Poor mental health is one of the most chronic problems faced by our society today. Depression affects nearly 16 million Americans annually. Along with anxiety and phobia, depression is one of the common ailments to strike both young and old. And the scariest part is such cases are growing by leaps and bounds. Conventional allopathic medicine attributes these mental issues to various chemical imbalances in our bodies, and treats the symptoms of depression with medication. The root cause is left unidentified in the process. This is where holistic treatment care takes off. This system of treatment tries to identify the source of the disorder and offers treatment options on the basis of those findings. A new generation of wellness clinics have emerged in the popular tourist destinations like Tampa that offer personalized rehabilitation programs for depression related issues.
Causes of Depression:
Depression may be the consequence of several underlying causes or it may be a signal of a more serious illness. Irrespective of age, anyone suffering from depression should evaluate his/ her lifestyle and try to identify the underlying causes for such a mental condition. Here are some factors that affect mood in a way that eventually culminates into depression:
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Long-term nutrient deficiencies
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Lack of energy due to long-term chronic illnesses
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Drug abuse
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Low blood sugar
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Hormonal imbalances
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Thyroid dysfunction
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Exposure to environmental allergens or toxicity
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Allergies
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Microbial infections
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A surge in the level of stress hormone
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Lack of physical activity
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A drop in the level of serotonin (a chemical messenger that acts as mood stabilizer)
Treatments – Conventional Versus Holistic
The good news is, even the most severe depression is treatable. However, there cannot be a single, one-size-fits-all solution to depression. Every individual may have unique treatment needs. The key to recovery is selecting the effective treatment option and finding the right health care professional for their unique needs.
The conventional treatments for depression emphasizes on the use of pharmacological medicines, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A person must seek help from a psychiatrist before opting for conventional medicine. Only a psychiatrist is authorized to prescribe anti-depressant drugs or psychotherapy.
Conventional treatment options greatly vary with the conditions of individual patients. It all depends on the severity of depression, physical strength, and age of the patient. Some patients have to undergo a combination of therapies to recover from the mental state they are in.
Alternative treatment for depression, on the other hand, strives to address the root cause of the issue. Accordingly, they take a holistic approach to treating the mental condition. They start by evaluating patients’ lifestyles, considering the dietary and nutritional aspects. These therapies emphasize limiting the use of medications, recommend a cut on caffeine and alcohol intake, and advise a reduced exposure to environmental toxins and allergens. On top of that, holistic approach emphasizes correcting the eating habits in a way so that it can help balance the body’s blood sugar level. Exercise is one of the major pillars of alternative therapies for depression. In addition, the patients are advised to maintain a positive attitude to emerge a winner in their battles against depression. Above all, holistic system shows the patients how to take control of their lives and manage depression or anxiety attacks well. Meditation, yoga, and acupuncture are some of the popular alternative therapies for depression.
If left untreated for a long time, depression can ruin your life completely. Just like any other ailment, depression is completely treatable, but you have to choose the treatment option and the physician carefully. Thousands of Americans are choosing alternative therapies over traditional allopathic medicines. Many of them visit wellness centers in Tampa and other southern destinations where medical tourism is big. These holistic healthcare centers offer treatment programs for all types of mental illnesses. Don’t escape these issues, face them bravely. These new age clinics will help you get over depression and lead a more fulfilling life.