Millions of people
who are suffering from depression are currently taking
antidepressant medication in an attempt to battle the condition.
Oftentimes, doctors are quick to prescribe the medication -- in
fact, many times, it's the first thing they do after diagnosing a
patient.
One of the keys to understanding and treating depression is
understanding what antidepressants really do: they tackle the
symptoms of depression, not the roots. In many cases,
psychotherapy and behavioral therapy are much more effective in
treating depression and preventing relapse than medication is.
Antidepressants can be useful, especially in cases where the
symptoms are so intense that it prevents the patient from
receiving any other kind of treatment. But even in those cases
where major depression treatment is needed, antidepressants alone
are rarely enough to permanently battle the condition -- they are
just an effective way to temporarily relieve the patient's
symptoms enough to allow him/her to receive proper treatment.
Antidepressants are used to treat chemical imbalance in the brain,
but what many do not realize is that the chemical imbalance is
usually a symptom of depression and not the cause. Even when
treating the symptoms, antidepressants can be highly
unpredictable. In one third of the cases, the medication is
effective; in one third, it is partially effective, and in the
remaining third, it is not effective at all. In many cases, even
when the medication is working, the side effects are so unpleasant
that the patient elects to stop using it. Also, antidepressants
are not meant to be taken permanently. When a patient stops taking
them, he/she is likely to relapse.
Depression is often better combated without any medication at all.
Psychological treatment methods for depression -- especially
certain kinds of psychotherapy -- have proven highly effective in
treating the condition permanently. Good counseling will break
down each patient's cycle of depression and help the patient
identify unhealthy behaviors or thinking patterns and teach
him/her how to change them. If there is a particular event that
triggered the depression, counseling can help the patient work
through that as well.
Some herbal remedies can be a good complement to therapy by
helping to naturally relieve some of the symptoms of depression.
St. John's Wort is generally considered to be one of the most
potent natural remedies for depression, and is so effective that
it outsells prescription medications in some markets. Other
popular choices for treating depression naturally include ginko
biloba and passion flower.
In all cases, depression should be treated with the help of a
professional. However, the more responsibility you take for
learning about your condition, the better you'll understand your
options, and the more participation you'll have in deciding which
treatment is best for you. Remember to allow time for whichever
treatment option you choose to take effect, and to speak up if you
are uncomfortable. Eventually, you will find your path to better
health. |
|
|
|
Natural
Remedies
Our products contain no gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives...and are backed by our 60 day money-back guarantee so your pet can experience relief, risk-free.
Take advantage of our
monthly specials and save up to 25% on natural remedies for the whole
family!
|
