Everyone goes through the doldrums it is very normal and while we may say oh, Im depressed; it is generally a temporary condition. Depression is when the feeling(s) of unhappiness, irritability, or lack of interest in daily life is ongoing. Ongoing depression, like all the different types of mood disorders needs to be taken seriously.
The first step is the toughest; you have to see a medical doctor first. In all likelihood, he will recommend a psychologist, a trained professional who is able to get to the root problem of your depression. Your doctor first may suggest prescription drugs to help stabilize you at first as depression is not always a mental issue, it can sometimes be a physiological issue as well. Another route to consider is natural cures. However, unless you are currently under the care of a naturopath, I would strongly suggest sticking with the medical evaluation first.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is very common. People often feel fatigue, a lack of energy, weight fluctuations both gaining and losing. A fairly recent therapy is light box therapy, other people will tan a few times a month and for those who are lucky, they go somewhere warm in mid-winter.
Prescription medication is given balance the neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Unfortunately, there are often side-effects such as weight gain, sleepiness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction.
As with most things in life, healthy living can help dramatically. Things you can do immediately to feel better are:
Exercise: This will speed the bodies healing; it also encourages the production internally of endorphins, commonly known as the Feel Good hormone in both men and women. This hormone will enable your mind to feel better, and thereby making you feel better. The type of exercise doesnt really matter, it can be as simple as going for a walk, or as intense as playing makeup basketball in your neighbourhood. Regardless, exercise does help.
Diet: Your body needs certain nutrients to keep healthy and a balanced diet is essential. To keep your energy up small meals several times a day. Also ensure that you drink at least eight glasses of water a day as dehydration can cause fatigue. In order to produce serotonin, your body needs carbohydrates; however too much can lower your serotonin levels. Turkey, cheese, and other dairy products.
Natural Supplements: In some cases, this may prove to be the best route of attack. There are a great deal of additives, supplements, and therapies from nature that can help you. While I would strongly suggest that you speak with a naturopath prior to starting any treatment. Natural therapies that have shown great success with depression include Gingko Biloba, St. Johns Wort, Brewers Yeast, Basil, Sage, Liquorish, and Ginseng are common and can be tried.
By: Dr. Eva McPherson MS, LMHC, BCBA. Are you just tired, or is life seeming to be too much to handle.? Do you feel sad all the time? Do just lack the get up and go? Come visit to see if is depressionor another type of mood disorder? Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
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