Sacramento, Calif. – Depression significantly impacts the lives of at least 10% of the U.S. population. If the same percentage applies to Davis, approximately 6,600 residents in our town suffer from clinical depression.
More than 30 million Americans take antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, the official definition of clinical depression is based on the presence of five or more of the following eight symptoms for more than a month:
- Poor appetite with weight loss, or increased appetite with weight gain
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Physical hyperactivity or inactivity
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, or decreased sexual drive
- Feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach, or inappropriate guilt
- Loss of energy and persistent fatigue
- Diminished ability to think or concentrate
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Gaining greater control
Dr. Michael Murray, ND, and Dr. Peter B. Bongiorno, ND, believe the best model to explain depression is "learned helplessness." Psychologist Martin Seligman's groundbreaking, lifelong research on depression found that helping patients become more optimistic and gain greater control over their lives produced even more positive biochemical changes than antidepressant drugs.
Seligman discovered a direct correlation between an individual's level of pessimism and the likelihood of developing not only clinical depression but other illnesses as well. Optimists were virtually immune to depression, while pessimists were significantly more likely to struggle with depression and other psychological disturbances.
There are many causes of depression. Preexisting physical conditions-such as diabetes, heart disease, hormonal imbalances, lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain and inflammation, cancer, liver disease, and multiple sclerosis-can significantly contribute to depression. Side effects from certain prescription drugs-including antihypertensives, anti-inflammatory agents, birth control pills, antihistamines, corticosteroids, tranquilizers, and sedatives-are also known causes.
Additional factors
Naturopathic doctors also address other significant factors, such as blood sugar balance (hypoglycemia, diabetes); counseling; detoxification capacity; environmental toxins (heavy metals); hormonal factors (thyroid, DHEA, cortisol, testosterone, IGF-1, estrogen, progesterone); lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, caffeine, exercise, sleep disturbances); nutritional issues (food allergies, deficiencies, poor diet); and yeast overgrowth.
If you or a loved one suffers from depression, two of the most effective ways to treat it are exercising and eating nutritiously. Regular exercise may be the most powerful natural antidepressant available. Consuming foods high in essential fatty acids (such as salmon, nuts-especially walnuts-and seeds like flax and pumpkin), complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables, and legumes), and high-quality protein sources (lean poultry, eggs, and soy) can also make a significant difference in overcoming depression.
Explore additional topics from Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center with Dr. Godby, ND, MA and his team at Natural Wellness.
As a naturopathic doctor for the last 20 years, I have witnessed the power of a preventative lifestyle and naturopathic medicine to transform the health and lives of thousands of patients.
Sacramento Naturopathic
2530 J Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 446-2591
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