Finding Effective Alternative Treatments for Depression
While there are a number of anti-depressants currently on the market that can alleviate the symptoms of depression, there are pros and cons involved in taking them. While the right type and dosage of a prescription medication can sometimes meet with success for a patient, others may experience side effects that outweigh the benefits. For these reasons, many people choose to try alternative forms of treatment for managing their depression. Here are some of the ways in which you can do this.
Research shows that vitamins can be very effective for treating depression as well as anxiety. Vitamins are the important ingredients in our bodies that keep us healthy and energetic. They are a vital ingredient in our nutrients and aid in the proper functioning of our internal organs. Vitamins regulate hormone production in our body, which in turn keep us emotionally and physically healthy. A vitamin deficiency can lead to sleeplessness, fatigue (both mental and physical), confused state of mind and finally into depression.
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.
Since the early 1990s, studies have suggested that treating depression with acupuncture has a positive and holistic effect on depressed patients, particularly when combined with psychotherapy and herbal treatments. Acupuncture consists of fine needles inserted along various points in the body, with the purpose of stimulating the body’s flow of energy and functionality (known as “qi”). Though traditionally taught as a preventive form of health care, acupuncture has also been proven effective in the treatment of pain and chronic conditions.
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.
A doctor is the best person to suggest to someone the right combination of medication and vitamins for depression, as well as explaining the potential side effects. DO NOT try and figure this out yourself, as the side effects can be severe or even fatal if the wrong dosage is taken.
Depression can have far reaching implications for those who suffer from it. It can negatively impact all aspects of a person’s life, from their job to their relationships. There are a number of ways of managing depression without medication. Find out more at Depression Help.
Tags: Depression, depression treatment, Mental Health, natural depression treatment