Depression - Normal Sadness or Something Else

Is What You are Experiencing a Typical Reaction to Life's Events?

May 15, 2009

Everyone gets upset about losses, negative events and life's valleys in general. But do you know the signs of clinical depression vs. situational sadness?

We all get down at times when life throws a curve ball at us. However, when we are in a deep sadness that doesn't heal or extends itself, one should seek professional help.

Depression Defined

According to the DSM-IV, a manual least five of the folused to define and diagnose mental illness, depression occurs when you have at lowing symptoms:

Depression is caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) in the brain. These neurotransmitters are substances that are necessary for proper brain function. They affect our mood, thoughts, and behavior. Depression also tends to run in families, so genetics may be a factor. Certain medications taken for other, unrelated illness such as high blood pressure and parkinsons can also lead to depression. Research indicates that depression rates are high, up to 65% in those with chronic illness.

Conventional Treatments

There are many medications that are available for treatment of depression. The major drugs fall into three different categories: Tricyclic anti-depressants, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (not used much anymore due to their diet limitations), and Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. These drugs enable the neurotransmitters in the brain to transmit nerve impulses properly.

Alternative Treatments

There are some natural, alternative treatments available for those who would prefer not to take the conventional drugs normally used. You need to research the studies and determine if these treatments are right for you. Studies show that St. John's Wort is an effective herbal treatment for mild to moderate depression. No conclusive studies show it to be effective for severe depression. It has been prescribed by health care professionals in Europe for many years.

Some other herbal treatments that have been studied are 5-HTP and SAM-e. L-Tryptophan, an essential amino acid that the U.S. Food And Drug Administraion (FDA) banned, may be available by prescription. Studies have shown it to be an effective treatment. Some practitioners believe that massive doses of vitamins and minerals are effective. This therapy must be provided under the supervision of a licensed medical provider. Some medical clinics are integrating alternative treatments into their practice. At the Beneveda Medical Group in Beverly Hills, California, Thom Lobe, M.D., N.M.D focuses on organic whole foods. Organic whole food is produced without any processing or refinement. According to Dr. Lobe, a proper diet of organic whole foods is the first step to wellness. He individualizes his treatments depending on the individual and the reason for the depression.

"We look at the energy of the individual and consider their health concerns when we make recommendations", says Dr. Lobe.

Consequences Of Untreated Depression

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in the United States about 14.8 million adults suffer from major depression. The suicide risk is highest in this group. Children and teenagers can also be depressed, but may exhibit different symptoms.

Where To Find Help

Call the suicide hotline at 1-800-suicide (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-Talk). Deaf line 1-800-4889 or you can call a mental health professional immediately. We should take seriously anyone who expresses thoughts of suicide or death.

Healing Without Medication , Robert S. Rister, Basic Health Publications (2003)

The copyright of the article Depression - Normal Sadness or Something Else in Health Field is owned by Sandra Gardner. Permission to republish Depression - Normal Sadness or Something Else in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.