Talk therapy, nutritional and herbal supplements, and acupuncture are a few of the options that can make a difference for a depressed person.
by Dr. Melissa Dawahare —
Everything seems to be going your way. You just received that promotion at work. Your family life is calm, peaceful and supportive. But inside, you feel empty, sad and have no interest in your normal activities. You may be restless, irritable or cry excessively. Your sleep pattern is disturbed. You have no energy and feel hopeless. If this sounds like you, you may be suffering from depression.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that about one in 10 adults experience depression each year. Nearly two-thirds do not get the help they need, even though depression is an illness that responds well to treatment. If you are overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, pessimism and worthlessness or experience appetite changes, fatigue, persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment, or difficulty concentrating or making decisions, it is time to seek some help.
What treatment options are available? Of course there are medications, but why not consider something more natural? Talk therapy, nutritional and herbal supplements, and acupuncture are a few of the options that can make a difference for a depressed person. Mind-body therapies like affirmations, prayer and meditation are other viable options. Soul retrieval, a form of shamanic healing, is used very effectively in treating chronic depression.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor about the many treatment options available. If you want a natural approach versus traditional antidepressant medications, see a naturopathic medical doctor trained in complementary and alternative medicine. With appropriate treatment, you can be back to feeling like yourself again and having a new outlook on life.
Dr. Melissa Dawahare, N.D., R.N., is a licensed primary care physician who treats patients with naturopathic medicine and shamanic healing in Tempe, Ariz. 480-993-8249 or www.drmelissa.com.
Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 25, Number 2, April/May 2006.
January 21, 2013
Acupuncture, Alternative Therapies, Decision / Indecision, Depression, Fatigue, Meditation, Natural medicine and Natural Therapies, Nutrition, Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements