There are many natural and homeopathic therapies for depression available in the marketplace, but it’s best to look for ones with a few key ingredients. St. John’s Wort is one of the most effective natural ingredients for treating depression. In fact, in some countries like Germany, St. John’s Wort outsells many of the major prescription anti-depressive medications. The active ingredients in St. John’s Wort are believed to naturally boost serotonin levels, which helps lift spirits and ease depression. Passion flower is a natural ingredient that is often used to treat sleep disorders and Anxiety. It helps to soothe and calm, and when combined with St. John’s Wort, can be a wonderful aid in treating depression naturally.
Learning How Herbs Can Aid in Treating Depression Naturally
Always feeling under the weather? Always not in the mood to be around others and have a good time? If you’re suffering from prolonged sadness for quite some time now, you should face these bouts of depression and get yourself diagnosed by a psychiatrist, they’re doctors who can actually help you out with your problem. Not to mention the various depression treatments, as well as all sorts of depression medication that doctors prescribe to their depression patients. If you are like many of the 20.9 million adults in the U.S. who are suffering from Depression, you have probably debated the pros and cons of taking prescription antidepressants. While Depression can often be combated with therapy alone, some professionals do recommend medication for certain cases. The right type and dosage of a prescription medication can sometimes result in success for a patient, but many experience side effects that outweigh the benefits.
Side effects vary between the different types of antidepressants, but the most commonly prescribed medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft are all SSRIs, and often produce side effects such as Sexual Dysfunction, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide. To avoid these, more and more people are deciding instead to explore Natural Remedies for Depression.
Before getting started with depression medication, the depression patient must first get themselves to a reputable doctor, get a diagnosis of which type of depression the patient is actually suffering from, whether it be clinical depression, manic depression, or what-have-you. You should be sure what you’re actually dealing with, since various depression medications are available in the market, you should make sure that you get the most appropriate one, the one that’ll actually cure your depression illness.
There’s actually a wide variety of anti-depressant depression medications available to help treat those who are suffering from depressive disorders. The more popular ones are those that are of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs variant, then there are the tricyclics, while the other popular variant is the monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These depression medications (the SSRIs variant as well as the other newer depression medications available in the market) are actually a much safer alternative than the tricyclics, since they have fewer side effects as opposed to the tricyclics depression medication variant.
Sometimes, doctors actually find it more effective to mix up these depression medications. Depending on the needs of the individual, the doctor might actually prescribe a variety of depression medications to help treat the individual’s depression. Also, the dosages of depression medication can actually be increased or lowered depending on what the doctor finds to be the most effective. However, when it comes to taking these depression medications, patients are highly advised to never mix up depression medications and to pick out which dosages to take without consulting their doctors first.
Anti-anxiety or sedatives, however, should never be mistaken for depression medication. Even though these anti-anxiety drugs are often prescribed along with depression medication, they don’t actually help cure one’s depression. Their mere purpose is to help calm one’s nerves, which is why depression medications are still needed to be taken by the depression patient.
There are actually some common side-effects from depression medication, usually coming from the tricyclic variety. Some people tend not to mind these side-effects from depression medication, if it does become too much of a bother and may end up ruining one’s ability to function properly, it’s best to go immediately to your doctor and report the side-effects. Quite common side-effects from depression medication are the following:
Dry mouth: always having the irritating feeling of being hydrated, it’s best to always have some (clean, drinking) water nearby so as to have something to drink whenever dry mouth occurs. Brushing your teeth after every meal is also a good idea.
Constipation: cure such discomfort by eating and taking in a lot of fiber to help aid your digestion.
Blurry vision: another temporary side-effect, this one’s quite easy to pass but if it proves to be too much of a bother, consult your doctor immediately.
Headaches: quite common with the newer kinds of depression medication, it’s really not a big deal and will actually go away easily.
Insomnia: first-time users may actually experience this depression medication side-effect but it usually just happens during the first few weeks of taking the depression medication, asking your doctor to lower the dosage of the depression medication may actually help you with this side-effect, as well as the time of day wherein you take your depression medication can actually have something to do with your sleeping problem.
Fortunately, depression can now be cured, especially when diagnosed early. Depressed individuals can actually be treated through therapy and depression medication. However, it may be a bit costly; a person’s good mental health is something that shouldn’t be scrimped on. Cognitive behavioral talk or interpersonal talk are incredibly healthy depression treatments that are just some of the available psychosocial depression treatments that cognitive behavior therapists can offer to their patients, both actually prove to be able to produce fruitful and positive results even for just short-term sessions, around ten to twenty weeks are almost always, already enough to get a depression patient slowly begin their recovery towards a sound mental health.
Among those who know, St. John’s Wort is almost unanimously agreed upon as the alternative treatment for Depression. Many believe that it is more effective at treating Depression than many prescription medications, but with fewer risks. The active compounds in St. John’s Wort help naturally reduce feelings of sadness, anxiety, and worthlessness, and many who take it also report less exhaustion and fewer Headaches. Best of all, this herb often produces no side effects, though some might experience sensitivity to sunlight or other minor side effects.
Ginkgo biloba is a natural ingredient that improves brain circulation, which, in turn, often improves memory and alleviates some symptoms of Depression. It is not as effective as St. John’s Wort, but it can be taken alongside other natural ingredients as an overall mood-booster.
Siberian Ginseng aids the balance of essential neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Taking Siberian Ginseng regularly can lead to improved feelings of general well-being.
Passion flower is another natural ingredient that can help treat Depression and sleep disorders. Passion flower is a natural salve that helps to calm and soothe. When it is combined with St. John’s Wort, it can be very successful in treating Depression naturally.
These and many other Herbs help alleviate many of the symptoms of Depression, and as with anything you put into your body, each person will react differently to them. It is important to allow a trial period in order to feel the effects of the natural medications, as some will take several weeks to take effect. As always, you should seek a doctor’s advice before you decide to stop taking a prescription medication, and you should avoid combining prescription medications with natural medications. Hopefully, you will find a safe, healthy combination of natural ingredients helps you to feel consistently better over time.
Depression is a life-consuming condition, but you do not have to suffer quietly. If you think you have a depressive disorder, seek professional help to find the treatment options that are best for you and your condition, whether they include prescription medication or Natural Remedies for depression, and remember to explore a variety of options before making a decision.
Depression is the most prevalent of all the emotional disorders. Symptoms may vary from feelings of minor sadness to sheer misery and dejection. When sadness persists and impairs daily life, it may be an indication of a depressive disorder. Depression brings together a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, which together constitute a syndrome.
At any given time, 9.5% of the population is suffering from some form of depression. Many of these people never seek treatment or are unaware that depressionis, in fact, treatable. While not everyone experiences the same symptoms, if you are suffering from depression, you may feel consistently sad or empty, experience feelings of guilt or helplessness, lose interest in things you once enjoyed, suffer from Insomnia and decreased energy, or have thoughts of suicide.
There are many potential causes for depression, and cases vary from person to person. Depression can run in families, which leads some researchers to believe that the condition can be inherited. In some cases, people who have experienced trauma or are suffering from severe illnesses will also develop a depressive disorder, suggesting that Depression can be caused by psychological or physical changes in one’s life as well. Depression is more common in women than men, and can sometimes be caused by hormonal changes in the body, which women are more prone to.
Any diagnosis of a depressive disorder should be accompanied by a physical evaluation and conducted by a doctor. There are some viral illnesses, as well as other medications, that can cause symptoms of depression, and these should be ruled out. Once a diagnosis is obtained, your doctor should work with you to develop the best treatment for you.
Depression can often be treated with therapy alone, but some patients do decide to try prescription medication. The most commonly prescribed medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It can take a while to find the right medication or combination of medications for each person, but all prescription Depression medications have a risk of minor or occasionally major side effects.
Understanding Depression
For the vast majority of us, it is getting harder and harder to find warmth, light, and love. Yet, it is there. Some of us, with the right tools, can find a place within ourselves to keep us safe and positive and build a resistant wall against the knocks of stress and modern-day living. But even this haven can be short-lived. So what happens when this place is not reached and protected? What causes some people to experience and suffer from severe depression that can greatly affect their ability to function daily?
The Tell-Tale Symptoms of Depression
People who may be suffering from depression or manic disorders actually exhibit or show every kind of symptom of depression that doctors will tell you that depressed people have. Sometimes it’s actually quite easy to overlook such symptoms and not be able to help oneself or others who are suffering from depression, for that matter.
There are actually a lot of symptoms of depression that depressed people may actually posses but they don’t have to suffer from every one of them before you actually help them get diagnosed and be treated for this illness. Also, since symptoms of depression actually vary, the time of their “attacks” varies as well.
Here are some common examples of symptoms of depression:
Prolonged period of sadness or not feeling “up to it,” people who are always feeling not in the mood, who’d rather mope around the house and feel sorry for one’s self is the best example for this symptom of depression.
Feels hopeless, perennial pessimist: speaking of feeling sorry for oneself, another common symptom of depression is when a person actually feels like he/she has nothing to look forward to in his or her life. As for being the perennial pessimist, those who show this symptom of depression are usually very negative about things; again, the feeling of hopelessness comes in to mind.
Guilt-driven, loss of self-worth, and helplessness: other symptoms of depression that can be easily seen in people who prefer to mope around all day long are these. Whenever a person feels so guilty over something, it actually makes one a very sad person who feels like he or she doesn’t deserve to be happy.
Thus, the loss of self-worth, if that person feels like he or she isn’t worthy of being happy or enjoying oneself, then that’s a clear tell-tale symptom of depression. Helplessness also contributes to being depressed, when assuming that things won’t simply go your way, it’s already a clear sign that you have absolutely no hope in your body at all.
Isn’t interested in finding or taking pleasure; just dropping the hobbies as well as the other things that one used to enjoy: this tell-tale symptom of depression just shows how depressed a person can be, if one is actually too sad to take pleasure even in the very things that one loves then that person is seriously lacking something, rather, that person might well have caught the depression bug.
Fatigue, always tired: people suffering from depression, since they’ve lost whatever interest in life that they may have had before are actually lacking of physical energy at all times, if one would prefer to just mope around, probably won’t even eat not get enough sleep, a depressed person may well be on their way to not just a mental illness but depression can actually be terrible for one’s physical health as well.
The most common symptoms of depression are feelings of an acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, and loss of interest. The patient usually feels tired and lacks interest in the world around him. Sleep disturbance is frequent. Usually, the patient wakes up depressed and is unable to return to sleep. Other disturbed sleep patterns are difficulty in falling asleep, nightmares, or repeated waking. Often, emotions of guilt, oppressive feelings, and self-absorption are a part of this syndrome. Cases of severe depression may also be characterized by low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering.
Having trouble concentrating, having a bad memory, and being indecisive: a person who is suffering from depression easily gives away these telltale symptoms of depression. Wherein one’s lack of interest with regards to the outside world, or for just about anything, for that matter, can lead to that person’s inability to lose track of things and actually not be able to remember things that happened or what other people said. Lack of interest actually makes depressed people very inattentive.
There are actually more symptoms of depression that can actually help you see if a person (or you) needs to be brought to the doctor to get some help when it comes to depression: lacking sleep, sleeping too much or waking up at wee hours of the morning are all symptoms of depression (if it happens daily), appetite loss as well as eating too much may show one’s lack of enthusiasm for life.
Other symptoms of depression are: loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability, impotence or frigidity, constipation, aches and pains all over the body, lack of concentration, and lack of power of decision. Some people may lose interest in eating and suffer from rapid loss of weight, while others may resort to frequent eating and, as a result, gain weight.
Be wary of sudden weight loss or weight gain in those around you. Being suicidal, talking about death, about wanting to die, is another clear indication that that person is depressed. Being restless and irritable, and physical symptoms that are usually brought about by poor mental health, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and various body pains.
Homoeopathic Management of Depression
1. Understanding the Holistic Approach
Homeopathy adopts a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and emotions. It recognizes that mental health issues are not isolated conditions but manifestations of deeper imbalances within an individual. By considering the totality of a person’s symptoms, emotions, and overall constitution, homeopathy aims to restore balance at all levels. Mind is seated in the consciousness, so the orderly functioning of the mind, seated in consciousness, is health. Homeopathic treatment for depression is individualized, taking into account the person’s emotional state, energy levels, sleep patterns, and associated symptoms. Remedies like Ignatia amara, Natrum muriaticum, and Sepia officinalis may be considered based on the specific symptom picture. Homeopathy aims to support emotional well-being and address the root causes of depression. It means life force, functioning harmoniously with the
purpose of life, is health and if functioning otherwise, it is ill health or disease. Mind is the parent of all desires. Psychological and emotional factors that lead to the development of physical or mental disorders. We should realize that both these approaches are limited, although an illness may be primarily physical or psychological, it is always the disorder of the whole person-not just the lungs or psyche. Fatigue or a bad cold may lower our tolerance for psychological stress, and an emotional upset may lower our resistance to physical disease. In short, the individual is Psychobiological with the environment.
2. Individualized Treatment
One of the key aspects of homeopathy is its individualized treatment approach. Homeopathic remedies are selected based on a person’s unique symptoms, emotional state, and personal characteristics. The aim is to find a remedy that closely matches the individual’s specific mental and emotional state, addressing the underlying causes of their condition.
3. Addressing a Range of Mental Health Conditions
Homeopathy has shown potential in addressing various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia. Through careful assessment and matching of symptoms, homeopathic remedies are tailored to the individual’s needs. Remedies such as Aconitum napellus, Ignatia amara, and Arsenicum album are commonly used to address specific mental and emotional symptoms associated with these conditions.
4. Supporting emotional well-being
Homeopathy seeks to support emotional well-being by stimulating the body’s self-healing mechanisms. By addressing the root causes of mental health issues, such as past traumas, suppressed emotions, or imbalances in the vital force, homeopathy aims to promote long-term healing rather than simply alleviating symptoms.
5. Integration with conventional mental health care
Homeopathy can be used as a complementary approach alongside conventional mental health care. It can support the overall well-being of individuals by addressing emotional aspects and promoting balance. Individuals with serious mental health conditions need to seek appropriate professional help and consider homeopathy as part of an integrative treatment plan.
Remember to conduct thorough research and include credible references to support your claims. Tailor the article to your target audience, making it engaging and informative while promoting a balanced view of homeopathy’s role in mental health.
6. Homeopathy for common mental health conditions
Homeopathy has been utilized by many individuals seeking alternative approaches to address common mental health conditions. While it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, some people have reported positive outcomes and relief from symptoms related to anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia through homeopathic treatment. Here’s an overview of the potential effectiveness of homeopathy in addressing these conditions.
Top Homeopathic Medications for Depression
Homeopathic treatment for depression is individualized, taking into account the person’s emotional state, energy levels, sleep patterns, and associated symptoms. Remedies like:
Ignatia amara,
Natrum muriaticum,
and Sepia officinalis
may be considered based on the specific symptom picture. Homeopathy aims to support emotional well-being and address the root causes of depression.
Nutrition and Depression
Irregular diet habits cause digestive problems and lead to the assimilation of fats. An excess of carbohydrates like cereals, white sugar, coffee, tea, and chocolates, and comparatively less quantities of vegetables and fruits in the diet may result in indigestion. Due to indigestion, gases are produced in the digestive tract, causing compression over the diaphragm in the region of the heart and lungs. This in turn, reduces the supply of oxygen to the tissues, which raises the carbon dioxide levels, causing general depression. Conversely, nutritional therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Diet has a profound effect on a person’s mental health of a person. Even a single nutritional deficiency can cause depression in susceptible people. Nutritional therapy for depression can be used to build up brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that affect mood and are often lacking in depressed people.
Eat foods rich in B vitamins such as whole grains, green vegetables, eggs and fish. Nutritional therapy for depression should be your first line of attack for this syndrome. Diet for people suffering from depression should completely exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and cola, all white flour products, sugar, food colorings, chemical additives, white rice and strong condiments. The diet should be restricted to three meals.
Fruits can be taken in the morning for breakfast with milk and a handful of nuts and seeds. Lunch may consist of steamed vegetables, whole wheat chappatis and a glass of buttermilk. For dinner, green vegetable salad and all available sprouts such as alfalfa seeds, mung beans, cottage cheese or a glass of butter-milk would be ideal in a nutritional therapy for depression diet.
Add protein and carbohydrates to your diet: Incorporate protein into your diet. Protein helps to keep sugar levels stable. You can find protein in nuts, yogurt, beans, fish, chicken, tofu, and lentils.
Seek out foods that are high in Omega-3 (a fish oil): This fish oil has been shown in many studies to reduce your bad cholesterol levels and reduce plaque buildup in your blood. By reducing your bad cholesterol, you are helping your body to fight off stress and relieve anxiety, tension, and even prevent heart disease! Fish that are high in Omega-3 are excellent ways to help your blood.
Folic Acid: Folic Acid (required for energy production) is considered brain food. The brain needs it to work properly. It helps to prevent anxiety and fatigue. Folic acid works best when combined with vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Much research has indicated that a deficiency of folic acid may include depression, insomnia, anorexia, forgetfulness, hyper-irritability, apathy, fatigue, and anxiety.
You can find Folic Acid in the following foods:
-Whole grain breads
-Fortified cereals
-Dried peas
-Dried beans
-Leafy vegetables
– Fruit.
Most multivitamin complexes contain folic acid.
GABA: GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) is an amino acid that helps reduce anxiety, allows rational decision making, promotes restful sleep, and enhances workout recovery. It has also been shown to have similar effects as the benzodiazepine drugs. You will also feel more relaxed and notice that you are sleeping better. The recommended dose for GABA is 700-750 mg, 3 times daily. Talk to a medical professional about using GABA before using it in your nutritional therapy for depression plan.
Magnesium: The supplement magnesium has been found to aid in the management of depression. Taking 200-300 mg of magnesium 2 to 3 times daily has been shown to help.
SAM-e (Sammy): short for S-adenosyl-methionine, SAM-e has long been used in Europe to treat depression and is now available in the U.S. It seems to work faster than St. John’s Wort in nutritional therapy for depression. Look for tablets with enteric coatings, which improve absorption, and also go for the new butanedisulfonate form. Results can be seen in as little as two weeks, but often take at least a month for the best effects to be felt.
Selenium: Selenium, an important antioxidant, is a trace mineral found in soil and food. It protects neurotransmitters. Selenium deficiency has shown to hurt mood, which makes it a legitimate component of nutritional therapy for depression. It also helps to reduce bad cholesterol and keep the heart healthy. You can get much of your selenium from dietary sources such as: Alfalfa, fennel seed, ginseng, butter, garlic, liver, Brazil nuts, shellfish, and other fish. You can find it in sunflower seeds, yarrow, and wheat germ.
Vitamin B1: Vitamin B1 is also known as “thiamine.” In many studies, B1 has shown to have positive effects on the nervous system and mental well-being. Vitamin B1 is found in peas, soybeans, fortified breads, cereals, pasta, fish, pork, whole grains,s and dried beans. Prolonged intake of large amounts of alcohol depletes your body’s supply of vitamin B1.
Vitamin B6: Lack of Vitamin B6 has been known to cause anxiety and depression. The formation of certain brain chemicals from amino acids requires this vitamin. It affects the nervous system. The recommended Dietary Allowances for adults (25+ years) is 2.0 for men and 1.6 for women. The best sources of vitamin B6 are meats (particularly organ meats such as liver), whole grains and wheat germ.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is needed for energy, brain function and a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 is an important part of nutritional therapy for depression. It helps to combat depression, stabilize PMS and helps to protect against anemia and it may help fight cancer. The best food sources of Vitamin B12 are liver, kidney, oily fish, beef,, lamb, cheese, eggs, and milk.
Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that has been found to have positive effects on the nervous system as well as helping to produce a calming effect. Most multivitamins contain zinc. Food sources for zinc are meat, poultry, nuts, beans and dairy products.
What You Should Avoid When Using Nutritional Therapy for Depression
What you don’t eat may be even more important than what you do eat in using nutritional therapy for depression. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugar, because they tend to worsen depression. If you can’t avoid them, then at least cut down.
Avoid Caffeine: Caffeine is something many people in America and Europe are used to bringing in their daily lives. Though many studies have shown that this addictive stimulant can help produce symptoms of depression, insomnia and anxiety. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, many sodas and even certain medications. Always ask your doctor about a medication before using it. Also, ask the doctor if there is an alternative medication if your medicine contains caffeine.
Reduce Processed and Refined Foods:
Processed food can rob your food of nutrients and vitamins that your body needs to fight off stress and promote good health. Try to buy whole foods, unprocessed foods and try and stay away from “instant” foods, preservatives, artificial flavors, saturated fat and MSG.
Reduce Sugar Intake:
Too much sugar can rob our bodies of essential nutrients. Yet don’t be so fast as to replace the sugar with Stevia, the natural sweetener from the Stevia plant. Artificial sweeteners can also cause anxiety as well as other health concerns.
Reduce Alcohol Intake:
In small amounts, alcohol can be good for your heart, but too much alcohol is not a good thing for your body and too large of an intake increases your body’s need for extra vitamins. The body has a harder time using oxygen. As a result, you can become more sensitive to stress, which in turn can cause anxiety reactions. It can also cause depression.
The Effects of Alcohol on Depression:
How does alcohol contribute to Depression Disorders? Research has shown that alcohol in high doses has numerous health hazards. As well as many other things that can: increase your need for extra vitamins due to disturbed eating patterns, interfere with the body’s ability to use oxygen, to process food & absorb vitamins. As a Result: High alcohol consumption makes you more sensitive to stress.
Chronic abuse of alcohol is often associated with depression-like symptoms, which can reduce the ability to solve problems, which in turn can lead to anxiety. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to poor work performance, relationship difficulties & financial difficulties. This can produce stressors that worsen anxiety.
Healthy foods to combat depression
It is only a healthy body that houses a healthy mind. Unhealthy diets like junk foods lead to lethargy and low levels of energy. Constant lowering of energy makes it harder to get up and get going, and ailments like depression can set in. With the passage of time, cause and effect cease to be distinguishable from each other. This unhealthy connection is specifically evident in depression related eating. Depression is associated with strong urges to eat. Monitoring and managing diet is therefore a significant part of Treating Depression. Those who have had any experience with depression would know that depression often leads to an increase in eating binges. Remember how you reached out for an ice cream or a grilled sandwich to drown your sorrow the last time your boyfriend ditched you? Eating foods that alleviate depression is important. Maintaining a constant energy level is essential to fighting the symptoms of depression. The idea is that if you must eat when you are depressed, you should opt for healthier foods that will help you increase your energy levels. Higher energy levels help you remain active so that you can combat symptoms of depression. Unhealthy diets make you sluggish and worsen depression.
