People with depression are simply not able to carry on their lives normally. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. When these symptoms become very intense, they start interfering with one’s ability to normally carry out even the daily chores. The person feels unable to do anything about it; other people need to help him out of this depressive situation. Appropriate treatment is required to help most people who suffer from depression.
Symptoms:
The symptoms that help identify depression include:
- Constant feelings of sadness, irritability.
- Feeling exhausted most of the time, despite lack of activity.
- Decreased interest social activities.
- Significant weight change.
- A change in sleeping pattern, such as difficulty sleeping or early morning awakening.
- Lack of confidence.
- Spends a lot of time thinking about what has gone wrong or what will go wrong.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
- Physical pain, which has no apparent physical
- Thoughts of suicide or death
If you or somebody close to you is experiencing any of these symptoms, you must consult a doctor right away.
What causes depression?
Causes of depression are still unknown, Depression has no single cause – it may result from a combination of things. However, it can be triggered by:
- Trauma and stress – financial problems, the breakup of a relationship, or the death of a near one can bring in depression.
- Loss of social support such as the loss of a job
- Poverty.
- Physical conditions – chronic illness such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, HIV or cancer
- Side-effects of medications.
- Hormonal changes that affect mood, such as the onset or end of menstruation, menopause.
- Alcohol abuse
- Hereditary – depression may run in families, and parents may pass on the defective genes.
- People with low self-esteem, or who are pessimistic.
- Psychological disorders such as anorexia.
- Some scientists suggest that overexposure to electro-magnetic smog from computer terminals and kitchen appliances, especially the microwave oven, upset the balance of the body’s own electromagnetic field and leads to depression.
- Being physically or sexually abused.
- Family conflicts, especially between parents.
Depression in women -
Women are prone to depression twice as compared to men. Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women particularly factors as menstrual cycle, pregnancy, miscarriage, premenstrual syndrome and menopause. Many women also face additional tensions such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood, and caring for children.
How to diagnose depression:
A good diagnostic assessment will include a complete history of the patient’s symptoms, i.e., when it started, how severe they are, are they recurrent, whether any previous treatment was given, if yes, then what treatment. The doctor should enquire about physical abuse or alcohol and drug use. Further, a history should include information about whether other family members have had a depressive illness.
Can depression be treated?
• Yes, depression can be treated.
• About 80% of people treated for depression get better.
• Both medication and therapy can effectively treat depression.
What happens, if depression is left untreated?
Depression if untreated, can affect:
- Social behaviour, along with normal day to day functioning
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Can lead to drug abuse, disruptive behaviours, violence and aggression,
- Even lead to suicide
Depression is a serious problem that demands a serious medical approach. However, you need to first recognize what is causing it.
How to treat depression?
Most people with depression never seek medical help, even though the majority will respond to treatment. Treating depression is especially important because it affects you, your family, and your work. Depression is a curable illness.
Treatment includes a combination of professional counseling, drug therapy, and family support.
Love, appreciation and normal communication are some of the most important things you should provide to help the person cope with depression. Do not be critical of the person at any stage.
A change in normal lifestyle habits can help reduce symptoms of depression. Encourage the person to:
• Go in for some light exercise regularly, such as swimming, walking.
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.
• Get a good and refreshing sleep
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Be optimistic. Positive thinking is very important in recovering from depression.
Change will not come overnight – but with the right treatment, you can keep depression from overshadowing your life. Early treatment of depression will bring about the best results. Think positive, recovery will happen, but gradually.
Are anti-depressants helpful?
Many psychiatric drugs have not been satisfactorily tested in patients, so we do not know for sure the risks or the benefits of these medications.
The thumb rule is caution while giving antidepressants – They should be neither a first nor a last resort. If given, anti-depressants should not be stopped abruptly, because it may lead to a withdrawal syndrome that includes dizziness, nausea, seizures and anxiety.
Side effects of anti-depressants:
The side effects vary depending on the drug, but can include:
• Insomnia
• Sleepiness
• Increased anxiety
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Weight gain or loss
Beware! Anti depressants can trigger off suicidal behaviour!
Some helpful home remedies for depression –
Home remedy for depression is the best solution as it is free from any side effects.
- Ayurveda recommends yoga, massage and meditation, which increases the energy of life. Yoga exercises help to increase the circulation of oxygen in the system and helps keeps the mind relaxed. Deep breathing exercises or “pranayama” help the body and mind to relax.
- Try to distract your mind. Listen to your favourite music, do the things you are fond of, eat something good, go out with friends – bring a change in your daily routine, and it will help cope with depression.
- Aromatherapy helps the body relax and revive the nervous system. Inhalation of some herbal oils like rose, jasmine, lime, and grapefruit are considered a natural remedy for depression.
- Cashew nuts are extremely beneficial in treating depression, as it is a rich source of vitamin B. It ensures body activeness and energy levels.
- Take daily walks. Fresh air and deep breathing exercises are both good in aiding relaxation.
Avoid black tea, kava tea, tobacco and alcohol. Eat more wheat germ, which is an energizer. Pears, apples, and nuts assist the nervous system in functioning properly.
TALK TO SOMEONE IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE DEPRESSED…IT MAY JUST WORK!!
Candy Willims
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/depression-home-remedies-for-depression-121032.html
Alternative medicines and/or home remedies for depression?
I have already come to the conclusion that I have clinical depression.Although I never been officially diagnosed,it is quite obvious and has been proven by multiple online tests.Over the past month,I have been taking "St. John’s Wart" religiously and using aroma therapy to help with the symptoms.My mother is against taking me to the doctor due to her disapproval of modern medicine.She asks that I search online for alternative,natural medicines and home remedies.Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.Thank you!
Well, if you have severe depression then sometimes prescription drugs can be miraculous. For those with mild depression, sometimes the side effects aren’t worth it.
I recommend cold showers. Gradually build up to them. They cool the nerves. In the old days they used cold baths as a sort of effective shock therapy in mental patients who were institutionalized for severe depression. But not everyone can stand the idea of a cold shower unless they already live in a hot, humid climate.
There are also the B vitamins, take a B complex (B50 – means it has 50 mg each of various B vitamins). This may help with mood and stress.
A few drops of a good quality lavender (mild) or narcissus (strong) oil in a cotton ball and breathed in or lightly put in environment (too much can make one sleepy) goes right to the brain and helps with mood, especially narcissus even suicidal patients.
Other than that clean up the diet, save the processed chemical junk/gmo food for the holidays and exercise, especially in the outdoors. A lot of these foods like milk and meat have a lot of hormones added to them. These products are also added to almost all processed foods, which is basically 90% what you buy in the supermarket and at restaurants. Learn to eat a vegetable based diet (e.g. salads and soups) from local farmers markets. Supplement with B12, taurine and Carnosine. Drink filtered water that can get not just the chlorine but also if there is fluoride. Reverse osmosis is one of the best. Go for a walk in the sun and fresh air, so many get stuck indoors and missed the healing vitamin D rays that also act like a hormone to the body. We are a body electric, we are chemicals and a soul. Try not get stuck behind pc or tv, try meet like minded friends and hike, bike, play tennis, go horseback riding — get back in touch with nature.
Sometimes growing up in this world can make anyone a bit blue.
References :
http://www.earthclinic.com
You should be careful trusting any online tests. The best way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to speak to a psychiatrist.
Then, you can discuss your options for treatment.
Self diagnosis can be dangerous. Good luck to you.
References :
you can try sam-e , ….http://www.mcmanweb.com/sam-e_wort.html its awesome
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also make sure to get some vitamin d 3 , I bought some recently at a health food store , it was
about 9 dollars for a bottle of 100 gelcaps , each cap is 5,000 units , very affordable , it is not a vitamin, it is hormonal , it works , I take 2 a day with food and feel great , and it is better than the flu shot , and it cuts the risk of many cancers about 60 to 80 % according to docs , breast , prostate , colon and more , most people are low in vitamin d3 , even in florida . and you need to be walking everyday if you can and watch something funny like this …
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7ccJSMHo2Y
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the bible says a merry heart is like medicine to the bones , true
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References :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLZm53Ui00Y … lol
Okay, I am going to ask that you please ask your mom to think about subliminal messages.
They go directly to the source… your brain.
Subliminal Messages connect straight to your sub conscience and make demands such as "you are confident,happy, relaxed"
This company makes them personalized (your Name)
That is what makes them take IMMEDIATE effect. You both will know the difference the next morning.
You should really look into them.
References :
http://www.TheSubliminalMind.webs.com
I have had depression and anxiety since I was twelve and was shortly after diagnosed with bi polar disorder, I went years and years on medications and going through all kinds of crap to seek relief. I got pretty frustrated and never had a lot of faith in being effectively treated. I told this to a friend who sent me to a lady named Karen at http://angelichealingclinic.com and after a couple of her Reiki clinics I was incredibly relieved and actually had learned some personal techniques to control the most serious of the anxiety.
References :
http://angelichealingclinic.com
Gingko Biloba, 5HTP. ZThe St. John’s Wort you are taking is excellent for depression.
References :
Try the Depression Diet:
Depression diet don’ts:
* Avoid or reduce alcohol, sugar, and caffeine (including soft drinks)
* Avoid fast food and other ‘junk meals’ low in nutrients
* Avoid or reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners
Depression diet do’s:
* Balance each meal with adequate protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates
* Eat lean sources of protein such as fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, and seeds
* Try to mix in at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day
* Choose ‘fresh’ food over processed or frozen foods
References :
http://www.safedepressiontreatment.com/96/top-7-natural-cures-for-depression/
I have a number of friends that have found success with Amoryn, so I’m more than happy to help spread the word about this product. It’s an all-natural supplement designed to help with feelings of depression. Amoryn’s formula contains Rhodiola Rosea, 5-HTP, and St. John’s Wort, among other ingredients. You can learn more about these ingredients and why they’re included in the Amoryn formula at http://www.amoryn.com/advantage.html. This website is actually has a lot of useful info, so take some time to look around.
St Johns Wort seems to be one of the few supplements that has a substantial amount of clinical research behind it. If you’re looking for a St. John’s Wort (SJW) product, it’s my understanding that’s important to find one that’s been standardized for hyperforin. This is main active component responsible for reducing symptoms of depression. Here’s a link to a clinical research study published in a reputable medical journal discussing the importance of hyperforin – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15492771
Another great resource is the Kelly’s St. John’s Wort Blog – http://www.sjwinfo.org/
Try Google-ing "Alternative Supplement for Depression" – There’s some good info there about how to naturally overcome depression without prescription medications.
Start there and continue learning about different alternatives. Everyone’s different, so the best long-term approach is to continue educating yourself and find what works best for you.
Hopefully this information is of some help. All the best!
References :
Personal Experience
Google.com (Online Research)
Amoryn’s Website (amoryn.com)
Kelly’s St. John’s Wort Blog (sjwinfo.org)
Pub Med –> Clinical Research Database