Depression/ Mental Health

Depression is a complex mental health condition that causes a person to have a low mood it may leave them feeling persistently sad or hopeless. Studies have shown that Depression is, unfortunately, increasing across all age groups. 

Depressive symptoms can be a temporary experience in response to grief or trauma. However, when the symptoms last longer, it can be a sign of a more serious depressive disorder. The symptoms may vary between individuals and can change over time. Typically, for a doctor to diagnose depression, a person must have five or more symptoms that must be present during the same two-week period.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists the following symptoms of depression:

• The depressed mood on most days, including feelings of sadness or emptiness

• Loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities

• Too little or too much sleep most days

• Unintended weight loss or gain or changes in appetite physical agitation or feelings of sluggishness

• Low energy or fatigue

• Feeling worthless or guilty

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Intrusive thoughts of death or suicide

It is a known fact that the mind and the physical body are connected. Depression is not just a biological malfunction. The mind, the core part of who you are, is processed through the brain and the body. Everything is connected. If left unchecked or not treated. You may begin to see physical manifestations of what is occurring in your mind.

Physical symptoms are common in major depression and can lead to chronic pain associated with depression. This includes joint pain, limb pain, back pain, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, appetite changes, activity changes, brain fog, heart issues, and anxiety.

Depression in all forms alters perception, making it difficult to fill peace, love, joy, or any positive feelings.

Be proactive in seeking help from a healthcare professional, if you believe you are depressed. Do not wait! It does not show weakness in character if you seek help. Besides, who cares what others may think. Everyone, at some point in their lives, experiences depression.

If you are diagnosed with clinical depression. There are multiple effective treatments available. Some traditional medications that have been prescribed, have shown over time, to cause undesirable, sometimes adverse reactions. Here are some of the following treatments: usually Medications such as SSRIs, Antidepressants, Anxiolytic, and Antipsychotics. Professional counseling has shown that these treatments may normalize brain changes associated with depression. There are therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy.

There are also alternative, effective treatments if you prefer a more holistic approach. Alternative modalities include acupuncture, meditation, guided imagery, yoga, herbal remedies and supplements, vitamins, and minerals. I would like to make some recommendations for supplements and herbs that have been effective for me during times of depression. Those with a long history of safe use and have also been scientifically proven to be effective.

Caution: (If you currently take a prescription antidepressant, talk to your healthcare provider, or doctor before making any changes to your medications.)

Ashwagandha with Black Pepper – Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress. It’s classified as an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body cope with stress. It appears to help control mediators of stress, including heat shock proteins (Hsp70), cortisol, and stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK-1.) Also, reduces the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a system in your body that regulates the stress response. Several studies have shown that ashwagandha supplements may help relieve stress and anxiety.

Artic Root – Also known as Rhodiola Rosea. It helps regulate natural physiological, immune, and neurological reactions to oxidative stress in order to be able to adjust and adapt to physical, chemical, and environmental challenges in the body. Improves cognitive brain function: It increases the sensitivity of neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which is known for increasing memory, focus, pleasure, and improving mood. Lowers stress level: Rhodiola Rosea can reduce one of the body’s major stress hormones which is called cortisol. Fights Depression: It increases dopamine sensitivity, and is an effective herbal alternative to anti-depressant medications, making it one of the benefits of the Rhodiola Rosea. If you want to stop taking one of the most popular antidepressant drugs like Luvox, Zoloft, Celexa, Prozac, or Wellbutrin, talk to your doctor about the natural mood-stabilizing benefits of this amazing adaptogen.

Chamomile – was described in ancient medical writings and was an important medicinal herb in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome it is usually taken to promote sleep and reduce anxiety and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea.

Curcumin – is the active component of Turmeric. Is curcumin the same as turmeric? Not exactly. Turmeric powder comes from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant. Within turmeric are curcuminoids, a potent compound that acts as an antioxidant and reduces inflammation.

Ginkgo Biloba – Ginkgo biloba, or maidenhair, is a tree native to China that has been grown for thousands of years for a variety of uses. While its leaves and seeds are often used in traditional Chinese medicine, modern research primarily focuses on ginkgo extract, which is made from the leaves. Ginkgo supplements are associated with several health claims and uses, most of which focus on brain function and blood circulation. Contains powerful antioxidants, can help fight inflammation, and can reduce symptoms of psychiatric disorders and dementia. Improves brain function and well-being. Reduces anxiety and is used to treat depression.

Saffron – Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds. These act as antioxidant molecules that protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress. Saffron antioxidants include Crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol. Crocin and crocetin are carotenoid pigments responsible for saffron’s red color. Both compounds may have antidepressant properties and protect brain cells against progressive damage.

Omega 3 – Recent studies have shown that just 1 gram a day of Omega-3s can be a mood enhancer. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly the equivalent of eating three servings of salmon, per week. It’s linked to improving the body’s inflammatory response. Interestingly, one of the reasons that researchers even thought to study this is because cultures that tend to eat a lot of fish report a lower incidence of mood disorders.

Benfotiamine – as the name would suggest is a synthetic type of thiamine that also has a variety of health benefits. It is commonly used to treat symptoms of diabetes, improve cognitive health and protect against Alzheimer’s but there are plenty of other potential uses. Benfotiamine is a derivative of vitamin B1 or thiamine that can be more readily absorbed by the body through digestion. It gets altered in the gut by enzymes and then broken into thiamine in the liver or by the body’s red blood cells. It is bioavailable which means, the ability of a drug, supplement, herb, or other substance to be absorbed and used by the body. In other words, how nutrients are absorbed by the body. A key indicator of drug absorption.

Vitamin deficiency is not the first thing you think of when considering the underlying causes of depression. Clearly, your brain can not operate at its peak when essential nutrients are missing. A healthy brain is the first line of defense against depression and other mood disorders. Some vitamins are necessary for the formation of mood-boosting neurotransmitters while others provide energy to brain cells or protect them from damage. 

Here is a list of important vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin B6

• Vitamin B1

• Vitamin b9 (Folate)

• Vitamin B12

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin D3

• Vitamin K2

• Magnesium Glycinate

• Trace Minerals ( zinc, manganese, chromium, selenium, molybdenum, copper, iodine, 

Boron.)

Whatever you choose to do about depression, do something. Don’t go through this alone. There are confidential and free 24/7 trained crisis counselors available for those experiencing a mental health crisis. Examples include:

• Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline 

1-800-662-4357

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

• Samaritans 877-870-4673

• National Hopeline Network 1-800-442-4673

Remember…… There is always HOPE!!!