Alternative Treatment for Depression
There are nearly as many people diagnosed with clinical depression as there are people diagnosed with heart disease. There are about 20 million people in the United States that are clinically depressed. The depression symptoms that people suffer are usually what send them to their health care practitioners. However, there are a fair percentage of people don’t like taking prescription depression drugs. They would rather take an alternative approach to depression treatment. Alternative treatments may include the use of herbal supplements, healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise, healthy eating.
Many people consult with their doctors about alternative treatments for their depression. Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wart and Kava Kava are a few herbal supplements used in depression treatment. It is believed by many that herbal remedies are quite effective to treat clinical depression. Kava Kava, for instance, helps to promote and maintain a sense of contentment and relaxation.
People interested in alternative treatments for depression should be aware that herbal remedies can have side effects, if used in conjunction with some prescription medicines. For instance, a hypersensitivity to Kava Kava may interfere with liver function on some people. There has been some medical concern about using herbal supplements for depression treatment while taking prescription drugs. Toxicology studies have not shown any significant relationship to liver damage and the ingestion of Kava Kava supplements.
Many people taking the alternative approach to treating their depression feel that the herbal supplements are as effective as prescription depression drugs, and have fewer side effects. Many people who take prescription antidepressants report a marked decrease in libido. It is the SSRI antidepressants that are responsible for the decreased sex drive in the people taking them. There are no sexual side effects associated with herbal supplements used for the treatment of depression.
As part of alternative treatment for depression, you should have realistic expectations. Part of the treatment for depression is your attitude toward yourself and others. Many times depressed people have unrealistic expectations, and when those expectations are not met, they become self-deprecating. A self-deprecating attitude often snowballs into a state of mind where the person feels they are worthless. Therefore, having realistic expectations and goals will help to alleviate unnecessary disappointment in themselves and other people.
A word about tobacco products: smoking and the use of other tobacco products is not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. The use of tobacco products is known to increase the incidence of depression. Studies have shown that smokers are more likely to be depressed than non-smokers.
Exercise is a necessary part depression help. If you want to decrease your depressed mood, treat yourself to at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, or as often as you can. Walking and other forms of exercise, (even playing ball with your kids) will increase the “feel good” chemicals in your brain. Dopamine is the chemical that makes you feel good; exercise stimulates the endorphins that help you to feel happy, healthy and well. Alternative treatment for depression, combined with exercise, and a healthy eating plan rich in fruits and vegetables will go a long way in helping you to reduce your depressed mood.
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