Depression is a serious medical condition affecting more than 20 million Americans and is more than being "in the dumps" or "gloomy," according to MedlinePlus. With no known definite cause, patients generally experience changes in weight, inappropriate sleep patterns, a sense of worthlessness and suicidal thoughts. Immediate medical attention is extremely important for those suffering depression. Natural methods of treatment can support care plans for patients dealing with this difficult disorder.
Health, social issues and environmental factors all play a role in the onset of depression and must be considered prior to assigning any treatment plan to a patient. Professional consultation and monitoring is strongly recommended for all people suffering depression.
Nutritional Support
"Encyclopedia of Natural Healing" explains that nutritional deficiencies have been suggested as potential causes of depression. A deficiency in almost all B vitamins will result in symptoms of depression. Vitamin B12 will produce these symptoms with even the slightest deficiency. To prevent decreased levels of B12, a daily intake of 1,000 mcg is recommended. Low levels of blood iron, known as anemia, often leave patients with decreased energy levels and depressed. Iron supplementation should be taken at 10 mg doses per day to prevent anemic symptoms. Vitamin C is an important vitamin for enhancing the body's immune system. With bioflavonoids, vitamin C must be taken at a daily dosage of 1,000 mg to reduce patient anxiety and battle fatigue.
Exercise
Aside from lowering blood pressure and boosting self-esteem, exercise has shown positive results in the treatment of depression. According to the website Harvard Health Publications, 1/2 hour of moderate exercise, most days, will significantly reduce the symptoms of depression. This site describes a 1999 study involving 156 men and women. In the study one-third participated in an aerobic exercise routine, one-third were treated for their depression with the antidepressant sertraline and the remaining one-third used both therapies. At the end of the 16-week trial, all three groups reported a 60 to 70 percent reduction in their depression symptoms. Follow-up studies later revealed that exercise patients showed longer-lasting effects than those administered only antidepressant drugs.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an approach to healing based on treating a patient with extremely diluted substances in order to stimulate the body's innate ability to heal itself naturally. "Encyclopedia of Natural Healing" describes a homeopathic approach to treating individuals suffering depression. For patients with fluctuating moods and suffering depression resulting from grief, ignatia is prescribed at 6c strength, three times per day for 14 days. With depression brought on by hormonal imbalances, pulsatilla taken three times daily at 6c strength is recommended for a two-week period. The remedy China, derived from Peruvian bark, is to be administered to patients who are on edge and sensitive to noises and lights. A 14-day regimen of China three times per day at 6c strength is recommended.
References
- MedlinePlus: Depression
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Healing" ; Siegfried gursche, MH; 1997
- Harvard Health Publications: Exercise and Depression
