Depression is not a chemical imbalance, it is a sign your life is out of order
by Luella May
Depression is not a disease and
neither is it a chemical imbalance.
Rather, it is
a sign that your life is out of
balance. Depression is a condition
that has risen to epidemic
proportions. It affects
approximately 19 million Americans,
almost 10% of the population. We are
led to believe that it is due to a
chemical imbalance in the brain and
can only be treated with certain
drugs that correct this imbalance.
Yet, these medications may do more
harm than good. There are natural,
safer methods that can effectively
treat depression.
Certain forms of depression are a
normal part of life. We all go
through traumas that cause sadness,
grief, and helplessness. The premise
that depression is due to a chemical
imbalance in the brain is not a
scientific statement. Studies were
done several decades ago to see if
low serotonin levels were
responsible for depression and in
1983 the National Institute of
Mental Health (NIMH) reported that
"There is no evidence that there is
anything wrong in the serotonergic
system of depressed patients."
Taking SSRI's block the normal
reuptake of serotonin, leaving the
patient with the exact condition
that these drugs are designed to
treat, low serotonin levels. This
sets up a chain of events, the root
cause of which, according to Dr.
Steven Hyman (head of the NIMH in
1996), is that the brain operates in
a way that is "both qualitatively
and quantitatively different than
normal." This abnormal operation,
which cascades throughout the body,
results in side effects ranging from
uncomfortable to dangerous, such as
sexual dysfunction, mania, violence,
and even suicide.
Grief is a very common cause of
depression. Loss of a loved one is
primary in this category. However,
there are also other common causes
which can seriously impact a
person's life. These include:
Divorce or the end of a
relationship, moving to a new
location, being diagnosed with a
chronic or terminal illness, and
disability or loss of independence
after a severe accident or illness.
But please keep in
mind that there are many other life
experiences that result in grief.
However, it should be noted that
grief is a normal response to a
major loss. It is a process that we
must go through, albeit a very
painful one.
Depression can very well be treated
naturally and, by implementing
certain lifestyle changes, an
individual might be amazed at how
much better s/he feels, both
emotionally and physically.
Addressing the source of depression
is paramount in healing. Many times
a situation where we find ourselves
helpless, between that proverbial
rock and a hard spot, results in
depression. Relaxation exercises,
meditation, yoga, and EFT (emotional
freedom technique) help to relieve
stress, depression, and anxiety.
There are EFT practitioners
available that help to treat serious
conditions.
Eating a healthy diet is crucial.
Foods play an important role in our
moods and emotional states. Avoiding
sugar, grains, processed foods, junk
foods, fast foods, etc. help to
normalize insulin and leptin levels,
which also have a lot to do with
depression. Make sure to supplement
your diet with high quality Omega
3's. At least two studies point to a
strong link associating depression
with low rates of Omega 3
consumption.
Getting the necessary sunshine to
insure optimum Vitamin D levels is
also important in treating
depression. Low vitamin D levels are
also associated with depression.
Supplements that relieve depression
include: Colloidal Gold, SAMe,
5-HTP, and St. John's Wort. Please
note that these supplements should
not be taken together with
antidepressants or other drugs used
to treat depression or anxiety.
For treating more serious conditions
naturally, please see:
http://www.tbyil.com/Bipolar_Remedies.htm
http://www.tbyil.com/Anxiety_Panic_Disorders.htm
http://www.tbyil.com/Beat_ADD_ADHD.htm
Sources:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/a...
http://thehealthyskeptic.org/the-ch...
http://www.anxietycentre.com/downlo.
About the author
Luella May is a natural health advocate and author helping people to heal naturally. Her articles appear in several online venues, including Natural News, the Health Science Institute's Healthiertalk site, AlignLife and CureZone. Luella is in the midst of editing her eBook, "The 8 Invisible Stains of Our Souls" which will be available in the next few months. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors of books and articles about natural health including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "Collected Remedies" Luella contributes to The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets.