Severe Depression - How To Cope And Win

If you are a man and coping with severe depression, it is no joke. Women have an easier time in a way as they can admit to having depression and are more open to talking about it. Men are different and this is partly due to the way we have been conditioned ever since we were small boys. Depression and especially severe depression does not fit in with the stoical, heroic stereotypes we are supposed to represent. That is a big part of the problem because the severely depressed take a long time to open up and even admit that they have a problem.

What do I have to live for? That is a question the severely depressed patient often asks. If you combine low esteem, with loss of interest in anything combined with low mood, then the patient's ability to live and work is severely affected. The symptoms of severe depression can be so acute that eating habits, sleep patterns are affected negatively. Rates of suicide are notable in that it is estimated that up to 60% of people who actually commit suicide are suffering from some form of depression disorder.

How can you cope and win with severe depression ? The first thing is to look at alternatives to sleeping pills, tranquillizers and any anti-depression drugs such as the SSRIs which can in some cases actually lead to an addiction and certainly in the long term will cause over sedation. The most popular ones are Celexa, Lexapro and Paxil. Side effects can be severe and in some cases actually increase suicidal thoughts, aggressiveness and even more depression. In other cases, they can give relief and lift the patient's mood but they are not a cure and the patient is confronted with the almost impossible task of functioning in the real world which can be a real challenge.

Natural alternatives for severe depression are much more effective in the long run and can include counselling, exercise, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises. The best treatment of all to accompany a healthier lifestyle as mentioned in the previous sentence is without doubt a herbal remedy based on naturopathy which contains herbs such as St. John's Wort and the Passion Flower. These can enhance mood, bring calm and above all, the side effects are minimal and in some cases non-existent. This is easily the best way to cope with severe depression and win.

By: William Locke

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Want to learn about an alternative way to treat severe depression ? Robert Locke has written extensively on Mental Health for many years.