- Pharmaceuticals help about 45% of the time. They often have side effects. They do not address the root of the problem.
- Counseling and exercise are as effective as prescription drugs
- Ambient pollution contributes to depression
- A wholesome diet and optimizing the Brain-Gut connection are helpful
- Chronic illnesses, lack of sleep and substance abuse contribute to depression.
- St. John’s Wort is as effective as prescription drugs in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Other supplements like Omega Oils are helpful
- Tai Chi, Yoga, Acupuncture are helful.
- Light Therapy is helpful, even in the Lower 48 and in the middle of the summer
- Depression can be a time of growth as we take stock of our lives. Suppressing the feelings that accompany needed changes may lead to not only missed opportunities for growth, but, the aggravation of unattended issues
- Suffering has many lessons for us. We all get a bit depressed at times of upheaval. Avoiding suffering by numbing ourselves with pharmaceuticals may lead to repressed feelings that may manifest themselves in negative ways in the future
