WEDNESDAY, July 2 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers say they've taken a significant stride forward in understanding how relaxation techniques such as meditation, prayer and yoga improve health: by changing patterns of gene activity that affect how the body responds to stress.

The changes were seen both in long-term practitioners and in newer recruits, the scientists said.

Tina's post about depression being exacerbated by certain medications got me wondering about the so-called natural anti-depressants like Sam-e and St. John's Wart.

Many doctors advice depressed patients to take them alongside prescription medications for depression, particularly when the prescriptions are not working well.

Research into these herbal anti-depressives is usually positive, particularly St. John's Wart.

Has anyone tried these herbal supplements? What was the outcome? Did you have a positive or negative experience or did you notice any difference at all?

A recent Associated Press-AOL Health poll found that mounting debt caused by economic woes is causing stress-related health problems - and even more debt!

After seeing the post on the bodily injury through amputation: http://empowher.com/share/self-amputatio...
it reminded me of a group of students in my class (when I was in high school) that cut themselves on purpose! It almost sounded like a "cool fad" to "cut".

Have you heard of this? Why would someone do that to themselves, beyond obviously trying to get attention? We weren't friends or anything, so I didn't do anything...should I have done something?

Find yourself! I don't mean a find yourself in a backpacking trip through Europe. No, I mean find what makes you happy. Surprisingly you will find its the little things that make can make your day a bit more happier and rewarding. Perhaps fresh flowers on the kitchen table, a soak in the tub, a peaceful walk,gardening, reading a book, sitting in a quiet room, etc. The point is to make yourself FEEL GOOD with yourself in mind!

My favorite bumper sticker:

Don't Believe Everything You Think

We all know these "tips" below, but how many of us still fall into the trap of negative thoughts, which inevitably become negative feelings, mood and behavior?! If we don't "believe everything we think", and reframe our negative thoughts, we may be able to prevent some negative moods, feelings...and even how we react to them!

Tai Chi has literally saved my life. So many of us have encountered insurmountable amounts of stress and the one thing I've done to help is practice the beautiful forms of tai chi.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese discipline consisting of slow meditative movements. Tai Chi tones the muscles, increases breathing capacity, lowers stress levels, improves organ function and corrects poor posture. All these things help the body maximize its self-healing potential. Tai Chi provides more medical benefits than any other single exercise that I know of.

I need suggestions!

I've realized that when I need to re-energize, unwind or "chill out", that I do this by "rewarding" myself with food. The problem is: I am doing this more and more often (with obvious potential consequences!), and want to find other ways to reward myself, re-energize and/or relax without a fancy coffee, fancy cocktail or other snack.

What works for you, whether you have 5 minutes or 5 hours?

Thanks for your suggestions!

Veronica

Has anyone tried 5-HTP, Sam-E, or St. John's Wort to help alleviate irritability or short-temperedness? If so, what dosage, brands, etc. works best? Am tired of being a stressed crab apple and have tried anti-depressants - don't like side effects . . .

In 1995 after over eight years of being on the San Francisco Medical Center Transplant waiting list, a call came in at 2 am and I was told to get down to San Francisco, they had a liver transplant waiting for me.
**The Experiences before and after my transplant are a whole other story than I can share right now.
Such as an ulcer bleed that gave me a near death experience, and where I talked to a young Indian woman, on a mountain tops, I stood and looked across at her and our minds talked about my life. She and I discussed my return to earth. smile...On to second transplant story;