Fast Facts about Depression
A form of mental illness, nearly 350 million people (5% of world population) of all age groups suffer from depression globally.
Source
Women are more depressed than men.
Depression is often one of the major leading causes of suicide among teens.
Recently divorced and unemployment individuals are the most likely to be depressed.
Approximately 16 million people in the US have had at least one big depressive episode since 2012.
It is okay to feel sad, down or angry for a little while but if the condition persists, one might be suffering from depression. Depression can be defined as a prolonged state of feeling blue. There are a number of causes that stems depression such as genetics, hormonal factors, stress, chemical imbalance or medial illness. When an individual is depressed he/she suffers from a low mood disorder. Depression affects one’s ability to feel pleasure, or do everyday things with interest. People of all ages are equally at risk of being depressed. 1 in every 6 people is diagnosed with depression annually.
The most common types of depression include:
- Major Depressive disorder
- Dysthymia
- Psychotic depression
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Postpartum depression
- Atypical depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Melancholia
Symptoms
In order to be diagnosed as depressed, the symptoms have to last at least for a week or more. However, everyone’s symptoms might differ. Many experience multiple symptoms at the same time while others only a few. How long will they last and what treatment will cure them also varies person to person. In general, symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling sad, down, irritable or angry
- Lack of energy and willingness to do things
- Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Losing focus and concentration
- Feeling fatigued and tired easily
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Having thoughts of self-harm
- Feeling worthless or guilty all the time
- Suffer from a low self-esteem and confidence
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage depression, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing depression and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for depression. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with depression:
Ashwagandha
Also referred to as Ayurvedic” Ginseng, Ashwagandha is an excellent remedy to treat depression, anxiety and stress. It is especially beneficial for those who experience frequent breakdowns and can’t pull themselves back out of it. If not treated at the right time, this can lead to immune breakdown and make an individual vulnerable to a number of bacterial and viral infections including conditions like blood sugar swings, an irritable bowel, fatigue and constitutional weakness etc.
Kava (Vanuatu)
This has been known to reduce anxiety and stress-related symptoms. Many researches support the evidence that it significantly reduces depression and panic attacks. Due to its instant calming nature, many medical experts recommend Kava as an alternative to depression and stress-related medication taken when one suffers from bodily cramps and strains.
St. John's Wort
St. John’s Wort is a powerful all-natural remedy to treat temporary depression. used worldwide to control stress and help one get over the blues, St. John’s Wort is an excellent medicine to treat anxiety, chronic fatigue and mood swings related to PMS and menopause. It also works as a mild sedative to stop one from feeling self-destructive.
Rhodiola
Used as a herbal remedy for ages, Rhodiola rosea helps fight depression, strengthen one’s nervous system, enhance memory, aid in weight loss, improve one ‘s energy levels and enhance immunity. it is most commonly uses as a potent adaptogen –substance that is responsible for increasing the body’s resistance to diseases and normalize its functions.
Lavender
The very scent of it is enough to calm one’s nerves and makes one feel refreshed instantly. What it does more is relieve headaches and thoughts of self-harm caused by stress. One reason why it is so commonly used in beauty product is sit helps relieve feelings of depression and also promote natural sleep. Its oil works as a stimulating liniment to prevent pains and bodily aches.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing depression, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition.