ANTI-DEPRESSANTS - MYTH OF THE CENTURY ?

Depression  is mostly medicated with anti-depressants from the pharmacy which in fact are the 3rd most prescribed drugs after painkillers and cholesterol statins. However, with poor results. On the other hand,  psychotherapeutic measures such as cognitive behavioral therapies or interpersonal psychotherapy being no less ineffective. The only way to get off this hamster wheel, is with natural modalities. Read on to learn how...

Trudy Wilkins from Pullman, WA, asks:
I have depression for quite some time. However, although it is convenient to swallow the pill my health care provider prescribes, the effect doesn't last. Can you recommend anything better?

Dr. Fritz:

Depression, manifold considered a kind of fashionable complaint of our ‘modern’ times, has in fact an impact on our society’s well being much more than commonly realized. With some 10% of our adult population (plus an increasing number of adolescents) trying to swallow it with anti-depressants from the pharmacy which in fact are the 3rd most prescribed drugs after painkillers and cholesterol statins.
 
However, with poor results, according to, inter alia, latest research at the University of Melbourne and the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health in Australia, verified by the Australian Medical Association.
 
Not to talk about the more than 70 (!) dangerous – and in many cases long-term – adverse effects known for anti-depressants involved. With thickening of arteries with the risk of heart attacks and stroke, according to, inter alia, Emory University School of Medicine, and the University of Queensland in Australia or the risk of bleedings in the brain, according to research at Western University of London, Ontario in Canada. Etc.   
 
Psychotherapeutic measures such as cognitive behavioral therapies or interpersonal psychotherapy being no less ineffective, according to same scientific sources.   
 
The only way to get off this hamster wheel, is with natural modalities. E.g., since most cases of depression are stress-related, with

• Physical Exercise

 
which helps you to feel better ‘from the inside out’. Based on research at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, and the Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, D.C.
 
However, according to, inter alia, the Boston University School of Medicine, just walking may not suffice, as this kind of movement does not produce enough brain chemicals to improve your mood and let you be less anxious.  
 
Same research base – Boston University School of Medicine – also recommends to practice

• Yoga

 
for mood enhancing by stimulating parts of the brain and increasing the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a neurotransmitter which, to be sure, you can also add separately as a dietary supplement.
 
One of the multiple factors which may support the development of depression is a deficiency of

• Vitamin D

 
according to research at, inter alia, Oregon State University, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Validated by U.S. Mayo Clinic, Oregon State University, and the University College London in the UK.   
 
To overcome a deficiency of this essential nutrient which also supports immune function, moderate exposure to sunlight is the best way, as our skin (regardless which part of our body) produces vitamin D at sun exposure.
 
This is still just the proverbial ‘tip of the iceberg’ of natural remedies and modalities to overcome depression successfully.
 
Contact us for a comprehensive and personalized plan.