If you suffer from depression and anxiety, treating depression naturally by using holistic health principles is an effective option currently in use by many natural health care providers.
The severity of your symptoms will determine the best course of action. It may be possible to self manage symptoms if they are mild enough but disabling symptoms will most likely need professional assistance.
If symptom self-management is an option for you, some available avenues to explore are:
* foods that help with symptoms of depression
* dietary supplements and herbal remedies
Both physical and psychological issues may often be involved in depression. A complete physical exam is advised if you’ve not had one in a while.
This will help give you a base line starting place and hopefully will detect any low-level infections that may be causing problems.
The health of the digestive system can be very influential when experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Current research is revealing that the stomach and intestines have a very sensitive neural network called the enteric nervous system.
Some researchers are calling this complex nervous system “the second brain” because of it’s extensive neural pathways.
You’re probably aware of how stress and negative emotions can “hit you in the gut.” This is an example of the abdominal brain in action.
If our lives are hectic and fast paced with little time to relax, the stress will tend to build up in the abdominal area which can cause indigestion, acid reflux and many other issues.
This situation can be aggravated by processed foods that contain artificial additives that may cause an allergic irritation. In fighting depression without medication, modifying diet is a very effective way to ease symptoms. Some things that may be helpful are:
1. As much as possible, switch from processed food to natural, organic food. If you have little time for preparing food, many grocery stores have health food sections where you can even find ready made prepared foods.
2. Check for possible food allergies or sensitivities. Some common allergens include, refined sugar, highly processed fats (trans fats), dairy products, grains (gluten).
3. If hypoglycemia is involved in your symptoms try to get adequate protein and healthy fats consistently with your meals. For guidelines on recommended carbohydrate, protein and fat ratios, see The Zone diet or another variation.
Treating Depression Naturally with Energy Psychology
Energy psychology may be the next wave of science and health in the decades to come. Energy psychology is a relatively new set of techniques that use Eastern approaches to the mind and body.
There are many different forms of energy psychology, the most well-known being the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Practitioners claim that tapping acupuncture points while thinking about an anxiety-producing event can cure anxiety and phobias.
Research studies have confirmed positive results and many thousands of people claim to have benefited from energy psychology. It’s safe, free of side effects and it may work for you, so it’s at least worth your consideration.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, with a licensed therapist or social worker, is also used in depression and bipolar disorder treatment.
Cognitive Therapy focuses on changing inappropriate or negative thought patterns, Behavioral Therapy focuses on current behaviors and Interpersonal therapy focuses on current relationships that can affect the illness.
Psychoeducation helps the patient and family understand the illness and recognize signs of relapse. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy focuses on daily routines that can promote emotional stability.
The line of treatment depends on the patient’s needs who usually works with healthcare professionals that supervise the patient’s care maintaining personal contact with each other to help ensure the patients’ continued progress.
Herbal Remedies and Supplements for Depression and Anxiety
Herbal remedies and nutritional supplements can be very helpful for depression. Herbs like passionflower and St. John’s wort work well in combination and are two of the most popular herbs used for mood issues. These herbs are especially good if insomnia is an issue.
High quality multi-vitamin supplements with recommended amounts of antioxidants, minerals and B vitamins are recommended. Other supplements that are proving helpful for depression are Omega three fatty acids found in oils like fish, flax and borage oil.
Amino acids are essential nutrients and even more so if you’re depressed. Dietary protein provides amino acids and supplements like 5-HTP can be helpful too.
If you’re on any prescription medication, be sure to consult your health care provider before starting any new nutritional supplements.
Treating depression naturally will involve a holistic approach that considers all areas of life. Diet, exercise, adequate rest and relaxation are all important areas to bring into balance.
A natural health care provider may also be helpful to provide guidance and an objective assessment of your condition.
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