Depression is used as a term for people who have many or all of the following symptoms: profound sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, poor concentration, sudden weight gains or losses, the inability to gain happiness or pleasure from activities that you normally would. Everyone experiences depression from time to time; such as when we experience the loss of a loved one, or get fired or laid off, even sometimes after the birth of a child (Post Partum Depression) or divorce. This is normal, we have suffered a blow, and our psyches are processing that profound loss; however there are people who have either had no such loss or are just unable to pull themselves out from the great despair that they feel all of the time. It is when this sadness, or depression will not stop, it is time to do something about it. Depression is a whole body illness that affects everything including pain levels people experience, to the way you see yourself when you look in the mirror. If you ever feel suicidal, please either call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433, or go to the nearest Emergency Room and tell them how you are feeling and that you need help.

Is there a cure?

Over the last 20 years there has been an explosion of new SSRI drugs, (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), are a class of antidepressants used in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders and some personality disorders. Effexor, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Prozac are all SSRI's developed to help with depression and anxiety. There are of course many side effects that come with these medications, including the delayed, or inability to achieve orgasm, erectile dysfunction, as well as can not be taken with MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).

Natural Remedies

You do not have to live with depression, there is a lot besides medications that a person can try to deal with depression. Kyolic is a great supplement that helps to maintain normal brain function. 5-HTP is 5-Hydroxytryptophan, and it should not be used with other anti-depressants as it increases Serotonin production in the brain. This in and of itself is supposed to help alleviate many types of depression. Omega-3 Fish oil (enteric coated, high quality), helps with pain that may accompany depression as well as keep the cardiovascular system in good shape.

Vitamin B complex injections are very good for supporting the brain and the nervous system, as well as folic acid, as people who suffer from depression are often found to have folic acid deficiencies. Calcium and magnesium are natural muscle relaxers which can help with the anxiety, or you can also try GABA, 750mg daily to help with the anxiety as well. GABA, has a very calming, tranquilizing effect that is almost similar to the effects achieved by taking Valium.

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