| More than eleven million people in the United States | | | | Relaxation techniques will assist in bringing focus and |
| suffer from depression each year. This medical | | | | serenity. Yoga and meditation are ideal forms of this. |
| condition that affects the mind can have lasting | | | | Changing lifestyle to promote a better self image and |
| effects such as a feeling of hopelessness, lack of | | | | naturally adjust chemicals in the body has also proven |
| ambition and an inability to focus. Depression can | | | | helpful. Eating a well balanced diet and adding |
| affect all age groups and genders, but is more | | | | supplements such as fish oil, Zinc and B vitamins help |
| prevalent in women. Consulting a mental help | | | | regulate depression. Exercising several times each |
| professional such as a psychiatrist is beneficial to | | | | week is also valuable. Alternate treatments such as |
| obtain proper diagnosis and treatment. This condition | | | | acupuncture and hypnosis may be beneficial to help |
| can adversely affect school, home life and | | | | alleviate symptoms of depression and melds the body, |
| employment. | | | | mind and spirit. |
| Most treatments will involve a combination of drug | | | | It is important to discuss all treatment options with your |
| therapy and natural remedies for a fully balanced | | | | physician or psychiatrist to decide on the proper |
| physical and emotional state. Medications will likely | | | | combinations. Each person has different levels of |
| involve some form of antidepressant drug. The most | | | | depression and a treatment plan should be customized |
| commonly used types are: tricyclic, Monoamine | | | | to the individual. If using supplements or radically |
| oxidase inhibitors or MAOI's, and selective serotonin | | | | changing your diet; make sure to inform the doctor so |
| reuptake inhibitors or SSRI's. SSRI's have become the | | | | those can be taken into consideration when developing |
| most popular form for treating depression because of | | | | a treatment plan. |
| the lower risk of side effects. These drugs include | | | | Depression does not need to negatively affect a |
| names such as Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. | | | | person's life. With proper treatment, many depressed |
| Therapy is often prescribed with drug treatments to | | | | people live full, happy, successful lives. It is important to |
| help a person come to terms with issues, symptoms | | | | take action to help minimize depressive tendencies in |
| and techniques for dealing with depression. These can | | | | order to allow a better sense of well being and peace. |
| be group or individual therapy sessions to talk about | | | | Using a combination of drug therapies and natural |
| issues. Expression therapy such as dance, art or music | | | | remedies will bring a balance to mind, body and spirit. |
| can help articulate deep feelings and emotions. | | | | |