Is there a natural way to treat depression?

Feeling a little low when things are going wrong is quite normal.  Even feeling a bit blue for a while is a common feeling, which often passes when circumstances change and new opportunities appear.  However, feeling continually low and defeated and having feelings of uselessness and depression for extended periods is not normal and it is good to know that there is help if you have reached this point (support makes all the difference).  If you are feeling very low and withdrawn for long periods, feeling like food is not appetizing and losing out on sleep, then go to your GP to get some advice.  

Antidepressant medication is an option, but it is always best to try other routes first, such as counselling, meditation, dietary changes and an increase in exercise.  In a lot of cases these simple steps are enough to lift mood significantly and get you back on the right track. If you have been offered anti-depressants and are worried about their addictive effect, it is also worth trying the supplement 5-HTP.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid which acts as a precursor to serotonin.  Seretonin helps us to feel calm, relaxed and in control, so making sure we have sufficient quantities being converted and utilized is central to avoiding feelings of depression.  By taking 5-HTP supplements, depressed individuals will be converting higher levels of serotonin in the body naturally.  This can be a good natural approach to depression as it encourages the body to convert and utilize higher quantities of serotonin effectively and has no undesirable side effects except drowsiness.  

Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed anti-depressant drugs which work by blocking serotonin being taken back into the receptor sites.  This means that higher levels of serotonin are left circulating through the system and they work to improve mood and increase interest in activities   The problem with this approach is that if levels of serotonin production are already low, it may take some time for it to build up in the body and for the drug to take effect.  5-HTP actually increases the production of serotonin so from this angle it could be more effective.  Both options can create drowsiness so doses should be monitored and they should not be used together or with any other anti-depressant medication.  Prozac can cause restlessness, insomnia, intestinal irregularities and has strong withdrawal symptoms if usage stops suddenly.  5-HPT does not have these undesirable side effects so may be a gentler choice for the body.

(Brewer, Sarah (2002) The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs.

These recommendations do not replace your doctors advice and ultimately, doing what feels right for you is the most important factor in treating depression.  If you are taking anti-depressants, remember that reducing the dosage is always something to do alongside your doctor, carefully.

Beating depression naturally with healing herbs, exercise, counselling and nutrition has surprisingly good results.  Exercise, meditation and counselling can be done alongside herbal or orthodox medication.  There is always light at the end of the tunnel, it is just finding your personal way to get to that light.  This can seem hard, but at the end of the journey you are usually more open in nature and more compassionate to others suffering which makes the world a more loving place to be.

Warm Wishes.

Josie.