Did you know that approximately 1 in 4 peoplesuffer from a mental health condition? And did you know that more than half of that number are depression and anxiety related conditions?
In this day and age, most people suffering from depression just blatantly ignore their illness. And make no mistake, it is an illness.
In the medical world, depression is regarded as a chemical imbalance. Simply put, your brain can’t provide or produce enough or the chemicals that make you feel happy. These chemicals are dopamine and serotonin. Even though there are new depression treatment methods that rely on the connection between brain, emotion, and mood, 99% of cases are treated for the chemical imbalance.
So, if you pay a visit to your doctor’s office you will most likely go out with a bottle of pills which will make you feel better in 2-4 weeks. Hopefully. If not, they will make you feel even worse. And there’s no other way to test which pills work on you other than trial and error.
Depression should be regarded as an illness of mind, body, and soul, and here’s how to cure this illness naturally.
- Healing your gut
Digestive system is often referred to as the second brain, due to the Enteric Nervous System that is located in it. ENS is a cluster of millions of nerve cells that control digestion and communicate with your brain. Recent research has shown that due to this connection irritation in the digestive system can affect brain function, and cause mood changes. Research also shows that beneficial gut bacteria can positively affect our mental function.
- Adrenal fatigue
Prolonged stress can cause adrenal fatigue which has been linked with depression. Evolutionary biology says that depression is an adaptation to stress.
In order to avoid adrenal fatigue, take regular vacations, adjust your diet, and reduce stress as much as possible.
- Adequate nutrition
Drugs prescribed for depression are known to deplete your body’s supply of vitamins and minerals which are responsible for serotonin production. One of the most important minerals needed for production of hormones is magnesium, and the best way to get it is by using fish oil. If you’re already on antidepressants you should consult your doctor about a magnesium supplement (or supplements for multiple minerals and vitamins).
- Mind-body medicine
Treatments such as acupuncture and homeopathy are widely used for treating depression. It’s believed that your body’s healing force is increased by these procedures, and with this force increased your body gets the ability to cure itself.
For those not believing in these methods meditation is the way to go. Even if this is not your cup of tea, being in a state of calmness won’t hurt anyone – give it a try.
- Counseling
Counseling is often the first line of depression treatment. For most people, counseling together with medication, is the best way to treat their mental condition. For those who decide not to take medication and try their luck with natural remedies counseling is still highly suggested.
Source: http://theheartysoul.com
