Depression is a fact of life that millions of people battle every single day. It is a battle that most fight with the weapon they were equipped by modern health care – prescription drugs. No one questions it. And who would? It has been established that depression is caused by chemical imbalance; thus, it can only be addressed by a chemical fix! Now, countless people pop a pill (or more) to end this emotional “imbalance” that makes one chronically distressed, lonely, and irritable.
However, a growing number of experts, even those who are leaders in the field, think that it is time that we let go of this old belief and look at it with a fresh perspective. Science is leading us to a new path. Your body interacts with its environment in an intelligent manner, and it creates symptoms for you to take notice.
Depression is a strong symptom that there is a mismatch between one’s body and his lifestyle. You could be harboring too much stress, eating poorly, exposing yourself to toxins, and lacking necessary physical movements, among others. When there is inflammation, it is a sign that something is amiss. Medication may be taken but that’s just addressing the symptom but not the root of the problem.
Here are some facts you need to know:
- Depression may be an inflammatory condition.
Medical literature has shed light on the role of inflammation in mental illnesses for over two decades. Not one study, on the other hand, has proven that depression rooted from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Yes. No study has successfully linked depression and low serotonin levels. In contrast, high serotonin levels have been linked to problems like autism and schizophrenia. So if you believe a chemical pill can “correct” depression, it’s best to think again.
- Antidepressants can potentially disable your body’s healing mechanisms.
We know you have been told otherwise, but antidepressants have been repeatedly proven to worsen the course of mental illnesses. Add to that the risk of bleeding, liver damage, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and reduced cognitive function that come with them. They may also cause violent side effects like suicide and homicide. Studies show that five out of the list for top 10 most violence-inducing drugs are antidepressants.
- Depression can be addressed by lifestyle interventions.
Your body has a powerful self-healing mechanism, and they can easily be facilitated by some basic lifestyle changes. Examples are modifying your diet, minimizing exposure to toxins, and having sufficient sleep. There are also special programs for mental health available like those offered by Dr. Sloan of Sloan Natural Health Center. These programs can be tailored to suit your specific needs.
Depression is not something that you can just take a pill for. It is a sign that we should stop for a moment and figure out how we are living our lives. It’s a call for transformation and a better lifestyle.
