"Regarding focusing on the good things, when you are depressed it is impossible to do. Yes, you can make an effort and think about them but it doesn't affect the mood/feelings. That is the nature of depression, it is beyond feeling ‘fed up' and really all you can do is go with it." - Victoria, a bi-polar disorder sufferer.

Those who suffer from long-term depression instinctively know when their "black mood" is about to descend upon them, and know that bouts of depression can appear for almost no reason. But does this mean that all they can do is "go with it"? Depression is certainly more than just "feeling down" every now and again. It is a disease; and like any disease, treatment is available.

Know the Enemy

Depression is a medical condition brought about by a chemical imbalance in the body and, once diagnosed by a certified physician, depression treatment is needed to help a person overcome the condition.

Depression symptoms include changes in activity or energy level, unexplained aches and pains, prolonged sadness, difficult moods and, in extreme cases, a preoccupation with death. If any one or a combination of two or more of these symptoms is present, your physician will probably recommend a course of depression treatment.

Medical Treatment of Depression?

The treatment of depression could involve medication to restore the chemical balance in the body. The problem with this kind of depression treatment, however, is that recent studies have confirmed that some common anti-depressant drugs run the risk of fragile bones in older patients. What these drugs have been found to do is to affect the cells from the bone - the osteoblasts - resulting in brittle bones. A research study on a group of Canadian over-50s found that those on depression drugs had a 4% lower bone density at the hip than the rest. The threat of fractures was also doubled. Most drugs have their side-effects, but when the side-effects are so severe, it is no wonder many people are seeking natural alternatives to conventional depression treatment.

Or the Natural Way?

Depression is known to be caused by deficiencies in magnesium as well as folate, and so most depression treatment is aimed at increasing these mineral levels in the body. In addition, excessive consumption of narcotic substances and alcohol are believed to contribute to the onset of depression. Therefore a natural depression treatment regimen should remove these harmful substances from the diet while including more magnesium and B vitamins. A daily dose of additional vitamin supplements can help bridge the gap where our modern diet fails us. Studies show that Omega-3 contributes greatly towards the feel-good factor and, along with amino acids and complex carbohydrates, should also be included in the diet as part of depression treatment.

In elderly people, improper absorption of necessary minerals and vitamins is a possible cause of depression and mood swings. Depression treatment in these cases is aimed at ensuring the required intake of mineral and vitamin supplements is obtained.

In addition to diet, regular exercise and relaxation techniques are invaluable in depression treatment. Endorphins, released in the brain during any physical activity, help to have a better, happier frame of mind. Relaxation and meditation also form an integral part of depression treatment as it relieves stress and calms the mind, making you feel more positive. Deep breathing is an anytime, anywhere, easy-to-do activity that enhances depression treatment.

Complete Healing

So far, it is clear that depression treatment should be holistic, and not just rely on wonder drugs or miracle cures.

Holistic, natural, depression treatment advocates a complete change of lifestyle to a wholesome, nutritious diet and a stress free, drug-free life style. To re-cap:

1. Cut out alcohol and narcotics, which can contribute towards depression.

2. Restore the natural, chemical balance, through a diet rich in minerals and vitamins and by avoiding over-processed foods.

3. Top-up any vitamins and minerals not found in the diet through supplementation.

4. Use exercise and relaxation techniques to aid the treatment of depression.

It is very easy for sufferers to fall into the trap of believing that depression is a natural part of who they are. It isn't! Depression is more often than not caused by a chemical imbalance causing the body to be in a less than perfect, un-natural, state. That is why the natural treatment of depression is the best way to keep the black dog off your shoulder