Depression Treatment
Depression treatment is not one of the easiest of topics to cover. The ailment can affect anyone at any age and it can range from mild to severe. Mild depression may last only a short time. Severe depression may last for several weeks, months or even years. Unfortunately there isn't a cut and dried solution to this problem but there are still steps you can take yourself to improve your situation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of depression may include a sadness that doesn't go away, irritability, insomnia, wanting to sleep constantly, lack of interest in what's happening around you, worthlessness, exhaustion and hopelessness. Other symptoms that may be experienced include constant fatigue, anxiousness, guilt, a definite increase or decrease in appetite, difficulty concentrating, crying spells and thoughts of suicide.
Causes
Depression can affect people who have experienced a significant emotional loss, such as death of a loved one. However, there can be no single obvious cause. Depression is usually caused by a chemical change in the brain that creates an imbalance in the right biochemicals. It can be triggered, however by many different things like stress, a loss, hormonal imbalance, life circumstances and other such outside happenings. Getting the right depression treatment is crucial.
What can I do to help myself?
A good friend of mine once worked shift-work. His daily life was so affected by his ever-changing work patterns that he fell into a real rut and found it difficult to do anything, literally, but watch TV. All the interests he had before he took the offending job were gone, replaced with an uncaring, pointless outlook on life that was not only taking its toll on him, but on his family too. The interesting thing was that when I pointed out to him that he might be suffering from depression, he was really shocked - "Who, me!" was the response.
Once he had accepted the fact that he was indeed suffering from depression, he sought help and worked through the problem with a professional. One thing that did go was the root cause - his job. The thought of giving up his job at first was like cutting off a limb; he thought he had no choice but to continue in a role that was effectively killing him. However, with the right help and depression treatment he changed his career and his life at the same time. Now you wouldn't recognize him as the same man, such is the change.
Cautions
Depression can become so severe that you may contemplate suicide or suffer psychotic episodes, so it is crucial to get the right depression treatment before it gets to that point.
Herbal Treatments
Depression is not something to be taken lightly, so always consult your medical herbalist or doctor before taking herbs for the problem. You really should take positive steps to get to the root cause of your illness so ask for help early on.
Internal Applications
- St. John's wort – this herb is a well-known depression treatment. It works best for mild to moderate depression and may be taken in doses of 500 to 1,000 mg per day. Results are not immediate, but build up gradually as a few weeks go by while taking your dosage.
- Gingko biloba – this herb is often used for the elderly who are not responding to antidepressant medications. It is thought to help increase the blood flow to the brain. A generally recommended dose for an adult is 120 mg taken in 2 or 3 doses throughout the day. Results may take four to six weeks to become apparent, while in some people it may take up to six months to see any change.
- Damiana – this herb can be used for depression because it calms anxiety and induces a mild euphoria. This herb is most frequently combined with others rather than being used alone.
- Yohimbe – this herb has been found to be an MAO inhibitor, and it is now being used in some depressive disorders.
- Siberian ginseng – this herb balances the neurotransmitters in the brain as well as stimulates the immune system.
- Borage – this gentle herb is also helpful as a mild depression treatment. It becomes even more effective when mixed with gingko biloba.
- Lemon balm – this herb is calming and soothing for people suffering from anxiety. Use as a tea or tincture. Infuse 3 grams dried leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 5 minutes, strain and drink 2 - 3 cups a day.
- Catnip – this is another calming herb. Make a tea to gently soothe anxiety and mild depression. This tea can be taken as needed.
- Rose – add fresh rose petals to a cup of boiling water. Sweeten if desired and drink as needed to lift depression.
- Lavender - infuse 2 grams dried flowers in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink a cup a bedtime to aid sleep.
- California Poppy - take infusion for nervous disorders.
Aromatherapy
- Lavender – use this essential oil to lift the spirits. Heat the oil in a diffuser or apply to a cloth to sniff as needed.
- Lemon – this bright smelling essential oil is a mood elevator. Apply in a diffuser or sniff on a cloth as needed.
- Sandalwood – this essential oil can help ease depressive thoughts when smelled as needed.
- Nutmeg – another essential oil that can help lift the mood.