Benefits of Using Natural Treatment for Anxiety

Although it is normal for individuals to feel freaked out after a typical day at work, the frequency and intensity of such feelings is what differentiates between normal fatigue and the tell tale signs and symptoms of depression. When feelings of being lifeless, empty and apathetic prevail over a long period of time, then the possibility that one is developing the signs and symptoms of depression almost becomes a certainty. These symptoms are characterized by a horde of psychological factors such as an intense and frequent feeling of inertia, feelings of being retarded and long spells of general fatigue. Since all the symptoms of depression have anxiety as a major sign, managing to reduce levels of anxiety in individuals is a sure way of managing the signs and symptoms of the condition itself.

There are many ways of managing anxiety in individuals living with depression. Many of these methods depend on the use of prescription anti-anxiety drugs. Although conventional drugs can be successfully used to manage anxiety in treating the signs and symptoms of depression, their side effects are numerous. They have repeatedly been associated with unpleasant medical conditions such as severe headaches, lack of sleep and other side effects.

It is these conditions associated with the drugs that necessitate the use of alternative methods to manage the condition. Using natural treatment for anxiety is an approach has been promoted as an alternative method of managing the symptoms, because of its many benefits. For instance, using vitamins, herbs and other natural remedies eliminates the undesirable effects associated with prescription drugs. One does not need to worry about the possibility of grappling with severe headaches and insomnia when using the right cocktail of vitamins, herbs and other amino acids.

Also, using particular types of herbs as natural treatment for anxiety ensures that individuals are able to deal naturally with all the physical symptoms of depression. This alleviates the usual tension associated with having to take a huge dose of medication. Since many individuals cringe at the thought of being obliged to take prescription drugs, the use of herbs which are incorporated into meals helps individuals remain relaxed and calm while at the same time managing the physical effects of the condition.

The last benefit that comes with using natural treatment for anxiety in individuals living with depression is that incorporating vitamins and natural herbs in a treatment regime ensures that the physical signs and symptoms of depression are eliminated safely and quickly. Minerals and amino acids have been found to offer a safer and quicker relief from unpleasant physical and mental effects of depression in individuals.

So in essence, although prescription drugs are widely used t treat the symptoms of depression, many individuals are exploring the possibilities of using natural treatment for anxiety. This is so because natural remedies, unlike prescription drugs, ensure that individuals manage their mental states without the additional stress that comes with the need to adhere to medication dosages. Also, since natural herbs are easily incorporated into meals, using natural treatment for anxiety helps individuals manage the signs and symptoms of depression naturally and quickly.

Treatment for Anxiety

Treatment for anxiety is a broad topic to discuss because it ranges on various activities that can are natural anxiety medications (from herbs, shrubs and plant roots), over the counter prescribed medications, guidance and counseling therapies, lifestyle practices like jogging, meditation and even yoga have been known to be treatment of anxiety.

Natural remedies

There are some known herbs used for the treatment for anxiety which include Chamomile, Kava, Valerian root, Phellodendron bark, Passionflower, Omega fatty acids, Skullcap and St. John's Wort. The over the counter drug that is prescribed by a physician - Alpranax - contains several of these herbs as part of it’s main ingredients. Some of these herbs like St. John’s Wort should not be used with other drugs but should instead be used alone or in very small quantities just as it is in the drug Alpranax.

Other herbs like – B vitamins, valerian and passion flower - can be taken with other drugs either to complement or to supplement the main drug. One thing that the patient should note is that self medication with either of these herbs is not encouraged but one should visit a herbalist or a doctor for the prescription of these drugs. It should be duly noted that natural remedies for the treatment of anxiety are not just herb plans but there are also vitamins, minerals and amino acids that treat anxiety.

Prescription medicine

For the longest time treatment for anxiety has been through medication. The medical treatment for anxiety is done through several drugs such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants, beta-blockers and tricyclics. Alpranax falls under neither of the categories because it achieves much more than the previously named drug types. These medicines are used to control just some of the physical and mental symptoms.

Alpranax treats the chemical imbalance of the patient’s brain that is associated with anxiety. What it actually does is that it calms the brain and mind so the patient feels a mild sedative effect on the brain. Alpranax is taken in an assortment of dosages as prescribed by your doctor. Over the counter prescription medication for treating anxiety is quite expensive and has some side effects.

Counseling

This form of treatment for anxiety is whereby the patient seeks advice and for help from a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor or a clinical doctor who specializes in therapeutically healing anxiety disorders. These forms of therapy include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy or a combination of therapies. For psychotherapy, the patient and therapist explore the causes of the anxiety and the possible ways of coping with the symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of anxiety treatment which involves the therapist changing the patient’s thoughts. The patients are asked to explain how they feel towards certain things or occurrences that have caused them to have the anxious behavior.

Other methods of managing anxiety

Apart from the named forms of treatment for anxiety, there are other recommendations that help the patient to have a quick recovery from any anxiety ailment or to take preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of an anxiety attack. They are just some lifestyle changes that someone can practice and they are yoga, meditation, jogging and eating healthy balanced diets. These methods seek to trains you to relax, to breathe slowly and to move your body in a calm manner so that the mind and the heart rate can experience a calming and soothing effect.

Different Types of Depression

Most people are unaware of the fact there are a number of different types of depression. However according to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are several and many are discovered as the doctor begins treating anxiety issues for a patient. The reason for this is that in many cases, treating anxiety involves very similar therapies, medications or holistic treatments, to those used to treat depression.

Major Depression

One of the reasons why treating anxiety and treating major depression can be similar is that the symptoms of both are closely related. While depression does involve the person feeling sad, alone, or hopeless, these are only one part of the overall picture. Among the other common symptoms are issues such as fatigue, sleeping too much or not enough, loss of interest in family and friends, and excessive worry. All of these are symptoms can be seen when treating anxiety, and can often be treated using the same techniques.

Chronic Depression

Chronic depression or as it is clinically known, Dysthymia also has a number of similar symptoms such as those seen when treating anxiety. This particular form of depression is diagnosed as one which has been ongoing for a long time, often one to two years or more. Many of the symptoms associated with this form of depression are very similar to those seen in someone diagnosed with major depression. However, the patient does not exhibit enough of them to be diagnosed with the major form of this disorder. To a certain extent the patient can be helped using many of the techniques used in treating anxiety.

Atypical Depression

The symptoms of atypical depression are very much like those found with anxiety disorders. These can include overeating, sometimes referred to as "nervous eating", bouts of excessive fatigue, inability to sleep or sleep too much, and being overly sensitive to rejection by your peers. Exposure to any number of different events can trigger an episode in much the same way as those who suffer from an anxiety disorder. Doctors often find that treating an anxiety disorder and atypical depression take the same route and generally achieve the same basic results.

Typical or Regular Depression

This is one step past what most people would refer to as a case of the "blues". It is described as when a person seems to have an all pervading feeling of sadness they can't seem to shake off. Among the most common additional symptoms are avoiding others, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, and a loss of their appetite. These are very similar to the symptoms seen when treating an anxiety disorder. Patients tend to respond very well to the same methods of treatment, including natural herbs as well as mind and body exercises.

Manic Depression

Manic depression or as it is also referred to, bipolar disorder, may be one of the most complicated forms of depression. There are two forms, type I in which the person must have had at least one manic episode, and type II, in which they must have had at least one manic episode and one episode of major depression. Neither of these can be treated in quite the same way as treating anxiety if you are planning to use medication. In many instances however a person can gain some level of control and maintain a more even functional level with the use of mind and body practices.

Natural Methods of Treating Anxiety and Depression

For many years the only treatment offered for the different types of depression have been a laundry list of anti-depressants and when needed anti-psychotics. Doctors and pharmaceutical companies have long known about the potentially deadly side effects of many of these drugs. New techniques for the treatment of depression have been learned by observing the way mental health professionals had begun treating anxiety patients. This includes methods such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and the use of herbal treatments such as St. John's Wort, Kava, and Passionflower, all of which are used in treating anxiety.

Depression Disorder and its Natural Remedies

In everyday conversation, depression refers to misery, sadness, hopelessness or general unhappiness, and these emotions are justified by the circumstances an individual finds himself in. Though clinical depression disorder is loosely based on this idea, it is much more serious. According to International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10), a depressive disorder can be categorised into mild, moderate and severe, depending on the severity of the symptoms. The common physical and psychological manifestations of depression include, low mood, lack of appetite, disturbed sleep, reduced energy and interest in activities, poor attention and concentration, increased tiredness, decreased self-esteem and confidence, ideas of guilt and unworthiness and suicidal ideas and intentions.

Depression result from certain neuro-chemical changes in the brain of a person, which is increased due to negative and adverse life events. Episodes of depression can be recurrent or alternating with mania, according to the type manifested in the person. These symptoms, if gone untreated, can make the individual take that last, fatal step of self-harm. This is why the treatment methods for depression are given a lot of importance.

Depression and anxiety disorders, which can be included in the lifestyle psychological disorder list, are mostly treated using pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, because these improve the basic mood of the person. However, long term use of drugs is known to cause dependency, which is why other forms of depression and anxiety cures are heavily researched upon. Among these, natural depression relief methods using herbs are most preferred due to its relatively lower rates of dependency and side effects. The most important herbs used for this are,

St. John’s Wort – This drug has proven to be equivalent to tricyclic antidepressants in its action in treating mild to moderate depression. Though its action was initially compared to Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors, later it was indicated to be closer to SSRIs. Therefore, St. John’s Wort taken with MAO or SSRIs is contraindicated as the side effects could result in serotonin syndrome, which is potentially fatal.

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) – This supplement is used to treat osteoarthritis, liver disease and depression. Researchers speculate its natural depression relief effect results from its influence on the levels of serotonin, noradrenalin and possibly dopamine.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) – Supplement made from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia, it is used to treat fibromyalgia, ADHD, binge eating, insomnia and depression. However, major side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, anorexia, restlessness, anxiety, aggressiveness, insomnia and hypertension are reported with its usage.

Kava Kava – Belongs to the pepper family from South Pacific, it is used to treat depression, anxiety and some other illnesses. It can be ingested in the form of a drink or pills.

Siberian Ginseng – Used to treat depression, sleep and appetite problems and increases resistance to stress, along with treating a variety of other illnesses.

Though the importance of herbal medicine in natural depression relief is widely discussed, there are many factors a user should pay attention to, while taking these medicines. The user should know which medicine should be taken for a specific illness, and the dosage must be strictly followed. This can be availed by a proper consultation with a certified doctor. Self-medication should be avoided as one needs to relieve illness, not aggravate it.

Treatment for Depression

With nearly 18% of the American population suffering from depression or anxiety disorders, finding the right type of anxiety treatment can take time. Those who suffer from anxiety or depression can become overwhelmed at the variety of anxiety treatments available. Some available treatments are counseling, prescription medication, herbal remedies, exercise, meditation, and yoga. While different treatments work for one person, they may not work for others. Speaking with a qualified medical professional is extremely important to determine the correct form of treatment needed.

Counseling as Anxiety Treatment

Counseling can be a very effective method of anxiety treatment. It allows people who suffer depression and anxiety due to lifestyle choices or post-traumatic stress disorder to understand and overcome the root of the issue that has caused their depression or anxiety. There are several different types of therapies to help treat depression. One of the main types of therapies is called cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to identify various circumstances and the anxieties or depressions they cause. During therapy sessions the patient confronts his or her anxieties and learns to understand and overcome them.

Prescription Medications

At times prescription medications are a necessary anxiety treatment. There are a wide variety of anti-anxiety and anti-depression medications available. In order to begin treatment with prescription medications, a person must consult with a medical professional who will perform a series of tests to help determine the correct medication and dosage. The most commonly prescribed anti- anxiety medication is Alprazolam, or Xanax, which treats the chemical imbalances in the brain. Another commonly prescribed form of medication is Selective Serotonin Reptuake Inhibitors. SSRIs block the brain from re-absorbing serotonin, a neurotransmitter, and are used for treating obsessive compulsive disorder. Most prescription medications can have potentially bothersome side effects.

All Natural Alternatives

Many people are not comfortable with the idea of taking prescription medications and seek out all natural alternatives instead. There are several different herbal anxiety treatments available through local apothecaries and even through the vitamin and supplement section of local grocery stores. St. John’s Wort is one of the most common herbal supplements taken as an anxiety treatment. It is a mood elevator and often alleviates feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Magnolia bark is another herbal supplement taken to treat depression and anxiety. In several studies it was proven to be five times stronger than Diazepam for reducing anxiety. Most herbal anxiety treatments are side effect free.

Exercise Away Anxiety

Exercise is another effective anxiety treatment. Scientists have proven that exercise is a mood elevator. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as pain killers and stress relievers, which reduces stress and anxiety. It also helps reduce insomnia which in turn reduces stress. While exercise works for some, it may not work for others.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are often used as anxiety treatments for a variety of reasons. Most importantly meditation is the practice of calming the mind and releasing stress. Through controlled breathing a person is able to release feelings of stress and anxiety. During a yoga session a person is guided through a series of poses called asanas. These poses combined with the controlled breathing of meditation have the benefit of both a physical activity and a self-soothing technique. Many people who have used yoga and meditation have reported a decrease in their stress and anxiety, making both yoga and meditation effective anxiety treatments.

With such a wide variety of anxiety treatments available it can be difficult to decide which is the correct method to use. As with all things involving health matters, it is important to speak with a medical professional to help evaluate personal levels of anxiety and depression. Once a medical professional is consulted, the correct anxiety treatments can be put into effect and the road to a happier, healthier self can begin.

What is Clinical Depression and Does Natural Depression Relief Work?

For someone who is clinically depressed life can seem to crawl at a miserable pace, and all the joy in life feels like it has been sucked away. Going to the doctor to admit you are depressed and unhappy is difficult, and the medications they prescribe come with a number of unwanted side effects. Natural depression relief is become more popular as people seek relief for the symptoms that trouble them while they work through the problems which caused the depression in the first place. 

Defining Clinical Depression

• As good as natural depression relief is, it is not for everyone. Understanding clinical depression and just how severe your depression is, is essential before you decide if natural depression relief might be right for you. It is important to consult with a doctor or therapist as well, diagnosing your own depression is risky and may lead to more serious issues.

• Depression is described as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair. It can vary in intensity from mild to severe, and even to a point where a person may be suicidal. Mild depression may be temporary or could be a low grade long term depression that does not get better as circumstances change. Natural depression relief works particularly good for this type and level of depression.

•  The term clinical depression is used to describe a more severe form of depression termed major depression. At this point depression symptoms are more than just feelings of sadness, but in fact in many cases may be physical in nature. Symptoms for this type of depression include depression on a daily basis which never gets better, a loss of interest in activities you used to love, insomnia or sleeping too much, Fatigue, weight loss or gain, poor concentration, or possibly thoughts of harming oneself or suicide.

Can Natural Depression Relief Help?

Natural depression relief includes not only herbal remedies, but also things such as exercise, meditation, and nutritional changes. Clinical depression is serious and must be at least monitored by a professional. Most natural depression relief remedies can help, but may not be enough on their own to relieve a major depression. You must also take into consideration the fact that herbal natural depression relief can interact with anti-depressant medications, intensifying their effects, and leaving the door open for serious side effects. If you are taking anti-depressants you must check with your doctor before adding in any sort of herbal remedy. 

On the other hand if you are in pyscho-therapy and want to try natural depression relief, not all therapists are adverse to it. With the right regime of therapy and natural depression relief you can manage clinical depression without the use of pharmaceuticals that come with serious side effects. 

Natural Depression Relief Options

No matter what type of medication your doctor prescribes for you, self-care is an important part of recovery. One of the first things that happens when people struggle with clinical depression is that they stop taking care of themselves. This ranges from not eating properly to not taking time for your mental or physical health. Proper nutrition and exercise are important elements of natural depression relief, and things you can do no matter what type of medication you are taking and whose care you are under.

• Research has shown that eating a diet high in nutrients can help depression. Further studies have revealed that the brain is particularly at risk for free radical damage. From a practical point of view eating carbohydrates has been shown to have a calming effect on the brain. Researchers suspect that there might be a connection between carbohydrates and serotonin but more research needs to be done.

• Exercise has been shown to boost mood both because of an improved self-esteem and because it triggers endorphins that act as a feel good chemical similar to morphine. They are what is responsible for what is referred to as the "runners high" that runners experience.

• Another form of natural depression relief, meditation has been studied by a number of experts who are finding it to be even more helpful than drugs or counseling. The use of mindfulness based cognitive therapy teaches people to focus on the present rather than brooding over the past, or worrying about the future. 

• Herbal natural depression relief should not be undertaken if you are under the care of a doctor and taking other medications, without his knowledge. There are a number herbal remedies available, most of which are effective for mild and moderate depression. If you are working with a psychotherapist, let them know your desire to try natural depression relief in the form of herbal remedies.

Severe depression can bring life to a grinding halt, the right natural depression relief along with the right medical treatment can hasten your recovery and get you back on the right track. The trick is to work with the right doctor to choose the treatments that are best suited to the type of depression you’re a suffering from.