I've met some crazy people in my day and let me tell you, the Prozac does them well. A carrot or head of letticue wouldn't cure what is wrong with them. Perhaps for energy purposes because of eating habits these people are depressed, but it seems to far-fetched to believe that foods could correct the mental balance of someone. It may play a factor, a tiny one but that is all it will do.

For people who do not wish to take allopathic medications as they do more harm than good, its a good advice for them to take herbal medications such as evening primrose oil which basically is a mind-soother.Apart from this , homeopathy also does wonders .Bio-chemic medications such as chamomile, nux vomica , belladonna are some of the medications which work for treating depression. How about browsing here for more information on herbal and ayurvedic treatments for depression.

Many times, depression is the result of a chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, among which is dopamine. To my knowledge, there is no food substance that is capable of accurately and consistently regulating these important chemicals. However, as with any other disease process, exercise and a healthy diet can certainly do more good than harm. I think there needs to be more research in this area to claim that medications such as Prozac are not needed to control mild to moderate depression.

While I think nutrition (and sleep) definitely can influence how we feel, it is not going to cure severe and persistant mental illness.  So someone suffering from mild to moderate depression may feel better, it is not going to help someone with severe depression. 

 In addition the studies showing exercise as being as effective as antidepressants only compare exercise to medication and a control group.  Currently the most effective treatment for depression has been shown to be cognitive behavioral therapy in conjunction to antidepressant treatment.  Exercise definitely cannot hurt, but I have yet to see a study that compares it to both therapy and meds. 

St. John's Wort has shown improvement in mild forms of depression, but it interacts with lots of other medications, making them less effective, including birth control and cancer treatment.   

 I agree that many general practitioners are too quick to prescribe antidepressants to people with mild forms of depression.  They do not seem to bother monitoring symptoms or side effects and rarely refer to a therapist.  I think it is irresponsible and allows our society to continue seeking quick fixes without doing the work to fix the problem.  I think it also allows the stigma of mental illness to continue bc we are not referring to psychiatrists or therapists and in doing saying we are saying, "you're not crazy, you don't need to go to them.  just take this pill and you will be fine". 

 

I'm sure that these psychiatrists dont prescribe supplements to ALL patients diagnosed with depression. There are cases, as stated before, that can only be treated with perscriptions such as prozac. I do think it is important, however, taking into consideration the rates at which people are being diagnosed, that we look at nutrition as a possible source of the problem. Even if diet change and exercise help only partially, I see that as a great step in therapy. Supplements in place of prescriptions may not be the answer, but I believe that the pills alone do not cure anyone of thier depression. There's no reason that introducing vitamins so scarce in the average American diet (read: quite unhealthy) as a possible theraputic step shouldn't be put in place. I applaud anyone who takes the time and the care to think out these situations rather than handing out drugs like candy. 

What happened to treating problems instead of covering them up! That is what's going on in todays world we are heading in the wrong direction and the drug companies are cashing in..

Let's step back and see if we change our lives naturally, I have been studying natural ways to treat health problems for years now and have rested my case on the reasons. Then I became involved in ways to promote natural health solutions I have even found a company that allowed me to take that interest and turn it into a business.

Powered with Knowledge and an extensive Natural clinically researched patented Health, Nutrition, Home & Beauty Care Product line I am eqipped to start Creating GreenGlobalHealth one step at a time. www.greenglobalhealth.com

I myself have said "Stop the World I want to get off!" -or- "I going to did a hole and crawl in and pull in after me!" I am very much of "A" personality, with a perfectionist complex. In my life I have had prescribe to me Valium, Prozac, and different sleeping aids. There were times of true depression, and living life and the pressures it brings. I have also had cognitive therapy for stress. To quote Dr. Weil. "We in the medical profession are very good at management of crisis, but not always good at prevention or follow up." I myself now that I am working make a living change have found that when I have gone with supplements, good diet, and re-think, re-portioning my life, stress has gone to almost zero. We will always have stress of some sort, it how we handle it. Natural is working for me!

I have a family member who is bi-polar. In the past, he took expensive prescription meds which cost upwards of $900 a month and eventually could not afford them when he lost his insurance. If the cost isn't frightening enough, the dangerous side effects certainly are. I am going to tell him about these natural treatments, although he did try St. John's wort and it had no effect on him whatsoever. Perhaps the B vitamins will help.

 

 

Peace and wellness...

Oceana Bleu