Which Help For Depression Is Right For You?

If you have been looking for real depression help that actually works, then you are not alone. Depression affects approximately 6.7 percent of the United States population of all adults 18 and older. This disease is real, and can occur at any age. However, the median age for the onset of depression is 32. More women have been known to be affected by depression than men. However, man or woman, depression is an illness that takes over your life, and wreaks havoc on your health.


It is normal to feel down in the dumps every now and then, but when those intense dark feelings begin to take over all aspects of your life, even those you should be happy about, then you might just be suffering from depression. Those who are on a search for depression help can find what they are looking for in both conventional and natural methods.

Conventional methods include antidepressant medications like Zoloft, Paxil, and Lexapro, as well as electro convulsive therapy (shock therapy). Antidepressant medications must be prescribed by a doctor. Sometimes, patients suffer too many side effects from antidepressant medications and do not respond well to other conventional methods. When this occurs, electro convulsive therapy is taken into account.

With electro convulsive therapy, the patient receives approximately 80 volts of electric shock which is placed on the head. This method usually produces a couple of mild side effects, but has a success rate of 80 to 90 percent in comparison to prescription medication, which only has a success rate of 65 to 70 percent. However, this method is only referred to as a last resort, but is considered to be a conventional form of treatment.

Natural methods for help for depression offer no side effects, and have been thought to be a lot more cost efficient for the sufferer. One of the natural methods which are used to treat depression are natural supplements. The supplements that work to treat depression are 5 - HTP, SAM - e, and St. John's Wort.

5 - HTP helps the brain to naturally produce more serotonin, which is the chemical in the brain that is usually lacking in the individual who suffers from depression. It can also help with other symptoms of depression such as carbohydrate cravings, insomnia, and anxiety. SAM - e helps to increase serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. St John's Wort is one of the most commonly used natural remedies for help for depression used in the United States. It naturally helps to increase serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels as well.

Other methods of treatment include group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Depression sufferers are most commonly referred to attend some sort of therapy session before being put on anti-depression medications. Those who are opting to take natural supplements can also attend these therapies if they choose to do so.

The only risk factors involved with conventional treatments are the potential very serious side effects. Natural treatments for depression offer less side effects, and easier to find. However, it will most likely take some trial and error before finding the right depression help method that works best for you.

By: Diana Ketchen

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Diana is a Natural Health Consultant and is currently taking classes to earn a certificate in herbalism. Her website, Natural Health and Herbal Remedies, offers the knowledge, insights and experiences she has gained from her journey into the world of natural health and her quest to share it with others. Get your Free Ebook about natural remedies for anxiety and depression.

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