DEPRESSION AND DYSTHYMIA The five simple rules to be happy: 1. Free your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply 4. Give more. 5. Expect less. Here, the approach to treating depression is a multi-dimensional one, involving (1.) relaxation techniques, (2.) daily exercise, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/01/When-Drugs-and-Therapy-Dont-Cure-Depression-Running-Will.aspx (3.) occupational therapy, (4.) dietary modifications and supplements, (5.) a form of counselling, such as Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Therapy, and possibly (6.) a form of psychological acupressure, called the Emotional Freedom Technique, and (7.) herbal remedies, if desired. (1.) - (5.) are the core treatments. You can use either (1.), or (6.), or both. A questionairre indicating whether you may be experiencing it is at http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/depression/howtotell/selftesting.cfm Part of the plan at www.mindpowernews.com/BrainswitchDepression.htm is to keep the mental activity of the brain in the neocortex, and away from the emotional centers of the brain, where depression is experienced. Some people are still dismissive of relaxation methods, but scientific tests have demonstrated conclusively that they increase activity in the left pre-frontal cortex of the brain. Think of the many techniques involved here as being like someone trying to catch fish by spearing them: that person will do much better using a spear with several prongs on the speartip, rather than just one or two. An interesting website may be found at: www.upliftprogram.com/index.html and there are sections on self esteem, optimism, and happiness, etc.
FINDING A THERAPIST: Thoroughly examine the whole of: www.1-800-therapist.com/index.html since it contains much very useful information. Phone (U.S.A.) 1 800 843 7274. LOCATING PSYCHOTHERAPISTS:http://locator.apahelpcenter.org/ (U.S.A.) Phone: 1 800 964 2000. http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/topics is a valuable resource, even containing maps of the locations of various mental health centers in each state, and providing directions on how to get there from your location. In Australia, there is www.findatherapist.com.au Phone (Australia) 1300 365 411. See www.babcp.co.uk in Great Britain. In other countries, type the term: "therapist", followed by your country's 2 letter code, for example, if I was in New Zealand, I would type: "therapist;nz" and then enter it by clicking on the green "go" arrow, on the right hand side of the address bar, to use the search engine (for those of you new to computers). The WebFerret search engine consults several other search engines, and collates the results. See the home page here at Weebly. DEPRESSION INFORMATION, ADVICE, and RESOURCES: View: www.symptoms-of-anxiety-depression.com If you have been sad or depressed for more than two weeks, it qualifies as depression, and should be diagnosed by a doctor, in case it is due to physiological causes, such as thyroid disorders. Ask for a referral to a psychotherapist, preferably one who practises Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. A WORD OF WARNING: Relatively few doctors have the time to describe, even if they have the requisite knowledge of treatments for depression which are not based on psychopharmaceuticals, except for psychotherapy, and ElectroConvulsive Therapy, with its risks of permanent, partial memory loss, and its 1 in 50,000 death rate. Many doctors feel as though their patients expect to be prescribed medication to treat their condition, and in many instances such is actually the case. Those doctors are also encouraged in this by various psychopharmaceutical manufacturers in that multi billion dollar growth industry. The situation in the USA (where psychiatrists, and doctors are targeted by sales reps from the large pharmaceutical companies, and given freebies, and/or offered incentives/rewards to prescribe - and "how drug company money has corrupted psychiatry") differs considerably from that in Australia. View http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/03/23/hypocrisy.aspx
The feedback that I have received here is that antidepressants work, if they do, by blunting the emotions. Many users describe it as "zombification". They produce side effects in around 30% of cases, and they can include the possibility of permanent inorgasmia, (inability to achieve orgasm) or even the permanent loss of the ability for a male to achieve an erection, which is something they don't advertise. Although they may limit the lows, they also limit the excitement, and joys of life. That effect is far less pronounced with St. John's wort, and may be unnoticeable.
They have demonstrated increased rates of suicide, homicide, and aberrant behaviour, especially in people under the age of around 24 - 25. Note the warnings on the label/insert, or at www.drugs.com Doctors and psychiatrists rely too much on medications, and are overly influenced by the sales reps of the drug companies, who profile them psychologically, and study their prescribing record, then offer rewards, freebies, courses, payments to lecture, etc. View: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/08/18/drug-company-reps-are-using-psychological-warfare-techniques-on-your-doctor.aspx and http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/04/05/former-drug-sales-rep-tells-all.aspx See pages 1, and b, re depression, and the index page at Weebly for more. The situation in the USA (where psychiatrists, and doctors are targeted by sales reps from the large pharmaceutical companies, and given freebies, and/or offered incentives/rewards to prescribe differs considerably from that in Australia.
The feedback that I have received here is that antidepressants work, if they do, by blunting the emotions. Many users describe it as "zombification". They produce side effects in around 30% of cases, and they can include the possibility of permanent inorgasmia, (inability to achieve orgasm) or even the permanent loss of the ability for a male to achieve an erection, which is something they don't advertise.The wort carries no such risks, and side effects are rarer, generally much milder, and never permanent. It seems that many prescribers don't bother to check, and are quite cavalier in their attitude to multiple medications, not realising that the chances of an interaction increase geometrically with the number: 1 = 1x, 2 = 2x, 3 = 6x , 4 + 24x, 5 = 120, and 6 medications equals 720 times the risk of an interaction! In the many checks that I have performed, there is usually at least a moderate interaction when 3 medications are involved.
The potential benefits must be weighed carefully against the risks. It is important that YOU take charge of YOUR LIFE, and decide for yourself when, and if to take anti depressants. In cases of clinical (major) depression, they may have a role to play, short term, giving other treatments time to take effect. In the U.S.A., generic antidepressants are on the $4 list at WalMart. See: www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?adid=1500000000000003239930&cat=546834 Try Target Pharmacy, as well. ANTIDEPRESSANTS: I am now strongly urging everyone to not only look at the following websites, but print/copy them down on a piece of paper, and hand it over to their doctor on the next visit, so those doctors are at least getting a balanced input, not the relatively one sided information they are receiving at present. This applies to anti depressants and anti anxiety medications, ONLY, since there are no other effective treatments available for some other conditions. Studies have shown that, in cases where clinical (serious) depression has not been diagnosed, or there is no apparent physiological cause, such as a thyroid disorder, antidepressants are little more effective than a placebo (sugar pill) for many people. See: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/10/Why-Antidepressants-Dont-Work.aspx & http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/07/31/antidepressants-part-four.aspx Therapy, alone, is just as effective as anti depressants, alone. It is variously estimated that 70% - 90% of people benefit from therapy. Cognitive therapy is one which suited to, and has a good record for treating depression, at least for a while, but some therapists recommend counselling, or psychotherapy in the early stages, then perhaps Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Courses of treatment may go from 8, to 16 weeks, and sometimes up to 6 months. Antidepressants are more suited to treating major depression for short periods, to provide time for other treatments, such as therapies, exercise, and supplements, to become effective. Only around 30% of those people taking antidepressants benefit from taking them for extended periods. The suicide rate of those people taking antidepressants in one study was twice that of those taking a placebo (sugar pill). The population sample which this was based on was not stated, but note the warnings on the packet/insert, or at www.drugs.com Check out "depression medications" at www.depressionperception.com/ Younger people, in particular, even if otherwise intelligent and knowledgeable, rarely have the personal insight, experience base, and wisdom to question why they should feel suicidal, whereas a person with a greater degree of maturity is more likely to wonder why they should feel this way, when nothing else has changed significantly. Younger people are also more inclined to act impulsively, without due reflection on the reasons for, and consequences of their actions. (FROM: http://worstpills.org/FDA: All Antidepressants Should Carry Warnings About Risks of Suicidal Thoughts in Young Adults (July 2007) Because of new information about increased risks of suicidal thoughts associated with the use of a variety of antidepressants, people of all ages should be monitored closely with all antidepressants after the drugs are first prescribed, switched or when the dosage is changed. Do not stop using any antidepressants without first consulting the prescriber. RELEVANT WEBSITES:www.antidepressantsfacts.com/casualties.htm and: www.cure-your-depression.com/antidepressiondrug.html and http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/antidepressants+side+effects and www.mercola.com Also well worth a look are www.psychdrugtruth.com and www.theroadback.org/workbook.htm and http://crazymeds.us
ANTIDEPRESSANT OR DEPRESSION RELATED SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: Occurs often: Ginkgo Biloba is recommended to help counteract it, and Damiana to increase libido (sex drive). If unavailable locally in Australia, there is a product in supermarket vitamin & supplement shelves called Horny Goat Weed. View www.theroadback.org An SNRI, such as Wellbutrin, if taken alone, is said to often not produce sexual dysfunction, or take away the ability to achieve orgasm. Dr. Mercola recommends a physically harmless, yet effective form of therapy called Emotional Freedom Technique, a type of acupressure, which he provides free: you can access it by typing "EFT" in the toolbar at www.mercola.com/ (also EFT locators) or directly, at www.emofree.com There is a version suitable for use in public. Because I have tried EFT, and found that since it works for me, I am able to recommend it to you on the basis of personal experience. At the home page in the following website, scroll down to the bottom, and click on antidepressant facts, and I would systematically check out the others, as well: www.conqueringstress.com/antidepressants.html (there are some good anti stress tips there, which can also be applied to other conditions, like anxiety and depression). Keep in mind the following facts. Anti depressants take a fair while to become effective, and may lose that effectiveness if taken for long periods of time. There are also many types, brands, and dosages which may need trying. Many doctors are set in their ways about what they prefer to prescribe, and some are more unscrupulous than others, who, because of an incentives scheme being offered by a certain psychopharmaceutical supplier, have a vested interest in, and at the very least, a desire to reach their reward target, which may well not operate at a conscious level: don't let it be at your expense! Never stop taking antidepressants, without benefit of medical advice (often, a second opinion may be a good idea, to get a better chance at a balanced viewpoint). (FROM: www.mercola.com/ ) For example, these common illnesses can be caused by pharmaceutical drugs: Depression -- Accutane, Advil, Cipro, Inderal, Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac Sometimes, it can take a long time to wean off certain medications, and many doctors are unaware that there are liquid versions of those medications available, which are much more suitable for tapering off than cutting pills up, so ask them to check out that option. Using a mortar & pestle, or cheap pill splitter are other options. Always be aware of side effects, such as changes in sexual function, and ask those who know you best and see you most often, to give you feedback in any noticeable changes in behaviour. It is best to only change one variable ( i.e. medication ) at a time, otherwise you can't be sure which was responsible.
RELAXATION METHODS: Because medication and counselling take time to be effective, practise daily for 15 to 20 minutes, and when needed, the method at www.dbtselfhelp.com/THE VISUAL TECHNIQUE: Sit comfortably in a quiet room, at a comfortable temperature, with fingertips facing upwards. Ensure clothing and footwear are non restrictive. Gaze at a burning candle in a quiet, darkened room for 20 minutes (you can use a crystal, egg, mandala, religious symbol, or anything else of a similar nature you may prefer). See www.mandalaproject.org/ :- 23 pages of mandalas, including Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Yin/Yang, The Eye of Horus, modern and traditional motifs. Any stray thoughts entering your mind should be noted, and attention gently refocused on the gazing process. ALTERNATIVE VERSION OF MINDFULNESS BREATHING: Sit, or lie down comfortably in a quiet, darkened room, but not in pitch darkness. Clothing and footwear should not be restrictive, and it should be at a comfortable temperature. Your fingertips should be facing upwards. Focus your attention at the place where your breath enters and leaves your body, preferably breathing regularly, through your nose. Any stray thoughts coming into your mind should be noted, then gently refocus your attention on your breathing. This should be done for at least 15 minutes, but 20 is best. Another method is to practise the technique at www.selfhelpmagazine.com/ Go to their Meditation room, select: "try it out", and: "mantra meditation". You can repeat any word or short phrase desired, like: "I can do it", "easy", "Things will get better soon", or "peace", or, for the traditionalists: Om mani padme hung sarva shanting kuruye soha. (“O Buddha of compassion and wisdom, may all these sicknesses be pacified.”). Any stray thoughts should be noted, and attention gently refocused on the process. All of these methods should be practised at least once, for 15 to 20 minutes, daily, and when needed, but maximum results come from using 3 times daily, some hours apart. Even if employed just once a day, there should be a noticeable improvement within several weeks. (The website: www1stholistic.com/ is worth a good look, and www.how-to-meditate.org/ and www.hinduism.about.com/library/howto/ht-meditate.htm?). Several guided meditations, including stress, achieving your potential, weightloss, selfimage, and healing, some with music, may be found at: www.learningmeditation.com/ Tai Chi and/or yoga suits some people better, such as the more physically inclined, who may be interested in Pilates, at www.tinyurl.com/2dz8fa See www.everyday-taichi.com/index.html (online video demonstrations require REALPLAYER: downloadable onsite). At www.taichifoundation.org/product.htm#Videos are available for US $35. The website gives contact details for courses in around 30 US states, and London, UK. SOME YOGA POSITIONS: below from: http://in.geocities.com/maha.yoga/yoga-poses-menu.html Yoga and meditation equipment, DVD's and music are at www.wailana.com/ & www.yogasite.com/ & http://www.yogaalliance.org/ & http://healthjourneys.com/Sitting Poses[1]Sitting Poses[2] Standing Poses[1] Standing Poses[2] Back bend[1]Back bend[2] Back bend[3] Back bend[4] Twisted[1] Head Poses[1] Inverted[1] Inverted[2]If no courses can be found advertised locally, approach martial arts/self defence schools, as they can often help, also with T'ai Chi Chuan. Pilates is at http://www.pilatesmethodalliance.com/ Work up SLOWLY to 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise, preferably, or moderate, if your physical condition or age limits you; get your doctor's advice, according to your physical capabilities. Eat more in accordance with your "nutritional type":- ( 20 question quiz http://www.naturalhealthcoach.com/tools ) or there is a book via the searchbar at Mercola.com Keep occupied (occupational therapy - keeps your mind off yourself, and your problems).
A TECHNIQUE FOR REPROGRAMMING NEGATIVE THOUGHTS): It is important to deal with a negative internal monologue (self talk), or mental process, such as disturbing thoughts, or images, by the process of (a): recognising it, and (b): challenging it immediately. When you notice something negative, such as: "I'm never going to get over this!" or: "Why am I always so pathetic/useless/such a loser?" or even: "I can't do this/will never get the hang of this!", or a disturbing image, recognise that this is part of the mindset which will hold you back from progressing in your recovery. Having identified and labelled it, I first visualise a large, flashing "STOP!" SIGN, then I say to myself as forcefully as you can, even aloud in a big voice, if alone: "I know this tactic: GO AWAY FOR A WHILE !!!" You may want to use either: "ruse", "ploy", "game", or "trick", instead of "tactic". In the case of an image, visualise a large, red "STOP" sign. Some people go so far as to keep a wide rubber band in their pocket, then put it around their wrist, when they catch themselves backsliding, stretch and release it, as a method of reprogramming their mind sooner, but I don't regard it as being strictly necessary. Remember to remove it, afterwards, if you use this method. Try replacing a negative statement with a positive one, like the daily affirmation, mentioned below, or the tried and true: "Every day I'm getting better." According to Stephen L. Bernhardt, however, it isn't that simple. (see page Y, here at Weebly) Accept responsibility for your present position, rather than blaming others, because it empowers you to change and heal yourself, instead of putting the onus on others to do this for you. To this end, write down all the major mistakes you have made in your life, and think about them for a short while. This is part of the technique of accepting responsibility. Once having done so, put it aside, because it is not helpful to dwell on these things for long, since it can easily turn into a self blame exercise, and fuel negative thought patterns. In my opinion, this technique is best kept until you are well on the road to recovery, because focusing on yourself and your problems is not generally a good thing, for those experiencing the depths of depression. It may tend to lead to increased activity outside the neocortex, in the emotional centers, where it is not currently desirable. Deliberately and persistently adopt an optimistic attitude, and try to associate with similarly positive, optimistic people, and minimise, or eliminate VOLUNTARY contact with negative, pessimistic, overly critical, or cynical people "for they are a vexation unto the spirit", to borrow a saying from the ancients of yet another culture.
Take at least 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or its FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see Mercola.com SEARCHBAR: enter: "vitamin D3". Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don’t follow the typical “normal” reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you’re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing".
Ensure you use a brand with sufficient hyperforin, along with the hypericin. Perika, Jarsin, or Kira are recommended. http://www.chemistdirect.co.uk/kira-st-johns-wort_1_12320.html At www.bluepages.anu.edu.au/treatments/what_works/ it is given a 2 SMILY FACE rating, out of a possible 3, for non clinical (not major) depression. Gotu Kola is also recommended, and a high quality source on that, and many other herbal products, is the mail order service of www.naturessunshine.com/ in Utah, USA. Ayush herbs, also in the USA, is recommended as a source of high quality products. A herbal combination is available mail order from: www.amoryn.com/order.html but I have no feedback on its efficacy, only theirs, from purportedly satisfied customers, and the information on Hypericum (St. John's wort) tests, which is its main active constituent at www.amoryn.com/index_clinical.html In bulk, they work out to about US $0-60 each. Some other supplements and herbal remedies are SAM-e, and 5-htp (see * below), and Valerian Root, (use for 3 weeks, maximum!) and Kava Kava at www.kickbackwithkava.com/ (before using see: www.erowid.org/plants/kava/kava_health3.shtml ).
SAMe & 5-htp: S-Adenosylmethionine is an important physiological agent involved in over 40 biochemical reactions in the body. Is a natural anti-depressant and has a calming effect. DOSAGE: 400 mg twice daily. If using hypericum as well, only use around 100 mg of SAMe daily. From www.herbmark.com/ & www.holisticheal.com/ (CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, FIRST!). Caution: Do not use if you have bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder, or take prescription anti-depressants. Google: "supplements; depression; compare" Note the warning about some ineffective product types on page T, here at Weebly. Check out: http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Natural_Remedies_for_Depression.shtml & http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/5-HTP_and_the_Serotonin_Connection.html
See: www.healingwithnutrition.com/ddisease/depression/pplan.html & www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/ & www.jigsawhealth.com/ which contains much advice and dietary changes which I have adopted, and am now recommending that people at least read, consider, and ultimately decide on for themselves, but I always think it best to err on the side of caution, and never overdo anything. Eat a breakfast containing a reasonable amount of protein, every day, within an hour of arising. www.radiantrecovery.com refers. Most people in modern society today eat a poor diet, with far too much processed foods, contributing to lack of energy, depression, and anxiety. Eat more in accordance with your "nutritional type":- ( 20 question quiz http://www.naturalhealthcoach.com/tools ) or there is a book via the searchbar at www.mercola.com Ensure that good dietary levels of the minerals magnesium, calcium and zinc are maintained (have a blood test: many people are low in these, and iron, too). Remember, though: A little salt improves an otherwise bland meal greatly, but a lot ruins it!
MORE DEPRESSION RESOURCES: See www.conqueringstress.com/ and scroll down to the bottom of the page: click on every section and read and note or print out the relevant parts:- adopt and practise those methods. Also view www.mental-health-abc.com/ which has some very valuable advice, and is well worth a good look, particularly the "positive steps" 28 page E booklet: to be found at the bottom of the homepage of that website.
Write letters in support of prisoners of conscience, for Amnesty International. Many innocent people, whose only reason for incarceration was that they were a thorn in the side of a repressive government, have had their release secured as a result of a flood of letters, from all over the world. Also see www.supportpath.com/ and www.neoteen.org/ If you volunteer from home, first, before resuming employment, you will have a ready made answer to the question: "and what did you do before that?" - "Well, I volunteered online at Project Gutenberg, and wrote letters in support of prisoners of conscience for Amnesty International, many of whom ..." - "Would you like to see some rough draughts?", which should satisfy most. VOLUNTEERING ELSEWHERE: Help for 2 hours per fortnight, at Meals on Wheels. Other suggestions are: As a literacy volunteer, animal shelter, Red cross/crescent, soup kitchen, Greenpeace, nursing home/hospital, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, or as a Big Sister, or Big Brother. NEUROFEEDBACK, ELECTRICAL & MAGNETIC STIMULATION TREATMENTS: See www.depressiontreatmentsnow.com/ ( 9 volt battery: low current [amperage] ) & www.vagusnervestimulation.com/ I would consider these, and rTMS, after giving everything else a good tryout, if results were unsatisfactory, which is highly unlikely. Last on my list would be conventional ElectroConvulsive Therapy, involving sedation, a mortality rate of around 1 in 50,000 and possible permanent partial memory loss (Read: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527091907.htmNOTE: Prominent researcher, Harold Sackeim of Columbia University did not disclose his association with Mecta Corp, while receiving a $500,000 govt. health grant, as required by law; see: http://www2.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/12-21-2006/0004495681&EDATE= so had a conflict of interest, and is thereby discredited! ). View: http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/01/30/a-love-letter-to-ect/ and the other ECT articles there, and also check out www.cchr.org/ (Church of Scientology related, but I admit they do assemble facts well). New, though is ultra brief ECT, said to be less risky. Also in its early stages is a new operation whereby electrodes are surgically implanted in the brain to stimulate it, thereby alleviating depression; view:http://depression.about.com/b/2012/01/05/deep-brain-stimulation-offers-long-term-results.htm?nl=1 Check out its currently high mortality risk, though. AN ALTERNATIVE VIEWPOINT: may be had at www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/default.htm#D This includes an orthomolecular approach, which is based on precursor supplements, (the biochemical "building blocks") which the brain may not be able to manufacture in sufficient quantities to enable proper functioning. CO-COUNSELLING: Although counselling by someone properly trained in the procedures is far more preferable; those unable to access it, may benefit by getting together with a similar sufferer nearby, and using the advice at www.rc.org/ If you are in a city, use the Groups, at Myspace, Google, and Yahoo in an attempt to find someone similar nearby. In a smaller place, possibly putting in a notice in the local newspaper, or at the shops, town hall, supermarket, etc.
HYPNOTHERAPY: Hypnosis is merely a heightened state of suggestibility, in which you are better able to communicate with your subconscious mind. 85% of people are suggestible, to some degree, so you could either seek professional hypnotherapy, or, quicker, cheaper, and more conveniently: http://www.hypnosisdownloads.comDepression Treatment
ACUPUNCTURE: One study has shown that 68% of those who had the version of acupuncture specifically intended for depression reported improvement in their condition.
SMILE: There is a relationship between mood, and facial expressions, and it has been shown to work both ways, to some extent, with many people, particularly if not clinically depressed. Smile in the mirror for 1 minute, every morning, or when exercising. Rest for a while, then repeat once. Laughing is good, too, if you are capable of it, so watch comedies, and read humorous books, or Google: "jokes". I now suggest avoiding the news on television, as it can have a depressing effect, and/or cause anxiety. Use RSS feeds, Your Yahoo, etc., preferably from a wide range of sources, as national sources may be biased, or subject to security censorship.
Smiling in the mirror is a form of inductive therapy: use your eyes, as well as your mouth, and smile when greeting people, unless it is inappropriate to do so. Smiling is a two-way mechanism. We do it when we're relaxed and happy, but doing it can also make us feel relaxed and happy. It transmits nerve impulses from the facial muscles to the limbic system, a key emotional center in the brain, tilting the neurochemical balance. This can change the way people react to you, and improve your relationships with them, resulting in you feeling better about yourself. If you don't use your eyes, and display some teeth, it may be perceived as being less than genuine.