Signs of Depression: Defeating Depression with Holistic Health

Depression is a common illness that affects the mind and the body. The signs of depression vary and can last from several days to several years depending upon the individual and various other factors. Statistics appear to suggest that depression affects women more so than men, but this may be due to the fact that women are more likely to seek medical attention for the symptoms of depression.

Fortunately, depression is a treatable illness and, with holistic health adjustments, most people are able to engage in healthy living even after experiencing an episode of major depression. Although some that are suffering from bi polar disorder or major depression may consider a depression treatment center.

Depression can be caused by a variety of issues such as a chemical imbalance in the brain, a hormonal imbalance, hereditary factors, seasonal changes, or depressive life situations.

The signs of depression include, but are not limited to:

• Sadness
• Anxiety
• Indifference or pessimism
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Unintended changes in weight
• Loss of interest in social and recreational activities
• Poor sleep patterns or insomnia
• Thoughts of suicide
• Crying without reason
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Unexplained chronic physical pain such as headaches and stomach aches

The symptoms of depression are generally the same for most people, but may be harder to recognize within certain groups. For example, in an elderly person suffering from depression, it may be assumed that signs of depression are a natural part of aging. Physical pain, pessimism, and fatigue may be overlooked as signs of depression. However, in a younger adult or a child signs of depression are often recognized much earlier. Conversely, in very young children the signs of depression, such as irritability and complaints of stomachaches, may appear to be common situations and not be realized as depression. It's important for caretakers and loved ones to note how often symptoms like these are reported or observed and how long they last. If depression is suspected or if symptoms worsen, a medical professional can evaluate whether or not the symptoms are caused by depression.

To determine if a person is suffering from depression, most doctors will use psychological tests to assess a person's mood, and their thoughts about life and death. A depression test may also include a full physical exam in order to gauge a person's vital signs and lab tests to closely examine thyroid levels or the presence of drugs or alcohol.

If it is determined that a person is suffering from depression, a doctor will most likely recommend one or more of the following:

• Anti-depressant medications - Medications that will adjust chemical imbalances in the brain and decrease the symptoms of depression. (While medications are helpful, some can be addictive and often are associated with side effects that may require other medications to correct. A patient who is prescribed an anti-depressant medication should research the drug prescribed, be educated on possible side effects, and thoroughly discuss this information with a doctor.)

• A psychotherapist - Trained to treat major depression through regular counseling sessions, a psychotherapist can often help patients learn to cope with and manage symptoms of depression.

• Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) - Sends electric currents into the brain in order to stimulate a seizure. ECT is generally only prescribed in the most severe cases of depression or when a person is unable to take anti-depressant medications due to another illness such as heart disease.

People who exhibit the signs of depression may also find relief through holistic health treatments such as:

• Light therapy - Reported as useful in patients suffering from seasonal depression, light therapy is intended to simulate sunlight and, thus, helps ease the glum moods of some who suffer from seasonal depression during dark winter months.

• Increasing Omega-3 fatty acids - Found in flaxseed, flax oil, walnuts, seafood and other natural food sources, some who are deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids experience depression as a side effect of the deficiency.

• St. John's Wort - Widely used in Europe to treat depression, St. John's Wort is a natural herb many find useful in alleviating the symptoms of depression.

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  Resources:

  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=symptoms http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=18543 http://www.depression-guide.com/ http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Signs_Symptoms http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm
  
  

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