Friday 5 July 2013

How To Treat Depression Naturally

It is normal to experience periods of feeling down, but if you are feeling sad for weeks or months at a time then it could be that you are suffering from depression. There are different degrees of severity when it comes to the disorder. Sometimes people with mild depression are able to overcome their depression without seeking medical support. Here are some suggestions which may help.

Exercise

Clinical studies have conclusively shown that exercise plays a very significant role in overcoming depression. Sufferers showed a marked improvement when they took regular exercise in addition to their treatment, no matter what the severity of the disorder. However, in the case of mild depression, exercise proved so effective that it was all some sufferers needed to alleviate the symptoms completely.

Any type of sport or aerobic activity will be beneficial. But if you dislike the gym or do not have much free time, then walking has been shown to be just as effective. A brisk thirty minute walk, five times a week is enough to significantly improve depressive symptoms.

Diet

Improving your diet can benefit many aspects of your health, including mental health. It is recommended that people eat a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and minimize their consumption of processed foods. But there are also specific foods that can help combat mild depression.

It is believed that increasing your intake of Omega 3 can help improve the symptoms of depression. Studies into why Japan and Taiwan have very low rates of mental illness concluded that it is due, in part, to their higher consumption of oily fish. Salmon, sardines and anchovies are all excellent sources of Omega 3, but you will see the same benefits through taking supplements.

There is some correlation between a vitamin B deficiency and depression, therefore you may notice an improvement in your symptoms if you take a folic acid supplement. Vitamin B is also found in leafy green vegetables and beans.

Natural Remedies

Clinical studies of St John's Wort have concluded that its success rate in treating depression is due to more than it being a Placebo. However, it is only beneficial for mild to moderate depression, and will not help those with more severe symptoms. It can take up to 6 weeks to feel the benefits of taking St John's Wort.

Self Help Books

Self help books will not help everyone, but some people can improve their depression through reading material such as The Linden Method alone. There are many books available which explain the principles behind cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a talking therapy, commonly conducted on a one-to-one basis with a trained therapist, which helps address negative thought patterns and develops coping strategies. Some individuals are able to apply the principles themselves, without the additional support of a therapist.

Although some people with mild depression do not need to see a doctor, it is very important to seek medical advice if the symptoms get worse. You should also contact your family doctor if the depression has persisted for several months.

Thursday 4 July 2013

Dealing With Depression

If you have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, you may be feeling a lot of anxiety. However, this diagnosis is the perfect opportunity to improve your life. Most cases of depression have a biological basis. Therapy can aid you in understanding your illness and medication can treat chemical abnormalities in your brain.

Depression is no longer written off as insanity and patients are no longer sent off to hospitals for experiencing a nervous breakdown. Medical researchers have found that depression is often caused by an underlying medical condition or may be caused by the way chemicals are produced and used by the brain. Most people experience temporary bouts of sadness. This is not the same as clinical depression. Serious depression interferes with day-to-day life. When brain chemicals and neurotransmitters do not perform correctly, depression can be the result. A variety of medication have been produced to correct the way in which brain chemicals work. If you are worried about the negative stigma attached to a diagnosis of depression, remember that most people now understand that depression is a real illness with biological causes.

You should always be at the head of your treatment plan. Talk to your physician about seeing a psychiatrist. A mental health provider may be able to help you get to the reasons behind your behavior and the deeper causes for you depression. You can see a therapist one-on-one or attend group therapy sessions.
Once you understand your diagnosis, you should learn as much as you can. Research new treatments and be honest with your doctor and therapist about how well their suggestions and treatments are working for you. If you learn about a new treatment that you believe may be helpful in treating your specific disorder, talk to your doctor about it. Although researchers have learned a lot about depression, the brain is a complex organ and scientific researchers are learning more every day.

If your doctor prescribes medication, always take it exactly as it has been prescribed. Take too much medication all at once can cause harmful side effects and may even be deadly. If you stop taking your medication suddenly, you may also suffer from a wide range of side effects. Make sure your doctor is aware of any other medications you may be taking to avoid dangerous drug interactions.

Get support from close friends and trusted family members. Try to stay away from people who are negative during your first few months of treatment. Talking to other people who have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder can make it easier for you to deal with all your emotions and fears.

Make a concerted effort to change your eating and sleeping habits. Get some exercise, take time to do the things you really enjoy and surround yourself with positive people. Try to have a positive attitude yourself, even if you are feeling a little down. Although medication can improve your depression, you must make changes in your behavior to improve your mental health.

This is a guest post by Barbara Mitchell who runs a website delaing with the issues surrounding anxiety, depression and stress. You can read her in-depth reviews of the Linden Method - one of the most popular courses dealing with the problem on her website.