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Depression Therapies

By: jacobson Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Depression has long been considered a character flaw indicative of morally weak minded individuals. However, new research clearly shows that depression has distinct biochemical roots that affect the way nerve cells work. It is an illness which can be accurately diagnosed and treated successfully in the vast majority of cases.

A psychological condition is basically the emotional state of a person which leads them into depression. A few common conditions are guilt, loneliness, anxiety, and sadness. Guilt can be experienced by all age groups, but is especially common among the elderly who have the so-called “survivors guilt” for outliving their loved ones.

Non-drug therapies offer many alternatives to antidepressant medication. Cognitive therapy - also called cognitive restructuring - teaches people to first identify and then correct depressive thinking. Many people tend to distort and over magnify small mistakes, and cognitive therapy helps them downplay these minor problems. “You can't talk yourself out of depression, but you can stop talking yourself deeper into it.” Quote by Dr. Michael Castleman, author of Cognitive Therapy 1979.

Treat Depression

Depending on the physician's assessment, a patient may start out on a mild tricyclic drug, which can be replaced with something that has better results for more involved cases. Treatment resistant depression can be better addressed in an environment where a patient is closely monitored for both behavioral and mood changes, and possibly for blood
tests to assess the therapeutic level of a drug in their system.

Natural Treatment

Depression is a serious ailment that 19 million Americans are currently experiencing. Many people have turned to antidepressants to treat their symptoms. While there are certainly many success stories regarding these medications, many people have not found them to be helpful. This is because the medication had no apparent effect, made the person emotionally flat, or caused various side effects that did not make it worth

• Chinese Herbs: There are a variety of herbal formulas that can have
a positive effect on the mind. Many of these formulas tonify one’s Qi, or
vital energy, to create more vitality and spirit.
• Meditation: I recommend using mindfulness meditation, which has
been practiced for thousands of years, on a daily basis for several
weeks. This practice cuts through the judging mind and creates space
from depression. If you need help with starting a practice, I recommend
my guided CD, Meditation: Mindfulness Practice for Beginners.

there are numerous alternative strategies for treating
depression that are safe, balanced, and have stood the test of time.
These therapies should only enhance your overall health and wellbeing
without creating unwanted side effects that weaken certain systems of
the body. If you follow even one or two of these guidelines for a period of
2 months,