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Though the future may not look bright for those suffering from depression, the good news is depression is treatable and those suffering from depression are able to lead happy, productive lives with proper treatment.
Who Typically Suffers from Depression? Although depression can affect virtually anyone at any age, it tends to affect twice as many women as men with a typical age of onset at 25. There is also a specific form of depression related to childbirth and pregnancy known as postpartum depression. This form of depression affects between 10 to 20% of women upon giving birth to a child. Unfortuneately, depression seems to be more common now than ever with a decreasing age of onset. Childhood depression, adolescent depression, and suicide rates are on the increase. Fortunately, if treated, depression can be managed successfully and happiness can be found once again. Diagnosing Depression If you suspect that you or someone you love may be suffering from clinical depression, arrange for an appointment with your family doctor or mental health professional. You will be asked about your symptoms, how long you've had them and how they are affecting your daily life. A medical check-up may be advised to be sure that these symptoms of depression are not caused by some other medical condition such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease. If your first evaluation for depression was by your family doctor, you may be referred to a mental health professional who will further assess your depression symptoms and develop an appropriate course of treatment. This may include psychotherapy as well as treatment using medications. If you suspect that you or someone you love may be suffering from clinical depression, arrange for an appointment with your family doctor or mental health professional. You will be asked about your symptoms, how long you've had them and how they are affecting your daily life.
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It should be noted that these symptoms need to have been present most of the time for at least two weeks continuously for a formal diagnosis of Clinical Depression to be made. Treatment for Depression Antidepressant Medications Oftentimes, medical professionals are quick to prescribe antidepressants as the first form of treatment for depression. If you are prescribed medication for depression, be sure to research all your available options for treatment and make yourself aware of the side-effects of antidepressant medications. There are natural cures for depression that can be tried first to see if relief is found without the use of antidepressants. The mose common antidepressant medications are the SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) which include Prozac and Zoloft. The Tricyclic antidepressants are also prescribed readily and include Elavin and Tofranil. MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) include Nardil and Marplan. Keep in mind, however, that when using these medications, you may experience side-effects that can be upsetting to some people. |
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Rosemary: Rosemary acts as a stimulator of both the circulatory and nervous system. Rosemary is often included in herbal formulas for depression due to its ability to stimulate circulation to the brain, in a similar and complementary way as Ginkgo Biloba. Rosemary is also effective in stimulating the nervous system, allowing the depressed person to feel more alert and with improved concentration.
Damiana: Another of the depression herbs that strengthens and stimulates the nervous system. But Damiana also has the reputation as being a sexual stimulant or aphrodisiac. This is not necessarily proven in clinical tests but there is much testimony by those who have used it (myself included) that attest to its ability to enhance one's libido. This may be due to the fact that the chemical components in Damiana have a testosterone-like affect on the central nervous system. Thus, it is especially effective for males with depression. |
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A Natural Cure for Depression : SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine)
Along with St. John's Wort, SAMe is perhaps the most documented and studied of the natural antidepressant medicines. More than 100 peer-reviewed clinical studies have taken place showing that SAMe works in battling symptoms of depression. SAMe is also faster acting and has fewer side effects than other antidepressants and has proven to be safe. This is largely due to the fact that SAMe is not created in a lab but is an all natural substance that naturally occurs throughout the body. SAMe plays an important role in the creation and balancing of neurotransmitters in the brain. It is also crucial in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, thus helping to keep cell membranes healthy. SAMe also plays a role in the synthesis and regulation of protein in the body, which is a key component of energy production in the body. My Top Tips for Curing Depression Naturally: I have battled bouts of mild to moderate depression from time to time. These are some of the ways I keep my depression at bay without having to resort to medication: Exercise!: I know you don't want to hear this as you've heard it enough already! Exercise is my Number 1 way to battle the debilitating effects of depression. Studies have shown that exercising actually increases the number of energy-producing mitochondria in the bodies cells. Thus, exercising will provide you with energy that depression saps away. Exercise also gets the blood flowing to the brain and encourages the release of natural endorphins that will increase one's sense of well-being naturally. You don't have to push yourself too hard - you can start simply by taking a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes every day. Eat a Healthy Diet: I believe that one of the leading causes in the rise in cases of depression today is the poor diet we are eating. If you don't take in adequate nutrition, your body cannot possibly produce the raw materials to keep the chemicals balanced correctly in your brain. I drink a Green Food Supplement every day to keep my nutrition in peak form. And the fact it's loaded with energy producing Vitamin B-12 helps keep the blues away. Some people have found that simply taking large doese of vitamin B-12 alone can help relieve depression. As I've said in other sections of my site, a diet high in raw fruits and vegetables and low in animal products will also help keep the energy levels up and the mind clear. |