Risk Factors Associated with Depression and Diagnosis

Certain illnesses have signs and symptoms which make the condition easy to diagnose, not so with depression which can present with a wide variety of different effects.  There are certain risk factors which can be directly associated with episodes of depression such as:

• Health problems or chronic pain
• Financial problems
  
• Loneliness
• Being unemployed
• Childhood trauma or abuse
• Alcohol or substance abuse problems
• Familial history of depression
• Marital or relationship strains
• Lack of social or emotional support
• Recently experienced stressful life situations

How is Depression Diagnosed?

Currently, there are no definitive medical tests which can be performed to diagnose depression.  A diagnosis of depression can only be made by a licensed medical health professional based upon an observation of symptoms reported and signs observed during an examination, and after taking a complete medical history and familial medical history. 

Natural Treatments for Depression

If a person prefers foregoing medical intervention and prescription medications for the treatment of depression, there are a number of different remedies which can provide substantial relief.  However, a diagnosis of depression can only be made by a mental health professional and any natural remedies a person tries should only be facilitated under strict medical supervision and advice. 

One of the most common natural treatment methods recommended for treating mild forms of depression is deep breathing and relaxation techniques.  Breathing deeply increases the oxygen supply to the brain and can reduce anxiety, improve circulation, increase energy and alleviate extreme stress.  A healthcare treatment which is not classified as a standard Western medical practice is considered to be “natural” or “alternative” medicine.  Examples of natural therapies which can help depression include:

Acupuncture:  an ancient Chinese healing method which involves the use of fine, thin needles placed into specific points on the body.  Practitioners of acupuncture believe it can stimulate the body’s immune system and help a person can overcome imbalances naturally.  The method is very effective for relieving menstrual cramps, headaches, lower back, and muscle and neck pain.

Yoga:  different types of exercises can relieve stress, induce relaxation and reduce incidents of depression by the release of the body’s natural feel good chemical, endorphins.

Massage techniques:  involves the use of touch to produce a sense of relaxation.  Therapies involving massage involve the mind-body connection and physical and emotional health is closely related.  Various types of massage such as shiatsu, neuromuscular therapy and Swedish massage are very effective helping a person relax and increases endorphin release, the benefits can last for several hours.  

Aromatherapy:  effective at helping a person deal with stress, depression and anxiety.  Considered a form of alternative therapy, aromatherapy uses concentrated essential oils extracted from plants to treat certain conditions and stimulate the healing process.  Essential oils such as lavender, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, jasmine and vanilla can induce a sense of relaxation and ease the symptoms of mental fatigue and agitation.

Reflexology:  involves a practitioner using pressure on specific points on the hands and feet.  The practice involves the concept of body healing the mind and that nerve points in the feet and hands are related to various body parts.  Manipulation of certain nerves on the hands and feet are believed to stimulate the healing process within the body.

Meditation:  can be thought of as an “altered state of consciousness,” a form of relaxation which is done with the intent of producing feelings of calm and peacefulness.  Meditation helps decrease muscle tension, improves circulation, slows the sympathetic nervous system, and lowers the blood pressure and heart rate.

Guided imagery:  also referred to as “visualization,” a method of communication between the body and mind that uses perception, position and movement to induce relaxation.  The procedure involves the use of mental images or pictures in order to provide a person with a sense of peace and serenity.  A person can become quite skilled at using mental imaging but the practice requires time and patience to master.

Music therapy:  the use of music therapy has been very promising in helping reduce the fear, anxiety and stress associated with depression.  Music can be considered a natural tranquilizer for humans and can be tailored to meet a person’s individual tastes, moods and emotional needs.

In the case of herbal supplements the most common herbal remedies used for the treatment of depression are gingko biloba and St. John’s wort.  St. John’s wort has been used in other parts of the world for thousands of years, though it has not been scientifically proven to be an effective treatment for depression.   has been proven to increase memory retention and other intellectual brain processes, but not proven effective for treating depression.

Any type of herbal supplement used for the treatment of depression should not be taken without the advice of a licensed mental health specialist.  Some herbal medications can have contraindications with other prescription medications such as hypertensive and hormonal drugs and could prove dangerous if mixed.  Consulting with a licensed medical professional will help a person make an informed and safe decision when attempting to treat depression naturally using herbal supplementation. 

Overview

Depression can be a very confusing and debilitating disease, but the good news is that with lifestyle changes and effective treatment the symptoms are entirely manageable.  Anyone who has been diagnosed with depression should become educated and informed about the various types of medical and alternative methods of treatment.  Knowing which methods work best for each individual, allows a person to make well-informed decisions regarding depression treatment which leads to a better overall quality of life and improvement of the disorder.