Depression Support Groups II
Online Depression Forums II
Depression & Exercise II
Depression & Diet II
Dealing with Depression II
Herbal Remedy for
Depression II
Depression Therapy
II
Coping II
Vitamins ll
Depression Cure
Antidepressants
Are Not the Only Depression Cure.
Over the past decade antidepressant drug use in children and
adults increased 300 %. Interestingly, a 2002 study showed that
antidepressants are only marginally more effective than a
placebo. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health,
in any given one-year period almost 10% of the US adult
population – that’s almost 21 million adults - suffers from a
depressive illness.
Depression is on the rise and antidepressant use is on the
rise. It does not appear that antidepressants are a solid
depression cure.
I have yet to find a study showing a definitive cause for the
skyrocketed increase in antidepressant use. What I have found –
and what I know beyond a shadow of doubt – is that
antidepressants are not the only depression cure.
From a health standpoint, drugs can be the worst depression
cure. The FDA found that antidepressants doubled the risk of
death and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young
adults. The FDA states that there is not enough data to issue
the severe “Black Box” label warnings for adults. Studies do
indicate that adults are at increased risk of suicide.
Increased suicide risks aside, there are still very real and
serious dangers involved in taking antidepressants. All
depression drugs have side effects. Some side effects, like dry
mouth and constipation, are bothersome. Up the rung in
seriousness are sexual side effects, anxiety attacks, deepened
depression and increased aggression. Now on to the side effects
that can kill you; Suicide, homicide, liver failure and kidney
disease.
My question is; Would you bypass on potentially harmful
drugs if you knew diet, exercise and other
healthful practices can wipe out depression as effectively as
antidepressants? You can use healthful methods as a depression
cure.
Earlier I referenced to a study that showed antidepressants to be
only marginally more effective than a placebo. Two University of
Connecticut psychologists obtained 47 studies that the FDA used
when approving six now commonly prescribed antidepressants.
More than half of the 47 studies found that patients on
antidepressants improved no more than those on placebos. One of
the researchers, Irving Kirsch, was quoted in a July 7, 2002 USA
Today article as saying; "They should have told the American
public about this. The drugs have been touted as much more
effective than they are."
The interesting aspect of this review is that those in the
placebo group also showed improvements in depression. The
placebo effect is very real. Often, simply believing something
will work will make it work.
To this end, my hope is to change the commonly-held belief that
antidepressants are the only solution by present facts to the
otherwise.
Numerous studies show exercise is a powerful depression buster.
Aerobic exercise increases serotonin and dopamine levels in the
brain. These are two feel-good neurotransmitters that help
reduce depression. Most of the antidepressants prescribed today
work by artificially boosting serotonin levels.
Researchers at Duke University found that 60 percent of study
participants who exercised three times a week or more overcame
their depression without the use of medication. Researchers at
the University of Texas found that one thirty-minute walk can
provide temporary depression relief. Another study, published in
the "American Journal of Public Health" showed that adults who
exercised for more than 30 minutes daily were less likely to be
depressed.
There are also numerous studies on the affects of diet and
depression - and specifically the mood-boosting benefits of
Omega-3 fatty acids. The Omega-3 family of essential fatty acids
are healthy fats found abundantly in flaxseed, walnuts,
cold-water fish, soybeans and tofu.
A 2006 study from the Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital showed
Omega-3 fatty acids as effective as antidepressant drugs.
University of Pittsburgh researchers found a decrease in
depression when Omega-3 fats were increased in the diet. B
vitamins are also shown to boost mood, mental clarity, and
energy.
In addition to exercise and diet, supportive relationships,
positive thinking, practicing gratitude and prayer and
meditation have all been shown effective as a depression cure.
If you are facing a tough time and need a depression cure, here
is what I would suggest;
• Take 30 minutes out of your day to exercise.
• Spend your exercise time focusing on the things you have to be
thankful for in life.
• Eat a tablespoon of flaxseed oil mixed with yogurt and take a
B-Vitamin supplement every day.
• Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician if,
after 4 to 6 weeks, these measures don’t provide an effective
depression cure.
