Depression has many levels of severity, from mild to clinical.  The National Center For Health Statistics (NCHS), claims more than 8% of adults over the age of 20, stated they had some form of depression over a two week period.  Women were over half of this percentage.

Depression is an illness that can be both debilitating and may effect physical health too.  How may we get a control of the disease and what, if any natural remedies may be used for such a complex condition?  

MILD DEPRESSION

Depression can be a very hard illness to diagnose with many labeling it as being sad or feeling down.  Don’t rush to get pills to solve mild depression, instead ask a doctor if there are any alternative measures you may try first.

Feeling low for a period of time and suffering from at least three or more of the following may be a sign of mild depression:

  • Lack of motivation over a period of time
  • Lack of concentration
  • Irritability
  • Irresponsible behavior like indulging in drugs or alcohol
  • Insomnia
  • Desperateness
  • Non Social
  • Physical pain with no specific cause

 

KEEPING MILD DEPRESSION UNDER CONTROL

Many with mild depression wait and see if the feelings disappear over time and then seek professional advice if they don’t.  A doctor may recommend the following to help cope with mild depression:

  • Although exercise is not a conclusive therapy in the fight against mild depression (Medical News Today), many medical professional believes there is a potential, with further research, that exercise may help control the symptoms , believing that nerve cell improvement will begin to relieve symptoms following exercise.
  • Spend at least ten minutes a day doing something personally enjoyable like: walking, running, aerobics, or dancing etc.  Consistency and a daily routine is the key when it comes to exercise potentially helping depression
  • Counselling and Talk therapy. If the onset of depression has an obvious cause e.g. bereavement, anger, relationship problems; specific counseling may help in managing the illness.  Anything from group therapy to Mindfulness therapies like, meditation, gentle yoga and breathing exercises.

 

SEVERE DEPRESSION

With more than 3 million case of clinical depression in the US each year, the National Institute Of Mental Health conducts various trials into the illness.  If the following symptoms are present, visiting a doctor is imperative:

  • Low self esteem
  • Continuous low mood or sadness
  • Guilt
  • Intolerant of people and things
  • No Motivation
  • Anxious
  • Difficulty making choices
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Loss of libido
  • Lack of energy
  • Changes in appetite or weight gain
  • Insomnia
  • Moving or speaking more slowly
  • Avoiding social contact
  • Neglecting areas of your life like hobbies
  • In some sever cases an onset of psychotic symptoms

 

KEEPING SEVERE DEPRESSION UNDER CONTROL

These symptoms can be crippling so visiting a doctor is the first step in helping keep the illness under control.  In today’s society, people are more aware of the illness and the associated stigma is no longer haunting its sufferers.

Unfortunately, at this moment in time, an all natural solution is not possible when it comes to severe depression.  There are many options for patients, some of which include:

  • Antidepressant medications.
  • Psychotherapy or counseling
  • Somatic therapies. ECT (electroconvulsive treatment) is one of the options but this is avoided except in severe cases
  • Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
  • Eat well (doctor may refer a dietician)

Due to the many variants of depression, seeking medical help is advised to help control the illness with each sufferer seeking an individual treatment plan.  With a professional support network, the illness can be controlled, leading to a positive future.

Resources

https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/problemsanddisorders/depression.aspxhttps://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ https://www.psycom.net/helping-someone-depressed