Chronic Depression - Treating and Managing

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Chronic Depression affects millions of people, 10 to 20 percent of the world's total population. Many seek help from psychiatrists, psychologists, and medical doctors. The medical community at large is just now learning how to manage it without prescription drugs, and just now learning to admit that there isn't a magic pill for everyone. Sometimes the "cure" is more harmful than the affliction.

It is proven that women suffer from depression twice as much as men do, at about a two to one ratio. Manic depression occurs equally between the sexes. And surprisingly, nearly 50 percent of those who suffer from depression got it through heredity. Sometimes depression is triggered by season, known as seasonal affective disorder.

This is a very treatable condition, without having to resort to harmful synthetic therapies and without having to resort to experiments or mental institutions.

I would suggest as a first step in management that you employ some of the suggestions in my previous article, "Stress and Emotions - Keeping it all Under Control". The premise for treating minor emotional troubles and chronic ones is basically the same, underneath. Meditation and relaxation techniques, aromatherapy, and exercise are important tools in dealing with all forms of depression.

Secondly, don't feel like you can, or have to, deal with serious depression on your own. There are health professionals and clergy out there who can help with an open mind and heart. You may have to do some digging and weeding, but you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to give it your best shot. Sometimes it makes all the difference in the world to have a supportive neutral person to buoy you when you need it the most. Don't hide from the individual - be sure to tell them exactly what and who you are, what medications and therapies you are currently on, etc. Your good health and happy life depend on it. You should also have a medical workup done by a medical professional. It may well be that your hormonal therapy needs to be adjusted to give you relief from the depression. Also be aware that many prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can create or aggravate depression, so have those checked by a pharmacist as well.

Third, take stock of your diet. Too much caffeine or too much sugar can create a depression, or worsen the chronic phase, when you come down off of that sugar or coffee high. And stay away from alcohol! Alcohol is a depressant. Add the two and you have a nuclear bomb inside. Eat a healthy diet, and you will find that handling depression is somewhat easier. Recently it has been proven that allergies to certain foods may cause or aggravate conditions such as chronic depression. See an allergist to determine if this may be the actual root of your problem. Low levels of B6 and B complex have been linked to depression, as a shortage of either or both severely affects the nerves.

Exercise regularly and get outside in the sunshine. Exercise helps the body to eliminate toxins, and the adrenaline you get from even mild exercise can lessen the severity of an attack of depression. Sunlight warms the body and the soul. Your body can't make use of vitamin D without it, and a deficiency of this vitamin has been linked to some forms of depression. If you are taking something that keeps you out of the direct sun, sit in a shaded area outside for a few minutes each day. You will notice the difference. Inside, try using full-spectrum lighting to help synthesize vitamin D and uplift your spirits. It has been proven to help, especially for those diagnosed with SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

There are herbal therapies that can help you manage chronic depression. Again, these are meant to be aids, not crutches. Don't try to use them in place of prescribed drugs without careful adjusting. In other words, don't throw away your prescription today to start taking an herbal therapy tomorrow. That is too big a shock to your system. Wean yourself gradually from one to the other. Do so under the guidance of a health professional, and it will be easier for you. Some people are not suited to herbal treatment, so be prepared to go back to the synthetics if necessary. It may not be desirable to you, but, it is more important that your depression be properly managed. And there is a possibility that you can combine herbal and synthetic therapies in this case. Most people, however, find that they do better on the herbal therapy, once it has built up enough to do its job.

I am sure most of you have heard by now all the praise being sung about St. Johnswort (also written as St. John's Wort) as a treatment for depression. While it is extremely effective in this illness, I prefer a combination of herbs that can help one another to boost the body, helping it deal with the various factors within that can trigger a bout of depression. The below regimen is meant as a guideline only. You will need to seek a health professional to determine proper dosages for your particular weight and age, and that professional can help adjust dosages of the individual herbs as needed for your particular circumstance.

The regimen is as follows:
St. Johnswort - 3 capsules twice per day
Ginger - 2 capsules twice per day
Gingko biloba - 2 capsules twice per day
Ginseng - 2 capsules twice per day
Chamomile - 2 capsules twice per day
Vitamin E - 1 capsule per day
Vitamin B6 and B complex - one per day
Bee Pollen - 1 to 2 capsules per day
Royal Jelly - 1 to 2 capsules per day
Alternatively, you can mix up a tincture of the herbs using appropriate proportions, and take � teaspoon twice per day, taking the vitamin and bee supplements at the same time. You can take this combination for up to two months, after which time you should cut back to three or four days per week, and then down from there, as needed.

While taking this combination, be cautious about going out into the direct sun for prolonged periods of time. St. Johnswort has caused photosensitivity in various individuals, especially those with fair skin. To be safe, cover up, and use sunscreen. Don't damage your complexion!

If at any time the depression worsens, or you experience adverse side affects, you should discontinue use and immediately seek professional help.

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