How to Recognize and Treat Depression Naturally

Depression, one of the leading reasons for work absence in the United States of America, is a sickness that one out of five people experiences during their lifetime. It is a critical medical illness -- a disorder that affects one's whole wellbeing whether physical, mental or emotional. It is commonly described as sadness, the blues, psychological suffering, or down in the dumps.

Depression is more popular in women than men and is particularly prevalent among adolescents. It affects individuals of all races and age groups, but it is three to five times more common among the elderly.

Depression is the main cause of alcoholism, substance abuse and other dependencies. It may also be a symptom of other diseases such as hypothyroidism or anemia.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression is a real malady and exacts a high cost in terms of broken relationships, social isolation, and decreased work productivity. It impacts not only the person suffering from it but those close to them, especially their family, relatives and close friends. Untreated depression may lead to suicide. Most people do not recognize the symptoms of depression or tend to ignore them. Symptoms of depression could include wakefulness, unhappiness, trouble concentrating, anxiousness, loss of appetite, loss of interest in usual hobbies and activities, and mood swings. The most frequent type is reactive depression, which is a depression that is induced by a painful or stressful event.

Treatment of Depression

Eighty percent of the cases of depression are successfully treated, a rate that could be improved to a great extent if the proper medical and social care were to be provided. If you believe you are suffering from depression, please go and visit a professional health practitioner immediately for professional help.

There are many available options of treatment including natural medicine therapies and short-term psychotherapy which have been proven as effective. The use of alternative and complementary medicine to manage depression is becoming more popular. They assist in alleviating the symptoms of depression, especially in cases of mild to moderate depression. Psychotherapy and hypnotherapy are excellent alternatives for mild depression and are highly effective. Psychotherapy provides people the opportunity to understand the factors that lead to their depression and to cope effectively with the mental, behavioral, social, and situational triggers. Hypnotherapy provides people the opportunity to overcome any stressful life situations that lead to their depression.

St. John's wort is one of the most beneficial natural and herbal remedies for depression. It is more potent than a placebo and is as good as antidepressant drugs for mild and moderate depression.

Persistent negative thoughts and emotions will only cause your depression to worsen. Try to focus on the simple things in life that give you happiness and lift up your spirit. Accept whatever life offers you, maintain your good spirits, and be optimistic.

Prior to taking any natural treatments, you must seek the advice of your physician or other professional health practitioners.

Sources:

1- National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/complete-publication....).

2- MedlinePlus: Depression (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/depression.html).

3- The International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression

Dr Tamer Shaban