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This is no one cause of depression; in fact, many things can
trigger depression. However, many times depression is caused by a
chemical change that affects how the brain functions and can also be
a response to stressful events, hormonal imbalances, and other
biochemical abnormalities. The brain is a giant messaging system
that controls everything from your heart to breathing and your
emotions via chemicals called neurotransmitters. Depression occurs
when these chemical messages aren't delivered correctly between
brain cells. Normally depression is characterized by unhappy
feelings of hopelessness.
Some milder forms of depression may
not require treatment from a physician. However, when depression
becomes severe, you should seek the assistance of a qualified
counselor or doctor. Without proper diagnosis it can be difficult to
know what treatment is appropriate. Depression caused by chemical
imbalances can be treated with a number of prescription drugs while
more serious forms may require antidepressants. Mild and ongoing
depression may be best treated by a licensed counselor and will not
necessarily require any medications.
Mild depression that
passes quickly may not require any diagnosis or treatment. However,
when depression becomes recurrent, constant, or severe, it should be
diagnosed by a licensed counselor, psychologist, social worker, or
doctor. Diagnosis may be crucial for determining appropriate
treatment. For example, depression caused by low thyroid function
can be successfully treated with prescription thyroid medication.
Suicidal depression often requires prescription antidepressants.
Persistent mild to moderate depression triggered by stressful events
is often best treated with counseling and not necessarily with
medications.
When depression does not appear to have any
identifiable external cause, it is referred to as endogenous.
Endogenous depression can be cause by any number of biochemical
abnormalities. Those suffering from endogenous depression sometimes
use nutritional supplements and natural herbal remedies in
connection with their depression.
Nutritional supplements
that may help those with depression include:
Herbal remedies the may
help those with depression include:
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