The Fine Art of Treating Depression
I am starting a three part series about natural depression treatment options. This week, I will cover causes and symptoms. Then, over the following two weeks, I will cover natural remedies. Please remember, this does not replace discussing symptoms with your medical professional.
The World Health Organization predicts that depression will become the second most prevalent disease worldwide by the year 2020. What are we doing to prevent and treat this life-altering mood disorder? The typical treatment, antidepressant medications, comes with side effects and long term use concerns.
Depression is when a person experiences low mood persistently, to the point that it starts to interfere with her daily life. This disease can be extremely painful for both the person experiencing the symptoms and her loved ones.
Causes include:
- stress
- unresolved emotional problems
- neurotransmitter imbalance
- hormonal imbalances
- food allergies
- alcoholism
- nutrition deficiencies
- lack of sunlight
- toxicity from metals
- toxic mold
Although depression can happen at any age, adult onset is most common. For example, it’s especially prevalent in middle-aged or older adults who are struggling with other serious medical issues, like cancer, diabetes or Parkinson’s disease. Other risk factors for depression include: family history of depression, using medications with depressive side effects, major life changes, ongoing stress and trauma.
Symptoms include:
- fatigue
- persistent sadness
- low mood
- irritability
- worthlessness and hopelessness feelings
- difficulty concentrating
- difficulty sleeping
- low sex drive
- changes in appetite
- weight changes
- feelings of helplessness
- disinterest in hobbies or activities
- aches and pains
- headaches
- digestive issues
- thoughts of death or suicide
Conventional treatment typically involves the use of medications and/or psychotherapy. The most commonly prescribed medications are SSRIs, or selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, which include drugs like Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil. Research shows that antidepressant medications do help patients with depression, but they work as symptom suppressors rather than cures. Once a patient is no longer taking the antidepressants, the symptoms will probably recur. In addition, antidepressant medications have serious side effects that can include suicidal thoughts, weight gain and personality changes. Another danger of psychotropic drugs is that they can cause neurotransmitter degradation, leading to changes in the brain.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy is another option. There are several forms of psychotherapy that can be helpful, including “talk therapy” or counseling, problem-solving therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. A study conducted at the Ohio State University found that when cancer patients suffering from depression were asked if they would rather use individual counseling, antidepressant medications or support groups to address their symptoms, preference for individual counseling was significantly higher than the other options. Counseling can be an effective depression treatment, along with other natural remedies for depression.
Next week, I will begin a two part review of a dozen or so natural remedies for depression that have some studied regarding effectiveness. As always, please leave comments, questions, or other topics of interest!
“See” you next week!
