 According to the National Institute of Mental Health, during any given year at least 1 in 10 American adults will suffer from some form of depression, or depressive disorder. The National Quality Measures Clearinghouse 2005 Report counted nearly 19 (18.8) million people including youth -- and there may be thousands more afflicted with depression who haven't told anyone and are suffering without help.
Natural, non-prescription alternatives to prescription chemical drugs for mild depression, times of sadness or "blues", specific times of grief, or general melancholy are available to help you get through hards times. They are created with all-natural herbs like licorice, ginkgo biloba, ginger, ginseng, and many others, and can work with and enhance the body's own natural ability to:
- Raise Serotonin, an important mood chemical Reprogram proper production of both Serotonin and Norepinephrine, naturally occurring neurotransmitters Diminish overreactions to situations and events
- Restore the person's reality checking capability and clear thinking
Serotonin and Norepinephrine are two of the three most important chemical neurotransmitters that send signals throughout the body. The third is Dopamine. These three signal senders together (usually produced naturally) must be in perfect harmony, communicating within the Hypothalamus and the Limbic System -- the brain's emotional center -- for a person to have reasonable moods, reactions and thoughts about himself or herself.
When talking about more than just a temporary day or two with these feelings, dropping levels of Serotonin specifically seem to be the key to mood disorders and many other symptoms of depression.
For whatever triggered reason, hypothalamic disturbances such as imbalanced neurotransmitters can interfere with neuroendocrine activity, causing excessive amounts of Cortisol, the stress hormone, to be inappropriately released from the Adrenal Cortex and leading to or exacerbating depression and other symptoms such as:
- Feeling irritable or sad, anxious or restless (or a combination). Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities. Cutting off interaction with others. Eating less and losing weight, or eating more and gaining weight. Sleeping too little or too much. Feeling no energy, fatigued.
- Trouble concentrating and unable to make decisions.
The use of natural depression aids can help relieve many of the symptoms on a fleeting basis and help afflicted sufferers feel a little more "normal" than they may have without the use of natural mood-boosting supplements. However, long-term continuation of the afore-mentioned symptoms, or elevation to the following, is dire signs of major, very serious depression and deteriorating mental health. Please seek professional help at once if you experience:
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, uselessness, hopelessness. Having recurring thoughts or dreams about death. Talking about or planning suicide, or previous suicidal attempts.
- A sudden, out of character burst of happiness and wanting to "get affairs in order" may mean the depressed person has made a suicidal decision.
It is important to understand the difference between passing sadness or grief and mild depression with major depression and mental health problems. While natural supplements have shown to be effective in helping people with very mild depression avoid the use of prescription medication and professional help, it is not recommended for the treatment of severe depression. If you believe you or someone you know is suffering from depression, contact your physician to determine the best course of treatment. |
