(NaturalNews) Depression is not a disease. Rather, it is a sign that your life is out of balance. Depression is a condition that has risen to epidemic proportions. It affects approximately 19 million Americans, almost 10% of the population. We are led to believe that it is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain and can only be treated with certain drugs that correct this imbalance. Yet, these medications may do more harm than good. There are natural, safer methods that can effectively treat depression.
Certain forms of depression are a normal part of life. We all go through traumas that cause sadness, grief, and helplessness. The premise that depression is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain is not a scientific statement. Studies were done several decades ago to see if low serotonin levels were responsible for depression and in 1983 the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reported that "There is no evidence that there is anything wrong in the serotonergic system of depressed patients."
Taking SSRI's block the normal reuptake of serotonin, leaving the patient with the exact condition that these drugs are designed to treat, low serotonin levels. This sets up a chain of events, the root cause of which, according to Dr. Steven Hyman (head of the NIMH in 1996), is that the brain operates in a way that is "both qualitatively and quantitatively different than normal." This abnormal operation, which cascades throughout the body, results in side effects ranging from uncomfortable to dangerous, such as sexual dysfunction, mania, violence, and even suicide.
Grief is a very common cause of depression. Loss of a loved one is primary in this category. However, there are also other common causes which can seriously impact a person's life. These include: Divorce or the end of a relationship, moving to a new location, being diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness, and disability or loss of independence after a severe accident or illness. But please keep in mind that there are many other life experiences that result in grief. However, it should be noted that grief is a normal response to a major loss. It is a process that we must go through, albeit a very painful one.
Depression can very well be treated naturally and, by implementing certain lifestyle changes, an individual might be amazed at how much better s/he feels, both emotionally and physically.
Addressing the source of depression is paramount in healing. Many times a situation where we find ourselves helpless, between that proverbial rock and a hard spot, results in depression. Relaxation exercises, meditation, yoga, and EFT (emotional freedom technique) help to relieve stress, depression, and anxiety. There are EFT practitioners available that help to treat serious conditions.
Eating a healthy diet is crucial. Foods play an important role in our moods and emotional states. Avoiding sugar, grains, processed foods, junk foods, fast foods, etc. help to normalize insulin and leptin levels, which also have a lot to do with depression. Make sure to supplement your diet with high quality Omega 3's. At least two studies point to a strong link associating depression with low rates of Omega 3 consumption.
Getting the necessary sunshine to insure optimum Vitamin D levels is also important in treating depression. Low vitamin D levels are also associated with depression.
Supplements that relieve depression include: Colloidal Gold, SAMe, 5-HTP, and St. John's Wort. Please note that these supplements should not be taken together with antidepressants or other drugs used to treat depression or anxiety.
For treating more serious conditions naturally, please see:
Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. Luella is in the midst of editing her ebook, "The 8 Invisible Stains of Our Souls" which will be available in the next few months. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors of books and articles about natural health including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "Collected Remedies" Luella contributes to The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets "
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