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Depression
There's no doubt that since the introduction of SSRI antidepressants in the 1980s suicide rates have dropped significantly. However, three
recent studies -- in 2002, 2008, and 2010 -- have shown that these types of antidepressants work only in the severest forms of
depression some of the time, and that for mild, moderate, and even severe depression, they work no better than sugar pills.
According to the latest study, published in the Journal of the
American Medical Association on January 6, 2010, "True drug effects...were nonexistent to negligible among depressed patients with
mild, moderate, and even severe baseline symptoms..."
(Click here to read more about this research)
In 2004, the FDA demanded that drug manufacturers place a Black Box Warning on their antidepressant products stating that the drugs could
cause suicidal behavior in people 18 to 24 and another study found they could cause stokes in post-menopausal women. All of this research has
caused patients to ponder what other problems may be linked to this class of drugs.
While these recent studies on antidepressants have pointed to psychotherapy as a superior treatment for depression, there is even more
evidence supporting the use of complementary and alternative therapies used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Over the past decade, there has been thousands of studies demonstrating that complementary and alternative therapies and lifestyle changes can
help heal psychological problems far faster than drugs or psychotherapy alone. That's why I combine psychology and naturopathy;
so the people I work with can feel better faster and enjoy lasting results. Naturopathy is basically the study of complementary and
alternative medicine at the doctoral level.
The Overwhelming Feelings of Depression
People often turn to antidepressants because they're feeling overwhelmed and the drugs have been recommended by their doctor.
Depression can sometimes feel like a life sentence, like you're trapped inside a body and there's no way out.
I understand. Many years ago, I was also depressed, so I do know how it feels. When I got better, I wanted
to help others experience the joy and light-heartedness that I was experiencing.
Patients and their family members often overlook the symptoms of depression,
assuming that feeling depressed is normal for someone struggling with a serious problem, such as divorce, loss
of a job, or chronic illness.
Symptoms of depression are also frequently masked by the other
conditions, resulting in treatment for the symptoms - but not the
underlying cause of - the depression. It is extremely important to treat all forms of illness at the same time.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- Sleep disturbances; sleeping too much or not able to sleep
- Problems with concentration
- Apathy (lack of feeling or emotion)
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
What Can Be Done To Treat Depression?
Early diagnosis and treatment for depression can reduce distress, as well as the risk of complications and suicide. People who get treatment for
depression that occurs at the same time as other problems, such as a chronic disease, often experience an improvement in their overall condition, a
better quality of life, and are more easily able to stick to their treatment plans.
Psychotherapy for depression involves the following;
- Focus on the behaviors, emotions, and ideas that contribute to
his or her depression.
- Understand and identify the life problems or events, such as a
major illness, a death in the family, a loss of a job, or a divorce that
contribute to depression and help them understand which aspects of those
problems they may be able to solve or improve.
- Regain a sense of control and pleasure in life.
Getting Relief From Depression
There is always a reason why you are depressed. It doesn't happen by accident. Often it's a series of negative
experiences in your life, sometimes starting in your childhood, where your feelings and needs just didn't seem
to matter to the people around you. Maybe they were too busy with their own issues and their own problems to
really care about you and your life.
You may still feel very hurt deep inside, and still wonder if you really do matter as a person, or if anyone really cares.
All the doctors and pills in the world don't take the place of that one caring human being who genuinely feels
compassion for you and wants you to be happy.
I would love to help you find relief from your depression. I've helped many people overcome their depression in the
past, and many of those people are now leading healthy, happy lives.
Depression doesn't have to be a life sentence. There is a way out. You will have some emotional work to do, and you'll definitely have to make some changes in your life,
but I know I can make it much quicker and easier for you.
For more information on how I work, please call me at (408)315-0645 or
contact me online.
Therapeutic Approaches to Depression
Catecholamine Function, and Depression
How Exercise Helps Depression
see more ...
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Randi Fredricks, LMFT ♦
1711 Hamilton Ave Suite A, San Jose, California, 95125 ♦
408-315-0645
Contact Randi Online
This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is intended for informational purposes only.
No therapeutic relationship is established by the use of this site. Randi Fredricks is a Licensed Marriage Family
Therapist MFC 47803. Randi Fredricks is not licensed with the California Medical Board or the Bureau of
Naturopathic Medicine. © 2001-2010 Randi Fredricks All rights reserved.
Medical Disclaimer and Copyright
San Jose Therapist, San Jose Therapy, San Jose Psychotherapy, San Jose Psychotherapist, San Jose Counselor,
San Jose Counseling, San Jose Marriage Family Therapy, San Jose Marriage Family Therapist
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