion disorder varies. It depends on the nature of the stress and on the symptoms. Most symptoms of conversion disorder last a relatively short time. The more severe the symptoms, the faster they disappear.  The disorder may be seen as persistent and the person has trouble coping with stress and conflict and has a need for ongoing support.

Shared Psychotic Disorder

Shared psychotic disorder is a very rare condition in which people close to a mentally ill person share his false beliefs delusions. Shared psychotic disorder usually occurs only in long-term relationships in which one person is dominant and the other is passive. The person that the delusions are induced in is submissive to the person with the psychotic disorder. The people often are reclusive or in other ways isolated from society and have close emotional links with each other. The disorder can occur in groups of individuals who are closely involved with a person who has a psychotic disorder.

The disturbance is not due to the effects of a drug of abuse, a medication or a general medical condition. The dominating psychosis is most commonly found in persons with schizophrenia, delusions, or mood disorders.  Common Causes and risk factors of Shared Psychotic Disorder are: social isolation and stress.

Sign and Symptoms of Shared Psychotic Disorder usually are: delusions; hallucinations;  disorganized speech; disorganized or catatonic behavior.

Common Treatments of Shared Psychotic Disorder are: Antipsychotics are the preferred treatment for these disorders. Antipsychotic medications are also useful for Shared Psychotic Disorder. Anticonvulsants are also highly effective for shared psychotic disorder. Psychotherapy in treating Shared Psychotic Disorder may be Family therapy to reestablish the family and to provide social support to modify old family activity.

Mental Illness or a Sign of the Time

Mental illnesses like anything else in society are shaped a popular diagnosis.  The media brings the popularity to the front and suddenly a large part of the population believes that they are afflicted with that particular disorder.  The more glamorous sounding the symptoms the more they become a part of everyday language; such as multiple personality disorder or as it is popularly known as (MPD) or OCD; PTSD; Bipolar disorder and countless others.

The way these disorders are seen by John Q. Public makes the fad disorder, which changes so frequently that the diagnoses increase rapidly and are more difficult to pinpoint even for a professional.  Such as the case of Salem and the other witch hunts it is a form of mass hysteria.

The diagnosis of a mental disorder puts a label on certain behaviors.  Sometimes it is easier to define ourselves by these labels and makes it easier to describe ourselves.  If we can fit into a category which is sometimes a positive thing it is far from we can feel better about unacceptable behaviors.

While all people in a category have similar experiences each is an individual with a different personality; physical makeup; gender; genes and cultural background.   With the many forms of cultural differences in the world the similarities are not as common as it would seem.

While the seriousness of the situation of fad diagnoses threatens the need for medical attention by the population that needs the treatment it is a common occurrence in both medical and psychiatric professions.

When it is all sorted out the fads change; with it's change the misdiagnoses and confusion.  And the next popular syndrome brings mass attention to another disorder.

A Short History of Medical Practice in Greece and Rome

Persons with disabilities have been confronted the physical and mental impediments of their disability, but also with the social stigma and negative social attitudes. A persistent social rejection of people with disabilities is evident throughout history and cross cultures. Ancient Roman and Greek cultures viewed persons with physical disabilities as burdens on society and as less than human. People with mental illness were viewed as either immoral souls punished by God, or as being possessed by demonic spirits requiring exorcisms and other religious interventions.

Negative attitudes and a high degree of social distance towards people with disabilities have been recorded. Attitudes towards mental illness have been referred to as the least socially acceptable.

Roman medicine has had a long history, since overpowering of Grecian control in both secular and religious positions, but religious healing had the more lasting influence. The Etruscan heritage is shown in the early Roman reliance on divination such as religious processions to ward off plagues persisted into the Middle Ages.   As far back as the seventh century B.C. categories for each disease or symptom was alloted for a special divinity.

Over time, superstition gradually gave way to more rational attitudes.  As Rome dominated Greece more and more politically, Greek culture became the dominant force in the intellectual life of the Romans. In medicine the attitudes, methods, and practices were almost entirely Greek.  For the most part each family was attended to by the head of the household but no citizen practiced outside his home.

The number of Greeks and other foreigners continued to transfer into the powerful city of Rome. Many early healers were notably incompetent and unscrupulous, and most were slaves, but more and more Greek and Roman attitudes and methods began gradually to merge.

The acceptance of Greek practitioners in the first century B.C. was influenced by teachings by Erasistratus in the third century B.C. The general public was impressed by his personality, methods, and result. It was reported that he had restored a dead man to life.

 Asclepiads used methods, such as diet; exercise; massage; music and singing. One of his most successful procedures was tracheotomy for obstruction to breathing. For mental illness, he utilized opium, wine, and hygienic measures. He employed bleeding and for fevers used the traditional custom of marked restricting both food and drink.

Most Roman practitioners were mainly slaves and former. Physicians were usually of Greek origin, but Egyptians and Jews also practiced. There were government slave physicians for sick slaves and those who were assistants to free and freedmen physicians.

.

As in earlier times in Greece, midwives actively practiced obstetrics. Some women were looked upon as female doctors.

The training of physicians changed from unregulated individual instruction for a fee to supervision   compensated teachers in a school that included courses other than medicine. Bedside teaching was required.

The Roman talent for organization did not extend as willingly to institutional care of the sick and injured. However, infirmaries for sick slaves were established, and even free Romans sometimes used them. There were really no other places except the offices and perhaps homes of physicians where the ill and wounded could be domiciled, treated, and cared for.

My New Blog

In this blog there are my opinions and thoughts about various subjects.  This is an attempt to explore my own mind and the knowledge that I have gained throughout my life.  In this way I hope to keep sharing the information and experiences with mental disorders. There will be a broad spectrum of topics I hope you will enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.  bywena

Sacrificial Rites in Anceint Greece

Human sacrifice is the killing human beings as part of a religious ritual. It is in the relationship of the animal sacrifices and other forms of religious sacrifice.  Human sacrifice has been found in various cultures throughout history. The reasoning for the sacrifices was that was supposed to please or appease gods or spirits, or as a sacrifice when the King's servants are killed in order for them to continue to serve their master in the next life.

In modern times, sacrifice has virtually disappeared from all major religions.  Most religions censure the practice, and today’s laws treat it as murder, the term ritual murder is used.         

Ritualistic Sacrifice in Ancient Greek Mythology The ritual of sacrifice in Greek literature defined many aspects of their culture. Sacrifice was the basis of moral concern and an effective means of narratives in Greek tragedy. Sacrifice in Greek literature has a symbolic importance.  Both politics and religion were one and sacrifice regulated governmental issues and personal.

Sacrifice was the basis of the relationships between men and gods. The ritual sacrifice also classified the gods, and distinguished them from one another.

Sacrificial rites were the focus of many cultural festivals where different purposes were combined, initiation, purification and oath. Human blood rituals were performed before battle and at the burial rights of the dead.

Human sacrifices were not as prevalent as animal sacrifices although instances of human sacrifice did take place in Ancient Greece. Greek mythology depicted the current moral standards of society, thus creating the prominence of animal sacrifice in ritual.

The strength of a city in Greek literature was qualified by the blessings or vengeance inflicted by the gods. Discipline, in Ancient Greece, prevented chaos and disorder. Punishments by the gods were not set to any limits an unpleasant mood might provoke a decree of death.

Human and animal sacrifices differ; where human sacrifice was considered the ultimate rite of corruption, animal sacrifice characteristically was a festive occasion for the whole community. The actual sacrifice is considered to be an honorable rite; the violence involved is condoned. The gods derive get pleasure from these festivals. These sacrificial rites established relations between mortals and gods. The social order of Grecian life depended on sacrifice to in regulate governmental issues.

In today’s society sacrifices human or animal is considered barbaric and repulsive yet in some remote areas of the wor4ld it does still exist.  Life is considered sacred and the act of ritual; sacrifices are punishable by law.  The religious world condemns such practices agreeing with the laws of the state as being an act of murder.or the work of an unsound mind.

Cannibalism a History

Cannibalism in the past wascommon among humans in many parts of the world, it continued into the 19thcentury in some remote South Pacific cultures, and presently in partsof tropical Africa. In a few cases local flesh-markets existed. Fiji onceknown as the Cannibal Isles has been documented as being cannibals. Cannibalismwas found in Fiji, the Amazon Basin, the Congo and New Zealand.The Neanderthals are believed to have practiced cannibalism.

Cannibalism has been both carriedout in several wars, commonly in Liberia and Congo. Today, very fewtribes still believed to eat human flesh as a cultural practice. It isalso practiced as a ritual and in war in Melanesian tribes. People who eathuman flesh are usually charged with crimes such as murder or desecration of abody.

Cannibalism has been frequentlypracticed as a last resort by people suffering from famine. Occasionallyit has occurred in modern times. A famous example is the crash of an AirForce Flight crash after which some survivors ate the bodies of deadpassengers. Also, some mentally ill individuals obsess about eating human bodyparts.

The theme of cannibalism has beenfeatured in religion, mythology, fairy stories and in works of art. Cannibalismfeatures is most often attributed to evil characters or as extreme revenge forsome wrong.  Greek mythology involves cannibalism, especially offamily members, Cronos or Saturn in the Roman mythology devoured hissons. The story of Tantalus also illustrates this. These mythologiesinspired Shakespeare's works. 

Many instances of cannibalism bynecessity were recorded during World War II.  Reports of cannibalism began to appear in thewinter of 1941–1942, after all birds, rats and pets were eaten by survivors.  Withthe Soviet victory was found that some German soldiers in the besieged city,cut off from supplies, resorted to cannibalism.

German soldiers were taken prisonerof war. Most of them were sent to POW camps where being underfed by their captors,many had no other alternative resorted to cannibalism.

In some cases the flesh was cutfrom living people.

It is recorded that Japanese soldierskilled and consumed American pilots. Cannibalism in World War II of Allied prisonersby their Japanese captors included ritual cannibalization of the livers offreshly killed prisoners.

Cannibalism whether out of necessityor as a cultural ritual was and frequently found in all ages of the world.  The speculation of why does not make thispractice humane or acceptable to society. Cannibalism is now considered repulsive to most but exists even to thepresent time.

Mental Illness Through the Ages

In ancient Greek scholarswere of the opinion that mental diseases were caused by an imbalance in fourhumors of the body. The three humors which influenced mentaldisorders termed melancholia, mania and an acute mentaldisorder accompanied by fever. This was contrary to the supernatural or divineexplanations of illness. The belief that disease was the product ofenvironmental factors, diet and living habits, not as a punishment inflicted bythe gods, and that the  treatmentdepended on which bodily fluid, or humor, had caused the problem. Around427-347 BC the belief that there were twotypes of mental illness: divinely inspired mental illness that gave the personprophetic powers and a type that was caused by a physical disease. By 384 BC, thedivinely caused mental illness theory was abandoned and the proposal thatinstead all mental illness was caused by physical problems.

In ancient Greece and Rome,madness was associated the stereotype of pointless wandering and violence.

The Romans absorbedmany Greek ideas on medicine, as well as other cultures, through the conqueringof nations. The humor theory was discarded and scholars advocated humanetreatments, and had insane persons freed from confinement and treated them withnatural 

therapy, such as diet and massages. 

Playwrights described madmenas being driven insane by the Gods, imbalanced humors or circumstances. Mania wasoften used as a term for insanity; there were a variable range of terms fordelusion, eccentricity, frenzy, and lunacy. Some physicians argued thatinsanity is really present when a continuous dementia begins with imaginings.They suggested that people must heal their own souls through philosophy andpersonal strength. Common practices were bloodletting, drugs, talkingtherapy, incubation in temples, exorcism, incantations and amulets,as well as restraints and torture to restore rationality; starvation, beingterrified suddenly, agitation of the spirit, and stoning and beating.Most, of the mentally ill did not receive medical treatment but stayed with familyor wandered the street. The usual symptoms of delusions of the time includedpeople who thought them to be famous actors or speakers, animals, inanimateobjects, or one of the gods.

By the middle Ages, Persian and Arabicscholars were involved in translating, analyzing and Greek texts and beliefs.With the expansion of the Muslim world, these ideas were joined together withreligious thought. New ideas and concepts were developed over time. Arab texts containedwhole discussions of melancholia. Mania and other disorders includinghallucinations and delusions were also described. Mental disorder was thoughtto be caused by reason gone being lost, and diseases of the as well as to spiritualor mystical meaning. Fear and anxiety, anger and aggression, sadness anddepression, and obsessions were recorded.

Under Islam, the mentallydisordered were considered incapable but deserved humane treatment andprotection.  The first psychiatric hospital ward was created in Baghdad inand insane asylums were built in Fes, Cairo in and in Damascus around1270. Insane patients were compassionately treated using baths, drugs, musicand activities. For centuries to come, translations of many scientificIslamic texts, Canon of Medicine became the standard of medical science inEurope together with works of Hippocrates.

 European Christianity in the middle Ages inEurope the basis of mental illness were a mixture of the divine diabolical magical and transcendental.The four humors black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood were employed, somephysicians promoted trepanning as a cure to let demons and excess humorsescape. Other remedies in general use included bloodletting and whipping.Madness was often seen as a moral issue, either a punishment for sin or attest offaith. Christian theology supported various therapies, fasting and prayerfor those who turned away from God and exorcism of those possessed bythe devil. Mental disorders were thought to be due to sin although thebelief those other factors could be taken in consideration.  Mass dancingmania is reported from the middle Ages. This was one kind of massdelusion or mass hysteria that has occurred around the world through the millennia.

The care of lunatics was theresponsibility of the family. In England, if the family were unable or notwilling to take custody , representatives of the courts with a local jury andall interested persons, with the individual. Those considered lunatics had the support and involvement from thecommunity more often than those who have a mental illness today. Visionswere interpreted as meaningful spiritual and prophetic insights.

 During the 16th to 18th centuries somementally disturbed people may have been victims of the witch-hunts thatspread in early modern Europe, but those judged insane were admitted to workhouses, poorhousesand jails especially the paupers, some went to the new private madhouses. Restraintsand confinement were used for those thought dangerous or harmful to themselves,others or property.

Madness was commonly depicted inliterary works, such as the plays of Shakespeare

By the end of the 17th centuryand into the Enlightenment, madness was increasingly seen as an organic physicaloccurrence, not involving the soul or moral responsibility. The mentally ill wereviewed as wild animals. Restraint in chains was seen as helping contain the animalfuries. Treatment in the few public asylums was harsh, inferior only to prisons.The most well known is Bedlam where at one time spectators could payto watch the inmates as entertainment. Towards the end of the 18th century,a moral treatment movement developed, that implemented more humane,psychosocial and personalized methods.

The 19th century, with industrialization andpopulation growth, saw an expansion of the number and size of insane asylums.  However, very little therapeutic activityoccurred in the new asylum system, the little more there was seldom medical attentionto patients, except for other physical problems.

Reports of many mental disordersand irrational uncontrolled behavior are common in historical records back toancient times, some disorders; they were relatively rare prior to the 19^thcentury.

By the 1870s in North America,officials who ran Lunatic Asylums renamed them Insane Asylums.

The 20th century brought about psychoanalysis.

Asylum administers attempted toimprove the image of the asylums. Asylum inmates were referred to as patients andasylums renamed as hospitals. Referring to people as having a mental illnessbegan during this period of the early 20th century.

In Nazi Germany, theinstitutionalized mentally ill were the earliest victims of sterilization ithas been estimated that over 200,000 individuals with mental disorders of allkinds were put to death.

Funding was often cut forasylums, during periods of economic decline, and wartime and many patientsstarved to death. 

Previously restricted to thetreatment of severely disturbed people in asylums, psychiatrists cultivatedclients with a broader range of problems, and between 1917 and 1970 the numberpracticing outside institutions swelled from 8 percent to 66 percent. Theterm stress was become popular and was linked to mental disorders.

Lobotomies, insulin shock therapy,electro convulsive therapy became commonly used in the mid-century.

In the 1960s deinstitutionalization graduallyoccurred, with isolated psychiatric hospitals being closed down withthe advanced opening of community mental health service.

With the medical advances andnewer more effective medications there is still little improvement in thestigma and shame of having a mental disorder. The closure of many of the state hospitals have brought a about theproblem that has had little impact on the people with mental disorders.  Instead of learning from the past it seemsthat there is a revolving door of returning to the past.

Motivation and Mental Health

Motivation is tied to mental health;depression which is a chronic mental and  often with physical symptoms has adebilitating lack of motivation. But a mental imbalance can cause excessive motivation,as in bipolar disorder during a manic episode. The relationship of motivation andmental health occurs in many different ways. Motivation can be severely lackingwith depression. The symptoms of depression stifle motivation, and thestronger these symptoms are, the lower your motivation is to accomplish goals.

Depression is best treated withmedication. Depression, due to past failures or traumas, can be better helpedwith therapy that focus on increasing coping skills. As your motivation increases,there is a decrease in the symptoms of depression.

Bipolar disorder is anotherdisorder where  motivation and mentalhealth is affected. People with bipolar disorder experience alternating periodsof depression and mania.

During depressive periods, theperson experiences most of the symptoms of major chronic depression, lowmotivation included. Manic episodes cause people to experience a degree ofmotivation that is the extreme opposite of depression. Both mania anddepression treated with medication and if needed therapy can balance themotivation.

With Bipolar I Disorder motivationwill help with staying with your treatment plan and assist you with yourmedication regime. To keep motivated, record your progress and how you arefeeling each day. This way you will be able to see how you are improving. Adaily journal is a good way to keep track of your progress.

Staying motivated to take your medicinemay help when you wonder if the medicine is really helping you. Progress inyour treatment plan may be slow at first. You may find that you have days whenyou're making good progress, and other days when your therapy seems to be at astand still. With  Bipolar I Disordergetting it under control sometimes is trial and error.

Treatment is the important thingand not losing  confidence in yourtreatment plan, even if you do not seem to be making progress for a few days, stickingwith your treatment plan is imperative to finding the right combination ofmedication any concerns should be discussed with your doctor.

There is hope for a recovery formental illnesses, although the work and commitment that is involved may seem attimes impossible.  Making mental wellnessis a goal that is worth striving for. Diligent adherence to proposals by your doctor and medication is vitalto healing and keeping mental  well being.

Bipolar Disorder and Medication

If you have bipolar disorder, medicationwill be prescribed. Medication can bring mania and depression under control andprevent relapse once your mood has stabilized. Medication used long term maynot be pleasing as an easy way of life, especially if you’re struggling withunpleasant side effects. But just as a diabetic needs to take insulin in orderto stay healthy, taking medication for bipolar disorder will help you maintaina stable mood.

If you have bipolardisorder, taking medication to reduce the frequency and severity of moodepisodes is the goal of treatment.

If side effects are severe, your doctormay switch the drug or change the dose. You should always check for druginteractions before taking another prescription medication, over-the-counterdrug, or herbal supplement. Drug interactions can cause unexpected side effectsor make your medication less effective or even dangerous. Mixing certain foodsand beverages with your medication can also cause problems. Learn aboutpotential interactions by discussing them with your doctor or talking to yourpharmacist.

Medication works best when makinghealthy choices. A pill can not work properly with abuse of a healthy way ofliving. Reduce or discontinue alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant and makes recoveryeven more difficult. It can also interfere with the way your medication works.

Lithium: Mood stabilizers aremedications that help control the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. They arethe cornerstone of treatment, both for mania and depression. Lithium is theoldest and most well-known mood stabilizer. It is highly effective for treatingmania.

Lithium can also help bipolardepression. But, it is not as effective for mixed episodes or rapid cyclingforms of bipolar disorder. Lithium takes from one to two weeks to reach itsfull effect.

 The side effects that is common on lithium.Some may go away as your body adapts to the medication. Weight gain ; drowsiness; tremor; weakness or fatigue ; excessive thirst; increased urination; stomachpain; thyroid problems; memory and concentration problems; nausea, vertigo; diarrhea

Anticonvulsants areused in the treatment of bipolar disorder as mood stabilizers. Originallydeveloped for the treatment of epilepsy, they have been shown to relieve thesymptoms of mania and reduce mood swings.

Valproic acid is ahighly-effective mood stabilizer. Common brand names include Depakote .Valproic acid is often the first choice for rapid cycling, mixed mania, maniawith hallucinations or delusions. It is a good bipolar medication option if youcan’t tolerate the side effects of lithium.

Common side effects include: drowsiness;weight gain; dizziness; tremor; diarrhea.

Other anticonvulsants that can beused as mood stabilizers include:  Tegretol; Lamicta; andl Topamax

Be wary of natural moodstabilizers they may cause paradoxical reactions.  But used with caution can help to stabilizeyour mood until the medication becomes more effective. There are many thingsyou can do to stabilize your mood. The way you live your life is just asimportant, than the medication you take. Making healthy choices for yourselfcan make a huge difference in how you feel.

Although antidepressants havebeen the drug of choice for episodes of bipolar depression, their use is becomingmore and more questionable. Antidepressants should be used with caution. Antidepressantscan trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder. If antidepressants areused at all, they should be combined with a mood stabilizer such as lithium orvalproic acid. Taking an antidepressant without a mood stabilizer is likely totrigger a manic episode.

Antidepressants can increase moodcycling. Over time, antidepressant use in people with bipolar disorder caninduce mania, and can increase the frequency of manic and depressive episodes.

 If you can stop your mood cycling, you mightstop having depressive episodes entirely. If you are able to stop the moodcycling, but symptoms of depression remain, medications may help

If you lose touchwith reality during a manic or depressive episode, an antipsychotic drug may beprescribed. They have also help with regular manic episodes. Antipsychoticmedications may be helpful combined with a mood stabilizer such as lithium orvalproic acid.

Common side effects ofantipsychotic medications for bipolar disorder Drowsiness Weight gain Dry mouthwhich can lead to tooth decay Constipation Blurred vision

Other medications for bipolardisorder are Benzodiazepine. Mood stabilizers can take up to several weeks toreach the effective dosage.  Other med,benzodiazepines should only be used until your mood stabilizer orantidepressant begins to work. Those with a history of substance abuse shouldbe especially cautious medications which are used for bipolar disorder are Benzodiazepineto relieve symptoms of anxiety, agitation, or insomnia. Benzodiazepines arefast-acting sedatives. Because of they are highly addictive.

Bipolar Misdiagnosis

  

Bipolar disorder isone disorder with symptoms at times can be confused with schizophrenia; thisleads to mistaken diagnoses, especially in children. Individuals with bipolardisorder, even those that display psychotic symptoms as a feature of theirillness, never meet the full diagnosis for schizophrenia. Someone with bipolardisorder is not always in a manic or a depressive phase all o0f the time;  there are periods during which they do nothave the disordered thinking, delusions, voices, or other symptoms ofschizophrenia. Psychotic symptoms are in bipolar disorder which can occur in amanic or a depressive state are delusions of grandeur and hallucinations;either wildly optimistic and grandiose, or disastrous and guilt-riddenthoughts.

Schizoaffective disorder is a disease that does contain symptoms of both schizophreniaand bipolar disorder. The distinguishing difference between schizoaffective andbipolar with psychotic symptoms is that to be diagnosed schizoaffective, aperson displays the symptoms of schizophrenia without mood symptoms of mania ordepression.

 Psychosis is a term used to describe psychoticsymptoms. Bipolar may include a kind of psychosis. Several different brain disorderscan lead to psychotic symptoms, and the fact that the symptoms are not beingcaused by some other brain disorder is frequently not obvious.

The main difference betweenbipolar disorder and major clinical depression is, of course, the absence of manicepisodes.  Distinguishing between thesetwo illnesses makes a big impact on treatment choice; while depression isusually treated with antidepressants, someone with bipolar disorder needs moodstabilizers. Taking antidepressants with bipolar disorder can sometimes triggera manic episode.

Some of other diagnoses are that are lesscommon but still seen at a high rate among patients previously diagnosed withbipolar disorder. Include antisocial personality disorder and impulse-controldisorder.

Borderline personality disorder shows an unstablemood, impulsive behavior and problems maintaining relationships with otherpeople. There are no medications approved specifically for treating borderlinepersonality disorder butt some forms of therapy are effective. However, moodstabilizers and other treatments for bipolar disorder are not helpful intreating borderline disorder.

 Over diagnosis of people as having bipolardisorder is of a major concern; the side effects of the medicationantipsychotics included are so devastating if prescribed incorrectly. And the underdiagnosis of bipolar disorder leaves many people at a risk of not being treatedor not having symptoms noticed before a disaster such as suicide is treated.

Delusions and Hallucinations

Hallucinations are false or distorted sensory experiences or perceptions. These sensory impressions arecreated by the mind rather than by any external factors, and may be seen, heard, felt, and smelled or tasted.

A hallucination occurs whenenvironmental, emotional, or physical factors such as stress, medication,extreme fatigue, or mental illness cause the brain that helps to distinguishconscious perceptions from internal perceptions. Hallucinationsoccur during periods of consciousness.

A delusion is a false belief based on incorrect assumption about external reality. This belief is sustained despite what almost everybody else believes. The belief is not one ordinarilyaccepted by other members of society.

Delusions are a common symptom ofseveral mood and personality mental illnesses, including schizoaffectivedisorder, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder. Theyare also the major feature of delusional disorder. Individuals with a delusional disorder suffer from long term delusions and include persecutory, grandiose, jealousy. In extreme cases people with bipolar disorder and other disorders are in a state of psychosis. The person has strange thoughts, such as delusions and hallucinations. They lose the sense of their immediate environment and are not able to distinguish the difference between reality and hallucinations.

Ideas of reference and delusions of reference involve people having a belief or perception that are irrelevant,unrelated occurrences in the world refer to them directly or have specialpersonal significance.

In psychiatry the states areconsidered in the psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia, delusionaldisorder, or bipolar disorder during the elevated stages of mania. It can also be a characteristic of paranoidpersonality disorder. These symptoms can also be caused by intoxication,especially with hallucinogens or stimulants.

In true paranoia the person exhibitsan unreasonable or exaggerated mistrust and suspicion of others. This suspicionis not based on fact and often become delusions. Paranoia is a symptom that canbe part of several disorders, including delusional disorder, paranoidpersonality disorder, psychotic and mood disorders including bipolar disorderand schizophrenia, as well as other illnesses for example substance abuse.

While delusions andhallucinations are a part of these disorders it is not as commonly seen but doplay a role in diagnosing the disorder. In some cases they are overlooked and can only be found in the officesof doctors.  When they interrupt theperson’s life and normal activity the hallucinations and delusions need to betreated. Antipsychotic medications are effective. The recovery rate is excellent with compliance to the treatment plan. 

Psychosis and Auditory Hallucinations

Explaining what it feels like tohear voices is not easy especially if you have never had theexperience. Some people, who have hearing voices is a common experience lastingfor days or months and in some cases long term. Auditory hallucinations may varyand each experience with hearing the voices can be different.

Hearing the voices is often heardas though they were generated from outside of the ears but can be as if theyare thoughts in their head or an internal thought.  Many believe it telepathy.  What is called inspirational ideas do notencompass the concept of hearing voices. Hearing voices is a sign of a medical or mental disturbance.

 Certain description of hallucinations are as athought that appears as words in the person’s mind. The voice could talkcoherently to the person or engage in conversation. The person is not incontrol of what the voice says. There are many different types ofhallucinations including: visions, images, tastes, smells, and touch. Hearingvoices can be a different way for other people.

Some would even hear the voicesinside or outside their heads or even from their bodies. They could her justone voice or hear many of them. They hear the voice as something that talks toyou or talks about you.

Hearing voices is like a dream ornightmare except that it does happen in real life. The voices are present allday for some people and can disrupt their normal routines every day. Some ofthe voices tend to be abusive and commands the person to do various acts as is commonwith schizophrenia.

To hear voices is a disturbingexperience. Hearing voices are considered as an auditory hallucination inpsychiatry and as symptoms for schizophrenic disorders, bipolar disorder andpsychosis. Medication such as, antipsychotics are used to control thehallucinations.

Not everyone responds to thistreatment however, it is extremely rare that the hallucinations can   not becontrolled

Studies have found out that somepeople who hear voices are able to cope well without any psychiatricintervention. It was also found out that the people who hear voices who canregard them as a positive part of their life and not as negative aspects oftheir lives.

 Throughout history there are those who havesaid that the voices that they hear are comforting and inspirational. Despitethat it is still considered as a sign of a psychosis or other mental aberration.

For some coping with voices canbe a relationship with the voices: even if they experienced them as abusive,guiding or inspirational.

By some professionals hearingvoices can be thought of a something real, meaningful, at times painful,overwhelming and fearful.

Hallucinations can make theperson see, hear or feel things that are not really there. The experiences arenot real but for the person experiencing it, the visions and all the other sensationsthat feels is real. There is a break from reality.

This condition is diagnosed withother disorders, in dementia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuseand some personality disorders. Many famous people all throughout history arereported to have experienced hallucinations at some degree. It can also betriggered when someone loses a loved one or if they have had a traumaticchildhood experience. The symptoms of hallucinations on these conditions can betemporary.

Psychosis and Auditory Hallucinations

 Some people, who have hearing voices is a common experience lasting for days or months and in some cases long term. Auditory hallucinations may vary and each experience with hearing the voices can be different.

Hearing the voices is often heard as though they were generated from outside of the ears but can be as if they are thoughts in their head or an internal thought.  Many believe it telepathy.  What is called inspirational ideas do notencompass the concept of hearing voices. Hearing voices is a sign of a medical or mental disturbance.

Certain description of hallucinations are as athought that appears as words in the person’s mind. The voice could talkcoherently to the person or engage in conversation. The person is not incontrol of what the voice says. There are many different types ofhallucinations including: visions, images, tastes, smells, and touch. Hearing voices can be a different way for other people.

Some would even hear the voices inside or outside their heads or even from their bodies. They could her justone voice or hear many of them. They hear the voice as something that talks toyou or talks about you.

Hearing voices is like a dream or nightmare except that it does happen in real life. The voices are present allday for some people and can disrupt their normal routines every day. Some ofthe voices tend to be abusive and commands the person to do various acts as is commonwith schizophrenia.

To hear voices is a disturbingexperience. Hearing voices are considered as an auditory hallucination inpsychiatry and as symptoms for schizophrenic disorders, bipolar disorder andpsychosis. Medication such as, antipsychotics are used to control thehallucinations.

Not everyone responds to this treatment however, it is extremely rare that the hallucinations can   not becontrolled

Studies have found out that some people who hear voices are able to cope well without any psychiatricintervention. It was also found out that the people who hear voices who canregard them as a positive part of their life and not as negative aspects oftheir lives.

Throughout history there are those who havesaid that the voices that they hear are comforting and inspirational. Despitethat it is still considered as a sign of a psychosis or other mental aberration.

For some coping with voices canbe a relationship with the voices: even if they experienced them as abusive,guiding or inspirational.

By some professionals hearing voices can be thought of a something real, meaningful, at times painful,overwhelming and fearful.

Hallucinations can make theperson see, hear or feel things that are not really there. The experiences arenot real but for the person experiencing it, the visions and all the other sensationsthat feels is real. There is a break from reality.

This condition is diagnosed withother disorders, in dementia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and personality disorders. Many famous people all throughout history arereported to have experienced hallucinations at some degree. It can also betriggered when someone loses a loved one or if they have had a traumaticchildhood experience. The symptoms of hallucinations on these conditions can be temporary.

Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis

Bipolar disorder is anillness that affects a person’s ability to control their mood. The two mainmood swings are mania and depression. Bipolar psychosis is very complex and a part of Bipolar I disorder.Psychosis is commonly found to be in to bipolar disorder, in mania and depressiveepisodes and it can be seen in Bipolar II depression.

Statistics show that approximately 70% ofpeople in a full blown manic episode experience psychosis. Howerever, peoplewith Bipolar II hypomania rarely experience psychosis. Though studies vary, itis estimated that 50% of people with bipolar depression experience psychosis.

Bipolar psychosis is when thereis a state of where the person is out of touch with reality, loss of reasoningat this point the treatment is difficult as the person often resists anytreatment.

Bipolar psychosis can be verydisruptive and cause significant work and relationship problems due to misperceptionsand hallucinations.

People with bipolar disorder may have many different symptoms, including depression,joy, and psychotic symptoms like delusions or paranoia. These are all symptomsof one condition not separate conditions that a person has to deal with.

Bipolar disorder makes the mind swingbetween different thoughts and emotions, But when treated the psychosis can bemanaged.

Psychotic symptoms occur most oftenduring manic episodes. But people can also experience psychotic symptoms duringepisodes of depression..

Patients sometimes have to behospitalized if they have psychotic symptom. They may have grandiose delusionsthey have powers.  It may be that theyhave a special connection with the universe. People can be so depressed thatthey can be psychotic depression. It happens frequently with mania can occur indepression. People may be a danger to themselves

Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers willstop the psychosis and keep it from coming back. While  medication is effective in managing psychoticsymptoms and bipolar disorder. therapy is often recommended to help tounderstand the psychotic symptoms and to recover from the psychotic experience .Regular follow-ups with a doctor are important for managing psychotic symptomsand bipolar disorder itself, so that any recurring episodes can be spotted andstopped quickly.

Bipolar disorder is an illness thatrequires a long term commitment to staying well, compliance to treatment, andmonitoring.   Just taking a pill does not make it just go away.While symptoms can be managed, but it is important to keep aware of them to seesymptoms start up again.

Bipolar disorder isn't something thatcan or should be managed alone. The individual with bipolar disorder needs helpto be monitored, and to watch for symptoms that he might not be able to notice.Family can help in monitoring symptoms, and letting the doctor know of anychanges or signs of an impending episode. The earlier signs are caught, thebetter the opportunity to prevent an episode and keep symptoms under control.

Major Affective Disorders

Affective disorders are psychiatricillnesses.  Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorders, and anxietydisorders are the most common affective disorders. The effects of thesedisorder are   difficulties in interpersonal relationships and the risk forsubstance abuse are major concerns. Affective disorders can result in symptomsranging from the mild and inconvenient to the severe and life-threatening.

Major depressive disorder, alsoknown as unipolar depression disorder, is a common, severe, andsometimes life-threatening psychiatric illness. It causes prolongedperiods of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, with a considerable riskof self-destructive behavior and suicide. Major studies haveidentified Major depressive disorder is one of the leading causes of  disability and premature death.

Bipolar affective disorders are  various types and exhibit different symptoms bipolarI and bipolar  II disorder, cyclothymicdisorder, and hypomania disorder. Other names for bipolar affective diseaseinclude manic-depressive disorder, cyclothymia, manic-depressive illnessand bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of manicepisodes alternating with periods of deep depression. Bipolar disorders arechronic and recurrent affective diseases that may have degrees of severity, thatworsen with time if not treated. Severe crises can lead to suicidal attemptsduring depressive episodes  or to physical violence against oneself orothers during manic episodes. In many patients, however, episodes are mild andinfrequent. Mixed states may also occur with elements of mania anddepression simultaneously present. Some people with bipolar disorders showa rapid cycling between manic and depressive states.

The symptoms of affectivedisorders or mood disorders is shown in children and adolescents, as well asadults. However, children and adolescents do not necessarily experience orexhibit the same symptoms as adults. It is more difficult to diagnose mooddisorders in children, especially because children are not always able toexpress how they feel. At any age, mood disorders put individuals at risk forother conditions at any age these symptoms may persist long after the initialepisodes of depression are resolved.

What causes mood disorders is notwell known. There are chemicals in the brain that are responsible for positivemoods. Most likely, depression and other mood disorders are caused by achemical imbalance in the brain. Life events may also contribute to a depressedmood.

Affective disorders sometimes runin families and are considered to be inherited. The factors that produce thetrait or condition are usually both genetic and environmental, involving acombination of genes from both parents.

Anyone can feel sad or depressedat times. However, mood disorders are more intense and difficult to manage thannormal feelings of sadness. Children, adolescents, or adults who have a parentwith a mood disorder have a greater chance of also having a mood disorder. Lifeevents and stress can trigger feelings of sadness or depression, making thefeelings more difficult. These life events and stress can bring on feelings ofsadness or depression or make a mood disorder harder.