The Truth About Depression

A new book challenges the theory that depression is genetically based and proposes childhood trauma as a leading factor.



Almost 40 percent of the U.S. population suffers from some form of depression or mental illness yet the causes of mental illness remain largely a mystery. The prevailing theory sees the cause as a trans-generational genetic defect of brain chemistry, which is best treated with medication.

New breakthroughs made by health professionals dislodge this theory, and show that frequently previous traumas are what lead to mental illness.

In this bold new book, renowned physician and psychotherapist Charles Whitfield takes a new look at the common problems of depression, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, schizophrenia and other mental illness. The Truth About Depression shows the strong and at times causal relationship between childhood trauma and future depression and other mental illness; he explores the risks, side-effects and high cost of treating these disorders with anti-depressant drugs, and; provides an alternative treatment and recovery program for people with depression and a history of childhood trauma.

Dr. Whitfield’s book offers hope and help for those who have been held hostage by depression, and provides clinicians with new solutions and alternatives to high-risk medications.

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John Townsend On Depression:


Resolving Depression



http://www.cloudtownsend.com/videoserver/video.php?clip=CCNT2161


Fictitious Cures for Depression



http://www.cloudtownsend.com/videoserver/video.php?clip=CCNT2160


Causes of Depression



http://www.cloudtownsend.com/videoserver/video.php?clip=CCNT2159


Check out the Orange County ACA website at: Orange County Adult Children

Control

Those who grew up in chaotic, dysfunctional environments often have issues with control. Below is a video clip and a recent blog post on controlling behavior.

"We get the control back by realizing we are out of control."



If video doesn't appear, click here: "Control"- Henry Cloud

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Click here: Keep Coming Back Blog- "Control"

What is "passive control"?

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Check out the Orange County ACA website at: Orange County Adult Children

Self Help Videos

HeathyPlace.com offers a collection of self help videos and articles for Depression, Bipolar, Anxiety, ADHD, Addictions and more:

http://healthyplace.com/mental-health-videos/

Here is a video on how to use "tapping" to help depression:



Check out the Orange County ACA website at: Orange County Adult Children

What Is An Abandoholic?

According to http://www.abandonment.net/:

Abandoholism is similar to the other ‘oholisms, but instead of being addicted to a substance, you’re addicted to the emotional drama of heartbreak. You pursue hard-to-get partners to keep the romantic intensity going, and to keep your body’s love-chemicals and stress hormones flowing.

You are addicted to the high stakes drama of an emotional challenge and the love-chemicals that go with it. Abandoholism is driven by both fear of abandonment and fear of engulfment.

You only feel attracted when you’re in pursuit. You wouldn’t join any club who would have you as a member, so you’re always reaching for someone out of reach.

You may also be at risk of being an Abandophobic. One who is so afraid of rejection that they avoid relationships altogether.

The book, "The Journey from Heartbreak to Connection" by Susan Anderson, may help you understand and fix the self sabotage.




Check out the Orange County ACA website at: Orange County Adult Children

Separating From The Past

An article in PSYCHOLOGY TODAY on Adult Children of Alcoholics states, "Parents inflict so much pain on their families, they teach their children to suppress their emotions just to survive."- Stephanie Brown, founder of the Alcohol Clinic at Stanford Medical Center.

"Since the children are inculcated to deny the reality around them, they develop a resistance to talking about urgent, important, or meaningful aspects of life."

Brown adds that children of alcoholics may suffer depression, anxiety, and compulsions, all related to the grueling experience of growing up in such a home. Dealing with the legacy of disturbance means treating the traumatic stress, she says.

First and foremost, adult children of alcoholics “have issues with control.” That means they are afraid of others and have problems with intimacy; they harbor anxiety that if they lose control, they may become addicts themselves.

The most important emotional leap for such a survivor: Separating the past from the present. They must learn to realize that when they overreact to something now, “they are really feeling pain from the past.” Once they have that skill, they can start to move on.

Brown recommends psychotherapy for adult children of alcoholics, and states that group therapy may work extremely well. “When family distortion is the problem, groups are ideal for bringing that out.” Brown especially recommends seeking support from Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization or Co-Dependents Anonymous, which offer 12-step programs.

http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/adult-children-of-alcoholics/

Check out the Orange County ACA website at: Orange County Adult Children