Best Vitamins For Depression
B vitamins play an important role in helping the brain produce adequate levels of the chemicals required to manage mood and other functions, according to the Mayo Clinic. If someone has low levels of B-vitamins and in particular B-12, they may be more likely to experience symptoms of depression. B-vitamin deficiencies are often seen in people who have depression.
Even without a specific disorder, it can become increasingly difficult for a persons body to absorb enough vitamin B-12 as they age. Depression can often include symptoms of fatigue, and B-vitamins can help combat that. B-12, in particular, is known for being important to reduce fatigue.
Some of the foods that contain high levels of B-12 include fish, lean meats, eggs, poultry and milk. Certain breakfast cereals may be fortified with B-12 as well. B-12 supplementation can help if someone is a vegan or vegetarian or may not be getting enough of the vitamin for any reason.
Other B vitamins for depression, or vitamins that play a role in brain health include:
Rhodiola Protects The Brain And Repairs Brain Damage
There is a lot of research demonstrating that Rhodiola is neuroprotective, protecting brain cells from damage. It may also promote neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells, particularly in the hippocampus region of the brain .
Studies have shown that it also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to a number of brain and mental health disorders, suggesting that it may be able to preserve optimal brain health as we age .
Researchers have also looked into whether Rhodiola could prevent or reduce brain damage in rats. In one study, scientists caused a lesion in rat brains. Before the lesion, they gave Rhodiola to half of the rats. The researchers found that the administration of Rhodiola prior to the lesion significantly protected these rats from oxidative stress, brain cell death and cognitive impairment .
Why Use Homeopathic Remedies For Depression
A friend might tell you that depression is all in your head, or you may be too scared to open up to a psychiatrist. You may also fear the thought of taking antidepressantsâthe conventional treatment for depression . Luckily, there are natural, homeopathic remedies for depression, which we will go over shortly. First, letâs take a look at the numerous adverse effects of antidepressants.
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Herbal Remedies For Depression And Anxiety
Herbal remedies have been used to treat depression and anxiety for centuries around the globe. Western societies, in particular, have moved away from traditional herbal treatments towards prescription medications. There are some proven herbal options that may be worth a try.
One in four women in the United States now takes a psychiatric medication.
According to a report from the National Center for Health Statistics , the rate of antidepressant use in this country among teens and adults increased by almost 400% between 19881994 and 20052008.
The federal governments health statisticians figure that about one in every 10 Americans takes an antidepressant. And by their reckoning, antidepressants were the third most common prescription medication taken by Americans in 20052008, the latest period during which the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected data on prescription drug use.
Here are a few other stand-out statistics from the report on antidepressants:
So is it a good thing that so many more Americans are taking antidepressants? Many mental health professionals would say, yes, because depression has been undertreated and because antidepressants are effective.
But there are also plenty of critics, as shown by this review in the New York Review of Books, who say the benefits have been overstated and that pharmaceutical company marketing is responsible for the surge in prescriptions.
2. SAM-e
When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience thoughts about suicide, hurting yourself, or hurting others. Remember, you should always follow your healthcare providers instructions. Never stop taking your medications or start an alternative therapy without approval and supervision.
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Add Greenery To Your Home Or Office
You may also find it helpful to add indoor plants to your home or office environment. Natural settings are associated with improved mental well-being, so it makes sense that “bringing the outdoors in” might help improve your mood.
Studies have shown that adding indoor plants to your home or office can help in a variety of ways, including:
- Improving the workplace: Research has shown that office spaces enhanced with indoor plants improve worker concentration and workplace satisfaction.
- Reducing stress levels: Another study found that actively interacting with indoor plans by caring for them can reduce both physiological and psychological stress.
- : Research has found that students who spent most of their time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic had better mental health if they were exposed to more green plants. While about a third of the participants reported symptoms of moderate depression, those exposed to more greenery had lower levels of depression and anxiety.
Choosing certain plants may provide additional benefits. For example, research suggests that the scent of a lavender plant can help people feel calmer and more relaxed. No matter what type of plants you choose, greenery can be a great way to beautify your surroundings and potentially improve your mood.
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Drug Interactions And Overdose
While benzodiazepines are relatively safe when taken only occasionally and in small doses, they can be dangerous and even deadly when combined with other central nervous system depressants. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining medications.
Dont drink on benzodiazepines. When mixed with alcohol, benzodiazepines can lead to fatal overdose.
Dont mix with painkillers or sleeping pills. Taking benzodiazepines with prescription pain or sleeping pills can also lead to fatal overdose.
Antihistamines amplify their effects. Antihistaminesfound in many over-the-counter sleep, cold, and allergy medicinesare sedating on their own. Be cautious when mixing with benzodiazepines to avoid over-sedation.
Be cautious when combining with antidepressants. SSRIs such as Prozac and Zoloft can heighten benzodiazepine toxicity. You may need to adjust your dose accordingly.
Paradoxical effects of benzodiazepines
The benzodiazepines work because they slow down the nervous system. But sometimes, for reasons that arent well understood, they have the opposite effect. Paradoxical reactions are most common in children, the elderly, and people with developmental disabilities. They include:
- Increased anxiety, irritability, agitation, aggression, and rage
- Mania, impulsive behavior, and hallucinations
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What Alternative Therapies Are Recommended For Depression
No alternative therapy is guaranteed to cure depression, but the same can be said about several Western medicines and psychotherapies. To be safe, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before you try one or more of these recommended therapies:
- Herbal remedies: Herbal remedies are made from plants. Of the wide variety of available herbal therapies, St. John’s wort and ginkgo biloba are the products most often used for treating depression.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of healing that prevents and cures specific diseases and conditions.
- Reflexology: For this treatment, the reflexologist applies pressure to different pressure points on your feet, hands, ears and face.
- Exercise: In general, exercise is a safe and easy way to improve your well-being.
- Meditation: Meditation is a form of relaxation and introspection.
- Massage: Massage uses touch to promote relaxation while decreasing tension and stress.
- Guided imagery: Guided imagery is a form of focused relaxation that helps create harmony between the mind and body.
- Yoga: Yoga is a type of exercise and spiritual practice.
- Deep breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths in, then slowly exhaling, while your mind focuses on the breath.
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Dangers Of Conventional Medical Treatment For Depression
A few of the top medical journals question the effectiveness of antidepressants in patients with mild or moderate depression. A 2002 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggested that a placebo had a greater effect than the antidepressants venlafaxine and fluoxetine.
The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial observed 51 major depression patients during a nine-week period. A quantitative electroencephalography device was used to evaluate brain function differences between the placebo and the antidepressant groups. Also consider the 2008 meta-analysis published in the renowned peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE.
The meta-analysis reviewed antidepressant trials that were submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for six of the most common antidepressants: citalopram, sertraline, paroxetine, nefazodone, venlafaxine, and fluoxetine.
The researchers found there was a very small difference between the antidepressant and placebo groups in major depression patients and that many unpublished studies submitted to the FDA showed different results. According to the researchersâ analysis, when the unpublished data was included, the antidepressant criteria would fall below clinical significance.
It is also important to note that drug companies only need to provide the FDA with two positive antidepressant studies to gain approval for a particular drug, even though they may also submit several more negative trials.
Homeopathic Treatment For Nocturia
Homeopathic remedies can be used to effectively treat the issue of frequent urination. The natural treatments for frequent urination are chosen based on the unique symptoms of each person. The amount of urine, its color, any related offensiveness, and the symptom duration are written down when recommending the best medication. Additionally, the presence or absence of pain or a burning sensation during or after urination is taken into account. Additionally noted are the physical and mental constitutional symptoms. The best treatment for the patient to stop frequent urination is given only after a thorough evaluation of the symptoms.
One of the best natural treatments for treating frequent urination is Equisetum Hyemale. The primary symptom requiring its use is a persistent urge to urinate and when a lot of urine is urinated. This ailment may bother you the most at night. Most of the urine passed is clear. Equisetum Hyemale is also the best treatment for sudden, intolerable urges to micturate or urinate. The urge to urinate might be nearly continual in some people. The person may urinate frequently and feel a strong discomfort when passing urine or right after. The accompanying symptoms include bladder pain, discomfort, and persistent pee that persists even after urinating. Additionally, Equisetum Hyemale is the best treatment for kids who frequently wet their beds at night.
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How To Fight Depression Without Medication
Verywell / Bailey Mariner
For many people living with depression, prescription medications can be life-saving drugs. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Prozac and Zoloft , are the most widely prescribed medication for depression, and while they are often effective, they can have side effects and be expensive depending on your health insurance coverage.
There are many ways to counter some of the symptoms of depression that don’t involve prescription medications. If you have depression, you might like to try managing it naturally without medication or supplement your antidepressant with other options. If so, check out these natural alternatives and then talk to your doctor about which might make sense as part of your treatment regimen.
This article discusses some natural treatments that may help fight depression including lifestyle changes and supplements. It also covers other strategies you might try such as practicing mindfulness or enhancing your home environment.
What Are The Alternatives To Antidepressants
If you don’t want to take antidepressants, there are lots of alternative treatments you can try. In fact, if you are diagnosed with mild depression, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for treating depression recommend that doctors offer you other treatments ahead of medication.
If you are taking antidepressants, you may also want to use other options for treatment and support, as well as your medication.
This page has information on some of the common alternatives to antidepressants. You may find these helpful to use instead of your medication, or alongside it:
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What Happens If You Dont Respond To One Antidepressant
Its tough for many people to find the proper medication, and some never respond to standard antidepressants. Its estimated that only30 to 35 percent of people will respond well to their first antidepressants.
A range of different antidepressants is available to treat depression. Some medications may work, and others may not. In that case, changing remedies could be beneficial.
Look After Your Physical Health
- Think about what you eat and drink. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet may help to manage some of your symptoms. Drinking plenty of water can also help your mental wellbeing. See our pages on food and mood for more information. If you have a difficult relationship with food and eating, our pages on eating problems may help.
- Try to be more active. Many people find regular physical activity helps to lift their mood, boost their energy levels and keep them grounded in reality. See our pages on physical activity and your mental health for more information.
- Try to get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep can sometimes feel difficult. But having a good amount of quality sleep is very helpful for your mental health. See our pages on sleep problems for more information.
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What To Expect At Your Provider’s Office
There is no laboratory test for chronic fatigue syndrome. But your health care provider may use tests to rule out other illnesses. Your provider will go over your symptoms, check your medical history, and do a physical examination.
If you have CFS, your provider may prescribe drugs to treat your symptoms, or suggest herbs, vitamins, or dietary changes to help you. Get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and learn to pace yourself. Often this combination of treatments will help you get better.
If the usual treatments do not work, your provider may check for other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of CFS.
Benefits Of Depression Remedies
The benefits of depression remedies are many.
- They can help you get your life back on track and improve your mood and outlook.
- They can also provide relief from physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches.
- In addition, depression remedies can help you cope with the stress of everyday life and improve your relationships.
Depression remedies can offer several benefits, but it is important to remember that they are not a cure for depression. If you are having difficulty coping with your depression, it is important to seek professional help. Depression is a serious condition that can have lasting effects on your life if it is not treated.
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Sign Up For A Pregnancy Registry
Pregnancy Exposure Registries are research studies that collect information from women who take prescription medicines or vaccines during pregnancy.
Pregnancy registries can help women and their doctors learn more about how depression medicines affect women during pregnancy.
The FDA does not run pregnancy studies, but it keeps a list of registries. Check to see if there is a registry for your depression medicine or other medicines at: www.fda.gov/pregnancyregistries
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List Of The Best Antidepressants For Depression And Anxiety
SSRIs and SNRIs can treat both anxiety and depression.
They typically include the following:
Due to concern over safety and tolerability and potential somatic symptoms, tricyclic antidepressants often come as an afterthought.
TCAs used to treat depression and anxiety are:
Schedule your appointment with a mental health professional to get the most suitable treatment for anxiety or depression.
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Does Homeopathy For Depression Really Work
Many people wonder if homeopathy for depression is a reputable treatment. Some people believe that homeopathy is nothing but a âplacebo effect.â That couldnât be further from the truth. Homeopathy treats babies, young children, and animalsâand they are not vulnerable to the âplacebo effect.â Even if homeopathy was only a âplacebo effect,â that may not be so terrible in depression, especially when placebo treatment is just as good, if not better, than antidepressants.
But, again, the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies for depression should not be attributed to the âplacebo effect.â It is a medical system that is over 200 years old, and it uses highly diluted and very potent, naturally active substances from animals, plants, and minerals. In mental health conditions, such as depression, a homeopathic or holistic practitioner must interview the patient and retrieve all relevant information about all of their emotional, mental, and/or physical symptoms. They would then match the individual with the best energetically aligned homeopathic remedy.
Why should you use homeopathy for depression? Clinical trials are known to support the efficacy of homeopathic remedies for depression. According to an eight-week, double-blind, randomized, controlled study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, custom-prescribed homeopathic remedies have an equal effect to the antidepressant drug fluoxetine.
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