Severe depression can be overwhelming. If everything seems dark, it is difficult to summon the energy to get out of bed, let alone summon the drive to finish daily tasks or make changes in your life. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, especially for those who are willing to follow a three step program that will help heal the brain, so it can start producing the neurochemicals that will ultimately, help you climb out of depression once and for all.
Before we get into this treatment plan, let's talk about the symptoms suffered by those who are severely depressed. Such people are persistently sad and have a flat affect. They've lost their joy in life. Depression can affect anyone at any time, usually lasts for 6-9 months and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, problems with memory, difficulty focusing, unexplained aches and pains and difficulty sleeping. Usually severe depression follows an sudden change in life: Loss of a job, death of a wife or child or some other life-changing event.
Although many chronically depressed patients take drugs such as MAOIs, SSRIs or tricyclics, there are also a increasing numbers of people who use natural remedies instead. Drugs can work well for certain people, while others cannot tolerate the side effects. It's ironic that increasing numbers consider drugs to be the best treatment for depression when natural remedies (in the form of herbs and herbal formulations) have been used successfully since the beginning of time, making pharmaceutical drugs the new kids on the block.
Before taking any prescription drug, consult with your medical doctor and make sure you understand the possible complications. In some cases, the side effects can actually worsen the symptoms of depression, so you need to have someone who cares who can check in with you and see how you are feeling. Also, it's important to know that pharmaceutical companies do not fully understand how anti-depressant drugs work or the long term effects on the brain. For these important reasons, many people, especially those who live in more progressive countries in terms of health and well-being, are taking natural remedies instead.
These natural medicines contain time-tested ingredients like Passion Flower and St. John's Wort which have been used for hundreds of years to elevate mood and lift depression. They work by increasing the production of feel-good neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine. A standardized formulation of these two herbs (to ensure you get the same dosage every time) is the most effective natural treatment for severe depression on the market. This is the first step in our healthy options protocol. Start taking a remedy or medication that will help you to feel better. When you feel better, you will have the motivation to make other changes in your life.
Next, make small changes to your diet. People forget that food is our best medicine and you need to support your use of a natural remedy with a healthy diet. If you eat a lot of processed foods, start small. Eat fresh greens and lots of vegetables in season. These will give you phytonutrients that will heal the brain at the cellular level. Eat blueberries which are excellent for brain health. Make sure to eat lean protein and healthy oils, like olive oil. Instead of grabbing a bag of chips, eat crunchy carrots, raw nuts or lightly salted celery. Make healthy food choices and your body will have the nutrients it needs to heal itself.
Third, as the natural remedy for severe depression and healthy eating plan start to improve your brain function and lift depression, you will need to get out and move. The body is designed for motion and exercise is a must. Start small. Go for a walk around the block and take in the beauty of the natural world. Note the things of beauty that you appreciate and how good it feels to be able to move your body. As you start to realize how much life has to offer you, your sense of connection and joy will grow.
Obviously, this program for the severely depressed involves going through a process. Start with the natural remedy, then substitute healthy foods for processed foods and finally, add exercise. Take baby steps if you need to. Lastly, find someone to talk to about your feelings. It doesn't have to be a therapist, it could just be a good friend. Share your journey with them, so you feel like you have a companion. You are not alone. Every adult has experienced some level of depression at one time or another. You also might want to consider writing your feelings, triumphs and discoveries in a journal.
Laura Ramirez is a dedicated to health and wellness. Learn more about her findings on natural ways to treat depression by going to www.cure-depression-naturally.com
Ms. Ramirez is also the award-winning author of Keepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting, a parenting book, which shows parents how to raise children to lead meaningful and productive lives and discover their own purpose as part of the process.
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