Depression
Depression is a medical condition that affects an average of 10% of adults and approximately 5% of teenagers in the United States. Depression can range in severity from mild to moderate to severe major depression.
Depression symptoms may include feeling sad or anxious, feeling irritable, frustrated, or even restless, loss of interest in doing activities that were previously enjoyable, loss of energy, feeling tired, difficulties sleeping, changes in appetite including loss of appetite or eating more than usual which could lead to weight loss or weight gain, having difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness. Depression can also include feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, and thoughts of hurting oneself or suicide. Depression can be treated.
It is important to seek care from your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of depression. Other medical conditions may cause depression, so it is essential to diagnose and treat any possible underlying medical conditions contributing to depression.
For patients with a diagnosis of depression, there is hope and treatment options. Many physicians and patients consider treatment for depression as prescription antidepressant medications. For those patients who are hesitant to initiate these prescription medications, there are other treatment options, such as counseling and lifestyle modifications, including changes in diet, exercise, relaxation, meditation, work/life balance, and sleep hygiene.
Although there are limited, large, controlled studies available, the following article is an observational study of a case series of naturopathic consultations of adults who presented with self-reported depression or anxiety. It concluded that naturopathic medicine may be beneficial in improving mood and reducing anxiety.
Another non-pharmacological treatment option for depression is acupuncture.
The following article concluded that “Acupuncture is a potentially effective monotherapy for depression and a safe, well-tolerated augmentation in antidepressant partial responders and non-responders.”
Additionally, patients may also consider massage therapy for the treatment of depression. The following article found that moderate pressure massage reduced depression.
Massage therapy research review - ScienceDirect
If you or a loved one has any symptoms of depression, it is important to see your healthcare provider discuss your symptoms and consider the many treatment options that may provide benefit to you.