Are You Depressed?

It is no surprise that depression is a widespread phenomenon in our culture today, affecting nearly 21 million adults per year. It alters our thoughts, mood, behavior, careers, physical health, and relationships with others. If you are suffering from depression you may be open to exploring more natural options besides prescription drugs. Many people struggle for a long time to find the perfect depression treatment for their personality, lifestyle, and hormonal balance.

Popular drugs on the market may not have worked for you or maybe you have heard the horror stories associated with all the possible side effects. Herbal supplements such as St Johns Wort are a more natural alternative to pharmaceuticals with fewer side effects (dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, increased sensitivity to sunlight). It is one of the most thoroughly researched medicinal herbs on the market today and has been proven to be safe by studies in Germany and other European countries.

There has also never been a recorded human death related to this yellow, wild growing plant. It has been known to help mildly depressed people regain overall normal mental balance and mood. It is not suggested for severely depressed people who may need multiple forms of treatment such as talk therapy, exercise and medicine combined. Herbal anti-depressant supplements often work just as well as their prescription counterparts but cost a little less.

Leading prescription anti-depressants don’t always relieve symptoms and they come with a laundry list of side effects. Advertisements may make it seem like these “happy pills” work like magic on everyone, but they are only successful for about 70% of people. They don’t treat the actual cause of depression, but rather raise the serotonin levels in your brain. Prescription drugs can lead to a whole new set of problems including anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and insomnia. Many people have also reported suicidal thoughts when they stop taking the pills.

It is important to communicate with your health care providers about your overall well being maintenance routine so they can advise you on the best treatment for your depression.