Strategies for Fighting Depression Naturally

Interest in fighting depression naturally is rising, due not in small part to the side effects that can accompany the often prescribed depression drugs. The Food and Drug Administration is concered enough about the safety of depression medications that it has asked makers of antidepressant medications to add a warning particularly for young adults in the 18 to 24 age range to their labels.

The FDA advises that patients of all ages suffering from depression should be monitored when starting on antidepressants. It is recommended that this monitoring should target suicidal thoughts or behaviors, worsening symptoms and unusual changes in behavior.

Some of the other uncomfortable side effects of depression medication can include headache, nausea, excessive sweating, weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.

Low Serotonin Levels Connected to Depression

Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps to regulate moods and is essentially responsible for positive feelings like happiness, contentment, and peace. Current brain research suggests that low serotonin levels in the brain can be a factor in depression.

Some of the most popular prescription anti-depressants (Zoloft, for example) include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). SSRI drugs aim to correct the serotonin level in the brain by blocking its ability to deplete serotonin.

Fighting Depression Naturally with Natural Herbs for Depression

Natural treatment for depression can effectively avoid the side effect issue and may include such strategies as counseling, nutritional support and herbal remedies. The side effects accompanying those natural treatments are few, if experienced at all.

Rather than attempting to block the depletion of serotonin in the brain, as in the case of SSRI antidepressants, natural remedies encourage the production of serotonin and normal brain function, which in turn helps stabilize emotions, reduce stress and encourage feelings of well-being.

St. John’s wort is a natural alternative to SSRI prescription medications and has been used successfully for centuries as a natural depression medication. In clinical studies of St. John’s wort, volunteers experienced a significant reduction in side effects compared to when taking SSRI and tricyclic anti-depressants.

Choose Quality Natural Supplements for Depression for Best Results

The quality of herbal and natural remedies can vary widely from company to company. With herbs, the type of processing and manufacturing used has a direct impact on the effectiveness of the end product. Some companies use harsh processing methods that can disable a good portion of the herb’s therapeutic compounds and it’s natural ability to protect against side effects.

There are a few companies that produce their products in their own lab and manufacturing facility which gives them much more control over every aspect of production. This is the type of “professional quality” product that will give you the best results.

Choosing the highest quality products will increase your chance of finding relief from the symptoms of depression while also avoiding the side effects associated with prescription medications.

Remember that fighting depression naturally takes a special commitment to get to the true underlying roots of what is not working. Instead of masking symptoms with medication, one must be willing to look directly at issues that may be a problem. Fortnately, there are effective non-drug related supplements and stategies that can help you to do whatever emotional work is necessary to resolve your depression symptoms.

---