The Signs of Depression and Effective Treatments

Many people suffer from depression and in mild cases, may not even know it. In more severe cases, it can seem to consume you completely. There is hope however for the people that are in the throes of this potentially life altering state of existence. From psychotherapy to modern pharmaceuticals and herbal remedies to exercise, there are ongoing studies that are finding more and more effective treatments to this harrowing and sometimes elusive illness. Statistics show that there are millions of people in the United States alone that wake each day with the dread and despair that depression can induce. <br><br> Some of the most widely recognized symptoms of depression are as follows:<br><br>

Lack of interest in daily activities<br> Extreme mood instability or changes. <br> The inability to sleep or sleeping too much. <br> Changes in weight and appetite, loss or gain.<br> Low self esteem.<br> Physical changes most commonly seen in the digestive tract and with headaches. <br> Inability to make decisions<br> Impaired concentration. <br> Thoughts of death or suicide<br><br>. If you can relate to any of the above symptoms you are not alone even though you may feel that you are. Thankfully, because depression is not at all new in our society, there are a myriad of treatment options available. There are ways to overcome this oppressive beast and rather than remain in the symptoms, I would like to focus more of this article on the ways that other people have found to benefit their condition. <br><br> The first and most widely recognized treatment is psychotherapy or counseling. This is a wonderful way to begin but you must be prepared to make certain life changes on your own as well. The act of going and talking to someone gives us the ability to lift our burden and even create some positive affirmations once again in our lives. Ultimately though, you must be willing to move towards and maintain healthy goals, striving for that balance every day once it is regained. There are no “quick fixes” and it will take time to rebuild the strength that has been lost. <br><br> Another widely used method is the administration of modern pharmaceuticals. With all the progress we have made over the years your doctor will be able to recommend a number of different options available. We’ve all heard of Prozac and Zoloft and for some people, this type of treatment works very well. <br><br> An herbal medication used for centuries for depression is St Johns Wort. It has been used in the past to treat similar disorders and although studies show that in severe cases it does not seem to act any differently than a placebo, its effects on minor depression are still inconclusive. I would like to add that St. Johns Wort should not be used with any other antidepressants and that you should consult your physician before attempting any act of self medication, herbal or otherwise. <br><br> In some other very interesting studies it has been proven that at least 3 hours a week of physical exercise showed a substantial reduction in symptoms. Which actually makes a lot of sense if you think about it. Exercise creates endorphins and endorphins make you happy. Less than the 3 hours per week seemed to have little to no effect however. <br><br> Sunlight can also play a huge factor in our mental state. That’s why in places like Alaska when there is an 84 day “night” and even over the winter months here the depression rates soar. There is an actual disorder that is related to the lack of sunlight in the winter called SAD. If you find yourself getting depressed around October and feeling better again around March each year, you may be one of the many people that suffer from this seasonal disorder. <br><br> There is hope. There is help. All you have to do is ask for it and be willing to make the necessary changes in your own world to take back possession of your life. There’s no reason to live in an anguished state anymore, not with all the knowledge and assistance available at our fingertips. <br><br> Submitted By: Jennifer Day<br><br>

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