Cure Depression Safely and Naturally with Scientific Research

From suffering from depression and being suicidal to crawling out of the pit using proven scientific research on how to cure depression that many depression sufferers have not been told, author Merri Ellen Giesbrecht, of "The Simple Truth on Curing Depression", shares her story.

Merri Ellen soon learned that anti-depressants are not the final answer for everyone. If they were, why would the U.S (where such medication is the most prescribed) have the highest rate of this illness?

This illness isn't due to your age or gender. And, if everything around you is going awesome and you’re depressed, you’re not alone either. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in your life, it happens.

Now, Merri Ellen is on a mission. When you almost go to the grave and come back, you want to help others beat it too. She has researched piles of medical journals to create this website for you. Others have contributed their own stories and findings too! It is her desire that you too can experience joy over the darkness of depression.

Now she's helping thousands around the world and has become an expert in the research found in medical journals revealing what effectively cures depression. (You'd be surprised at what is the truth). Her mission is to share this research in an easy to understand format - like chatting over coffee. Her mission is to bring you hope. So far, she's successfully reached thousands of readers in over 90 countries to cure depression.

Some prescription drugs can cause depression and recovery

Nytol and other over-the-counter sleeping aids containing diphenhydramine

Diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and other prescription antianxiety medications known as benzodiazepines

Medicines prescribed to strengthen the heart such as digitoxin (Crystodigin) and digoxin (Lanoxin), known as digitalis medicines

Prescription medications for high blood pressure and angina such as propranolol (Inderal) and other beta blocker drugs

Reserpine (Ser-Ap-Es) and other high blood pressure medications that are prescribed to control nerve impulses

Alcohol


10 principles of recovery

Your recovery is self-directed. You find your way to recovery through personal control, good decision-making, and independence. The choices you make are yours and yours alone.

Your path is based on your personal needs, likes, and experiences. If you see your recovery as a lifetime journey, you'll be able to find the best physical and mental health.

Your recovery empowers you. You're the only person who can turn your decisions into actions.

Your recovery includes your mental, physical, and spiritual needs. It includes your family, friends, job, and community.

Your recovery will have ups and downs. It's not a step-by-step process. It's a lifetime process where you grow and build on your setbacks.

Your recovery is based on your ability to bounce back, cope, and make use of other talents. Value yourself and build on these strengths.

Your recovery includes support from others. Make friends and build relationships. Join groups where you can help others and find purpose for yourself.

Your recovery lets you respect yourself. Believe in yourself and meet your goals. Accept and take pride in what you can do.

Your recovery shows that you take responsibility for yourself. Find the courage to work toward your goals.

Your recovery gives you hope. You can overcome your problems.

Drugs to Treat Depression

What are antidepressants?

Antidepressants are medicines used to help people who have depression. Most people who have depression get better with treatment that includes these medicines.

How do antidepressants work?

Chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters are needed for normal brain function. Antidepressants help people who have depression by making these natural chemicals more available to the brain.

How long will I have to take an antidepressant?

Antidepressants are usually taken every day. It can take up to a month to see the full results of taking an antidepressant. You may need to try different kinds or amounts (dosages) to find the antidepressant that works best for you. Antidepressants are typically taken for at least 6 to 12 months. In some cases, patients and their doctors may decide that antidepressants are needed for a longer time.

There are several types of depression medications (antidepressants) used to treat depression and conditions that have depression as a component of the disease, such as bipolar disorder. These drugs improve symptoms of depression by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. It is believed that these brain chemicals can help improve emotions.

Major types of antidepressants include:

• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are some of the first antidepressants used to treat depression. They primarily affect the levels of two chemical messengers (neurotransmitters), norepinephrine and serotonin, in the brain. Although these drugs are effective in treating depression, they have more side effects, so they usually aren't the first drugs used.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another early form of antidepressant. These drugs are most effective in people with depression who do not respond to other treatments. They are also effective for other mental illnesses. Substances in certain foods, like cheese, beverages like wine, and medications can interact with an MAOI, so these people taking this medication must adhere to strict dietary restrictions (see below). For this reason these antidepressants also aren't usually the first drugs used.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a newer form of antidepressant. These drugs work by altering the amount of a chemical in the brain called serotonin.
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another newer form of antidepressant medicine. They treat depression by increasing availability of the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine.

Examples of effective and safe medications commonly prescribed for depression or depression-related problems are listed in the chart below.

Drug Name	Type of medication	Potential Side Effects
Anafranil Adapin Aventyl Elavil Norpramin Pamelor Pertofrane Sinequan Surmontil Tofranil Vivactil	These medicines are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) which work by increasing the available amount of serotonin and/or norepinephrine in the brain.	Dry mouth, blurred vision, increased fatigue and sleepiness, weight gain, muscle twitching (tremors), constipation, bladder problems such as urine retention, dizziness, daytime drowsiness, increased heart rate, sexual problems.
Parnate Nardil Marplan	Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain	Must avoid certain foods and medications to avoid dangerous interactions* Serious side effects may include: headache, heart racing, chest pain, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
Celexa Lexapro Luvox Paxil Prozac Zoloft	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, work by increasing the amount of serotonin, a neurotransmitter found in the brain.	Sexual problems including low sex drive or inability to have an orgasm are common but reversible, dizziness, headaches, nausea right after a dose, insomnia, feeling jittery.
Wellbutrin	Wellbutrin may increase the amounts of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.	Weight loss, decreased appetite, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, constipation, dry mouth, diarrhea, dizziness Wellbutrin is much less likely to cause the weight gain or sexual problems seen with other antidepressants.
Effexor Remeron Cymbalta	These drugs increase the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.	Drowsiness, blurred vision, lightheadedness, strange dreams, constipation, fever/chills, headache, increased or decreased appetite, tremor, dry mouth, nausea. Remeron can be sedating. Cymbalta may increase sweating and blood pressure and also cause fatigue and reduced energy.
Desyrel Ludiomil	These drugs block various neurotransmitter chemicals to some degree.	Desyrel may cause drowsiness, fatigue, tremor, headache, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting. Ludiomil may cause headache, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, sweating.

How to Treat Depression without Medication

If you wish to fight your depression without the side-effects and expense of psychiatric medications, there are many things your can do to control your moods naturally.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: N A

Here's How:

Sleep and mood are intimately related. Keep a regular schedule and get adequate rest.

How to Beat Insomnia

Avoid caffeine and other stimulants. Although they give temporary energy, they can deplete your serotonin levels in the long-run.

Take a multi-vitamin regularly if you do not eat well. Several vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to depression symptoms.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies Related to Depression

For mild to moderate depression, some find that St. John's Wort, SAMe or 5-HTP can be helpful and may have fewer side effects. In addition, some studies seem to indicate that St. John's Wort may in fact be just as effective as prescription antidepressants in treating major depression. These remedies cost less than prescription medications and help put you in control of your own treatment.

St.John's Wort May Help Major Depression

St. John's Wort Potency

Get in touch with your spiritual side through prayer or meditation. Remember, spirituality is not the same thing as religiosity. You may be spiritual without ever setting foot in a church, synagogue or mosque.

Forgiveness Helps Heal Depression

Get more exercise. This doesn't mean you have to start up a vigorous daily workout. Even a walk around the block can be energizing.

How to Exercise When You Are Depressed

The Benefits of Outdoor Exercise for Depression

Avoid excess alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a depressant and toxic to your body as well.

Should I Avoid Drinking Alcohol with My Antidepressant?

Alcohol Creates Double Trouble for the Depressed

Do You Have a Problem With Alcohol?

Eat a well-balanced diet.

Nutritional Deficiencies that Can Cause Depression

Eating Fish May Help Inflammatory Disease, Depression

Eat Fish for Healthy Baby, Happy Mom

Food and Mood

Your thoughts have a direct bearing on your mood. Learning about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, either through a therapist or self-help books, can help you stop the negative thoughts that bring you down.

What Are Cognitive Distortions?

How to Cope With Negative Thoughts

What Is Cognitive Therapy?

Cognitive Therapy Self-Help Guide

Stress can be physically draining. Learn to control your stress levels through time management, meditation, biofeedback training, etc.

How to Cope With Stress

How Is Stress Related to Depression?

Stress, Depression and Illness Link

Combat feelings of loneliness by reaching out to others who are less fortunate.

Tips for Coping With Loneliness

Tips:

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Be aware of your mood and take remedial steps when you first feel your mood begin to slip.

Don't feel like a failure if you need prescription medication. Depression is an illness just like diabetes or any other other. It is not always within your control.

Depression Types

Types

All depression types are not the same. Learn about the different types of depression, the signs and symptoms, and talk to your doctor about treatment.

Major Depression

Read about the causes and symptoms of major depression and the available treatments. Talk openly with your doctor if you have these major depression symptoms because help is available.

Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)

Chronic depression or dysthymia is a milder form of depression that affects millions. Find out if you or a loved one has chronic depression.

Atypical Depression

Many people with depression don't have the typical symptoms. Learn about the causes and treatment of atypical depression, with symptoms that include weight gain, sleeping too much, and feeling anxious.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is increasingly common. Discover the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and seek early medical treatment to keep it from affecting your life.

Bipolar Depression (Manic Depression)

Learn all about the mood swings of bipolar depression (manic depression) from the elated highs of mania to the major depression lows.

Seasonal Depression (SAD)

Do you get depressed during certain times of the year? Learn when seasonal affective disorder is most likely to affect people and what your doctor can do to help you manage the symptoms.

Psychotic Depression

Learn all about psychotic depression -- psychosis, hallucinations, and other signs -- and know when to call the doctor for a medical evaluation.

What Is Serotonin Syndrome?

Get information about serotonin syndrome including causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Complications

Depression Complications

From chronic illnesses such as heart disease to pain perception, sex, and sleep -- discover how untreated depression can complicate your life.

Sexual Problems

What does depression have to do with sex? Learn how depression and depression medicines can affect sexual desire and sexual performance.

Sleep Problems

Find out how depression disturbs sleep and get some effective tips to help your sleep problems.

Warning Signs

Untreated Depression

Depression and Suicide

Symptoms of Depression

Do you have symptoms of clinical depression? Sure, most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. And feeling depressed is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem. But when these feelings become overwhelming and last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life. That's when it's time to seek medical help.

If left untreated, symptoms of clinical or major depression may worsen and last for years. They can cause untold suffering and possibly lead to suicide. Recognizing the symptoms of depression is often the biggest hurdle to the diagnosis and treatment of clinical or major depression. Unfortunately, approximately half the people who experience symptoms never do get diagnosed or treated for their illness.

Not getting treatment can be life threatening. More than one out of every 10 people battling depression commit suicide.

What are symptoms of depression?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:

difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

fatigue and decreased energy

feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness

feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

irritability, restlessness

loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

overeating or appetite loss

persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings

thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Are there warning signs of suicide with depression?

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. 

Warning signs of suicide with depression include:

a sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy

always talking or thinking about death

clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse

having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving through red lights

losing interest in things one used to care about

making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless

putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will

saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"

talking about suicide (killing one's self)

visiting or calling people one cares about

Remember, if you or someone you know is demonstrating any of the above warning signs of suicide with depression, either call your local suicide hot line, contact a mental health professional right away, or go to the emergency room for immediate treatment.

Omega-3 Fats in Fish, Nuts, Olive Oil Can Reduce Depression

If you find yourself fishing for happiness, maybe it’s time to look to the obvious. A new study performed at the University of California-San Francisco shows the omega-3 healthy fats abundant in cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, anchovies, sardines and mackerel can help prevent depression in heart patients.

The UCSF study of nearly 1,000 patients with coronary heart disease showed that nearly a quarter of individuals with the lowest levels of omega-3 fatty acids in theie bodies are suffering from depression. That’s compared to a depression rate of 13 percent among volunteer subjects with the highest levels of omega-3 fats. The findings, published onlne in the Journal of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, confirm earlier studies showing a positive effect of high omega-3 levels and reduced depression in non-hospitalized patients with heart disease.

Other omega-3 super foods include olives, olive oil and most tree nuts. Some eggs are now fortified with omega-3 fats through putting omega-3’s in the feed. One bonus with omega-3 fats, which are the foundation of the Mediterranean diet increasingly recommended by cardiologists and other doctors, is they can help you lose weight while feeling less hungry.

The UCSF study even showed that each unit increase or decrease of omega-3 has a corresponding effect on depressive symptoms. When omega-3 consumption goes up, depression lowers. When a person consumes fewer omega-3 fats, depressive symptoms are heightened. The researchers did caution that a validation study of a more diverse, larger population is necessary. But that shouldn’t stop you from adding salmon, sardines, anchovies or mackerel to your diet, along with olive oil and other omega-3 rich food