Overcoming Depression
Summary
Depression is the most common mental health issue seen in a medical practice today. In fact, the World Health Organisation states that depression will soon become the leading cause of disability, overtaking even heart disease as the number one health issue affecting the world population. Depression is an emotional state that can have a very real physiological basis. According to the medical magazineMedscape Mental Health..." depression is now recognized as a disorder of mental chemistry, not character."
Decreased production of neurotransmitters especially serotonin ( but also dopamine, noradrenaline and acetylcholine ) all play a role in depression. this imbalance in neurotransmitters as well as the bombardment of environmental toxic assaults to the body can create very real feelings of sadness and despair. Psychological causes must, of course, also be addressed.
Signs and Symptoms
- anxiety
- low self esteem
- fatigue
- insomnia
- guilt
- loss of appetite or weight gain
- lack of motivation
- apathy
- loss of sexual desire
- diminished interest or enjoyment in what were once pleasurable acitivities
Possible Causes Or Contributing Factors
- chronic nutritional deficiencies
- excess stress
- endocrine imbalances ( especially of the pineal and thyroid glands )
- food allergies
- a diet high in refined and chemicalized food
- blood sugar irregularities
- lack of exercise
- psychological factors
- genetic predisposition