Depression is among the most frequently reported medical conditions today and is projected to become the second leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020. It is estimated by some that roughly half the people who seek treatment for depression are not helped by psychotherapy and medication or withdraw from treatment too early. Even among those who recover, more than one third of them have a relapse within eighteen months. This suggests that alternative treatments for depression may be helpful for some who suffer from this disorder. Here are some of the ways in which depression can be managed naturally.
The family of B vitamins seems to play a significant role in helping to manage depression. Research suggests that people who have low levels of Vitamin B (folate) are more likely to be depressed than those who have normal levels. One group study looked at elderly people with low levels of this vitamin and who were depressed. They were given supplements of thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6 along with antidepressant medicine, and these individuals showed more improvement than those just taking antidepressants.
Vitamin B3 (also known as Niacin) is a vitamin necessary for cell respiration. It helps with the metabolizing of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, healthy skin, performance of the nervous system, and normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids. It can be administered for treating schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. It is also a good memory-enhancer and is responsible for the synthesis of sex hormones. People show increased mental alertness when receiving adequate supplies of this vitamin.
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, depression is a sign of specific organ energy being blocked and/or deficient. If this energy becomes depressed or deficient it can consume and damage the heart energy, which is the basis of the spirit. Some of the ways that depression is treated in Chinese medicine include herbal remedies, massage and acupuncture.
Psychologist John Allen, from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and Acupuncturist Rosa Schnyer, conducted the very first pilot controlled study on treating depression symptoms with acupuncture in the Western scientific world. The study's findings suggested that just using acupuncture could be as effective as other types of treatments typically used for relieving depression symptoms. The United Nations World Health Organization has approved acupuncture as a treatment for depression, however further clinical trials with larger sample bases will be necessary to determine its ultimate effectiveness.
There are also a number of herbal remedies for treating depression. For example, ginko biloba is a natural ingredient that improves circulation in the brain, which often in turn improves memory and also eases some symptoms of depression. It can be taken along with other natural ingredients such as St. John's Wort as an overall mood enhancer.
Passion flower is another natural ingredient that can help treat depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. Passion flower is a natural salve that is most effective when combined with St. John's Wort to produce a calming, soothing effect.
These are just some of the alternative forms of treatment that can be helpful in alleviating many of the symptoms of depression. As with anything, everyone will react to them in different ways. It is important to allow a trial period in order to feel the effects of the natural medications, as some will take several weeks to take effect. Always be sure to seek a doctor's advice before you decide to stop taking a prescription medication, and avoid combining prescription medications with natural medications on your own. - 30415
The family of B vitamins seems to play a significant role in helping to manage depression. Research suggests that people who have low levels of Vitamin B (folate) are more likely to be depressed than those who have normal levels. One group study looked at elderly people with low levels of this vitamin and who were depressed. They were given supplements of thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6 along with antidepressant medicine, and these individuals showed more improvement than those just taking antidepressants.
Vitamin B3 (also known as Niacin) is a vitamin necessary for cell respiration. It helps with the metabolizing of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, healthy skin, performance of the nervous system, and normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids. It can be administered for treating schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. It is also a good memory-enhancer and is responsible for the synthesis of sex hormones. People show increased mental alertness when receiving adequate supplies of this vitamin.
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, depression is a sign of specific organ energy being blocked and/or deficient. If this energy becomes depressed or deficient it can consume and damage the heart energy, which is the basis of the spirit. Some of the ways that depression is treated in Chinese medicine include herbal remedies, massage and acupuncture.
Psychologist John Allen, from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and Acupuncturist Rosa Schnyer, conducted the very first pilot controlled study on treating depression symptoms with acupuncture in the Western scientific world. The study's findings suggested that just using acupuncture could be as effective as other types of treatments typically used for relieving depression symptoms. The United Nations World Health Organization has approved acupuncture as a treatment for depression, however further clinical trials with larger sample bases will be necessary to determine its ultimate effectiveness.
There are also a number of herbal remedies for treating depression. For example, ginko biloba is a natural ingredient that improves circulation in the brain, which often in turn improves memory and also eases some symptoms of depression. It can be taken along with other natural ingredients such as St. John's Wort as an overall mood enhancer.
Passion flower is another natural ingredient that can help treat depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. Passion flower is a natural salve that is most effective when combined with St. John's Wort to produce a calming, soothing effect.
These are just some of the alternative forms of treatment that can be helpful in alleviating many of the symptoms of depression. As with anything, everyone will react to them in different ways. It is important to allow a trial period in order to feel the effects of the natural medications, as some will take several weeks to take effect. Always be sure to seek a doctor's advice before you decide to stop taking a prescription medication, and avoid combining prescription medications with natural medications on your own. - 30415
About the Author:
Depression is a much more serious condition than just feeling a little blue. It's a real problem that can affect all aspects of a person's life, from their job to their relationships. Learn more about the various approaches to managing depression without medication at Depression Help.
