Depression
For many years, depression was not discussed, accepted as the disease, nor treated correctly. Those people who suffer from chronic depression were often tucked a way in the back room by their families, or given medications that left them in a stupor much of the time. There was a stigma associated with this disorder. But that was then and today is now, and things have changed.
Depression is a major health issues in America with an estimated 50 million people who suffer from some form of the disease. Depression is normally explained as a mood disorder experienced over and extended period of time that impairs normal life experiences. It can result in many symptoms such as low self-esteem, pessimism, lack of interest in daily life, withdrawal, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, to name a few. Only a qualified healthcare professional can accurately diagnose depression, and anyone experiencing any or all of these symptoms should consult with one immediately.
Depression has many degrees of severity and many causes. Short-term episodes of depression or other new mood changes can occur with hormone change, including those that occurred during premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the phrases of childbearing both during pregnancy and after the birth (postpartum depression), and menopause. Other forms of depression stand from an inability to cope with the stress of life. Events such as the loss of elevenths or friend, conflicts at home or at work, loss of a job and prolonged or chronic illness can cause depression. Prescription drugs such as tranquilizer, high blood pressure medicines, steroids for asthma, allergies, and anti-inflammatory, is well less alcohol and illegal drug use also contribute to depression. Many experts believe that low level of serontonin in the brain, poor dietary habits, and an imbalance between thyroid hormones and blood sugar levels are contributing factors. Recent research on the causes for depression focused on deficiencies of vitamin B6, B12, folic acid, and amino acids.
People in climates farther from the equator a more susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a short-term this order that occurs during the winter and we mean the spring. Symptoms include difficulty in getting out of bed in the morning, low energy, increased appetite, weight gain, and carbohydrate craving. The fewer may be as simple as getting out into the sunlight more often or sitting under special lamps that mimic sunlight.
Current treatments for depression include pharmaceuticals such as Prozac, the most prescribed antidepressant, and counseling. Recently there has been much written concerning the use of food supplements and herbs such as St. John’s wort, SAMe, and 5-HTP for treating depression, and Phosphatidylserine for improving mental function. . Before you seek treatment of any type, you should see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and plan for treating depression.
Lifestyle suggestions
- Get a complete physical that includes a thyroid, hormonal, and blood sugar test. After evaluations, decide on a plan of action under the guidance of a healthcare professional with regular checkups to follow.
- Limit the amounts of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and junk food in the daily diet.
- Exercise regularly. If the sun is out, put on your sun block and go for a walk.
- Seek out a mental health professional or a psychologist to help you with your stress reduction, program to change your lifestyle, and other ways to deal effectively with your specific type of depression.
- Sleep well at night. Talk with you healthcare professional regarding any problems with sleeping, nightmares, unusual tiredness, ect.
Daily supplementation plan
Before initiating a supplementation program, discuss it with your healthcare professional.
- Vitamin B complex take as directed on label
- Omega-3 fatty acids: fish oil 1-3 g; or flaxseed oil one tablespoon
- Vitamin B12: 50-300 and mcg
- St. John’s wort: 600-900 mg and/or 5-HTTP: take as directed on label (Caution: Do not take without the specific agreement of a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you are on any prescription medications.
May 16 2008 05:09 pm | Health