| "Regarding focusing on the good things, | | | | substances and alcohol are believed to |
| when you are depressed it is impossible | | | | contribute to the onset of depression. |
| to do. Yes, you can make an effort and | | | | Therefore a natural depression |
| think about them but it doesn't affect | | | | treatment regimen should remove these |
| the mood/feelings. That is the nature of | | | | harmful substances from the diet while |
| depression, it is beyond feeling 'fed | | | | including more magnesium and B vitamins. |
| up' and really all you can do is go with | | | | A daily dose of additional vitamin |
| it." - Victoria, a bi-polar disorder | | | | supplements can help bridge the gap |
| sufferer. | | | | where our modern diet fails us. Studies |
| Those who suffer from long-term | | | | show that Omega-3 contributes greatly |
| depression instinctively know when their | | | | towards the feel-good factor and, along |
| "black mood" is about to descend upon | | | | with amino acids and complex |
| them, and know that bouts of depression | | | | carbohydrates, should also be included |
| can appear for almost no reason. But | | | | in the diet as part of depression |
| does this mean that all they can do is | | | | treatment. |
| "go with it"? Depression is certainly | | | | In elderly people, improper absorption |
| more than just "feeling down" every now | | | | of necessary minerals and vitamins is a |
| and again. It is a disease; and like | | | | possible cause of depression and mood |
| any disease, treatment is available. | | | | swings. Depression treatment in these |
| Know the Enemy | | | | cases is aimed at ensuring the required |
| Depression is a medical condition | | | | intake of mineral and vitamin |
| brought about by a chemical imbalance in | | | | supplements is obtained. |
| the body and, once diagnosed by a | | | | In addition to diet, regular exercise |
| certified physician, depression | | | | and relaxation techniques are |
| treatment is needed to help a person | | | | invaluable in depression treatment. |
| overcome the condition. | | | | Endorphins, released in the brain during |
| Depression symptoms include changes in | | | | any physical activity, help to have a |
| activity or energy level, unexplained | | | | better, happier frame of mind. |
| aches and pains, prolonged sadness, | | | | Relaxation and meditation also form an |
| difficult moods and, in extreme cases, a | | | | integral part of depression treatment |
| preoccupation with death. If any one or | | | | as it relieves stress and calms the |
| a combination of two or more of these | | | | mind, making you feel more positive. |
| symptoms is present, your physician will | | | | Deep breathing is an anytime, anywhere, |
| probably recommend a course of | | | | easy-to-do activity that enhances |
| depression treatment. | | | | depression treatment. |
| Medical Treatment of Depression? | | | | Complete Healing |
| The treatment of depression could | | | | So far, it is clear that depression |
| involve medication to restore the | | | | treatment should be holistic, and not |
| chemical balance in the body. The | | | | just rely on wonder drugs or miracle |
| problem with this kind of depression | | | | cures. |
| treatment, however, is that recent | | | | Holistic, natural, depression treatment |
| studies have confirmed that some common | | | | advocates a complete change of |
| anti-depressant drugs run the risk of | | | | lifestyle to a wholesome, nutritious |
| fragile bones in older patients. What | | | | diet and a stress free, drug-free life |
| these drugs have been found to do is to | | | | style. To re-cap: |
| affect the cells from the bone - the | | | | 1. Cut out alcohol and narcotics, |
| osteoblasts - resulting in brittle | | | | which can contribute towards depression. |
| bones. A research study on a group of | | | | 2. Restore the natural, chemical |
| Canadian over-50s found that those on | | | | balance, through a diet rich in minerals |
| depression drugs had a 4% lower bone | | | | and vitamins and by avoiding |
| density at the hip than the rest. The | | | | over-processed foods. |
| threat of fractures was also doubled. | | | | 3. Top-up any vitamins and |
| Most drugs have their side-effects, but | | | | minerals not found in the diet through |
| when the side-effects are so severe, it | | | | supplementation. |
| is no wonder many people are seeking | | | | 4. Use exercise and relaxation |
| natural alternatives to conventional | | | | techniques to aid the treatment of |
| depression treatment. | | | | depression. |
| Or the Natural Way? | | | | It is very easy for sufferers to fall |
| Depression is known to be caused by | | | | into the trap of believing that |
| deficiencies in magnesium as well as | | | | depression is a natural part of who they |
| folate, and so most depression treatment | | | | are. It isn't! Depression is more often |
| is aimed at increasing these mineral | | | | than not caused by a chemical imbalance |
| levels in the body. In addition, | | | | causing the body to be in a less than |
| excessive consumption of narcotic | | | | perfect, un-natural, state. |