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