by Loretta Lanphier, NP, CN, HHP, CH
(The
Best Years in Life)
More than one-in-five adult Americans took at least one
pharmaceutical drug commonly used to treat a psychiatric or behavioral
disorder in 2010 according to “America’s
State of Mind,” a Medco
Health Solutions, Inc. analysis of trends in mental health medication usage
among approximately 2.5 million insured Americans, comparing utilization of
antidepressants, antipsychotics, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) drugs and anti-anxiety treatments from 2001 to 2010. Even more
concerning about this situation is that for American women, the numbers rose
to one in four. While I’m not totally surprised at these numbers
considering all the advertising that pharmaceutical companies are allowed to
do, it does cause me to stop and think about better solutions to this health
crisis.
As far as use, not surprisingly, antidepressants come in number one with
over 20 percent of women on a drug typically prescribed to treat depression.
Anxiety treatments used by women are at almost twice the rate of men;
however, greatest use is found among middle-aged women (45-65 years old –
note these ages are normally the ages of peri-menopause and post menopause),
11 percent of whom were on an anti-anxiety drug last year.
The number of women on ADHD drugs was 2.5 times higher than in 2001-
outnumbering men in their use of these drugs. The almost unbelievable
concern was seen in 20-44 year old women where numbers rose 264 percent in
ten years!
Do Adjustment Disorders Really Require Drugs?
Adjustment disorders, the name of the diagnosis in which these drugs are
usually prescribed, are basically those times in life when stress may be at
its highest – marital concerns, divorce, job loss, job change, relocation,
loss of home, death of a loved one, care giver to an elderly parent or sick
spouse, etc. Certainly no one would argue that all of these situations
produce tremendous stress and emotional conflict.
Most
of the antidepressant drugs currently prescribed are part of the Valium
family of drugs and are quick acting – something that our
“convenience-reigns-supreme” society adores. While this convenience may
allow someone to seemingly be able to deal with their symptoms, these drugs
also come with many side effects as well as the great possibility of
becoming permanently hooked on a chemical. Not to forget that
antidepressants treat only symptoms and thus do not get to the root of the
concern.
I am amazed at how many doctors prescribe antidepressants to women who have
textbook symptoms of hormone imbalance and/or adrenal exhaustion. Yet
because serum (blood) testing indicates the hormones are in balance, the
woman is made to feel like her symptoms are all “in her head” when the
doctor hands her a script for antidepressant drugs assuring her that this
bottle of pills will make things better. If more doctors used saliva testing
for hormones, in most situations a much more accurate diagnosis could be
made thus allowing the real root concern to be addressed. This one change
could end thousands of scripts for antidepressants that are given to peri-menopausal
and post-menopausal women – unnecessarily.
According to Dr. David Muzina, a psychiatrist and national practice leader
of the Medco Neuroscience Therapeutic Resource Center: “…with antidepressant
medications in young adults, there is a risk early on of an increase in
suicidal thoughts and perhaps suicidal behavior that clearly needs to be
monitored very closely. The other example would be with the atypical
antipsychotics, which have been associated with an increase in cholesterol.
There’s an association with Type 2 diabetes, and it can be a very rapid
onset. Thinking about the overall health risks is crucial.”
Actually, research shows that antidepressants don’t help many people. A
major U.S. government study released in 2006 indicated that fewer than 50
percent of people become symptom-free on antidepressants, even after trying
two different medications. And many who do respond to medication go back
into depression within a short time period, despite being religious with
their drug treatment. Other studies indicate that the benefits of depression
medication have been exaggerated, with some researchers concluding that,
when it comes to mild to moderate depression, antidepressants are only
slightly more effective than placebos.
Side Effects of Antidepressants
The most widely prescribed antidepressants are from a class of medications
known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These include
popular antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil.
SSRIs act on the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin helps regulate mood,
but it also plays a role in digestion, pain, sleep, mental clarity, as well
as other bodily functions. Thus SSRI antidepressants can cause a wide range
of side effects such as:
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While some side effects can disappear after using the drug for a few weeks,
others can continue and may get worse. And if you are over 65 be aware that
studies show SSRI medications can increase the risk for falls, fractures,
and bone loss. SSRIs can also cause serious withdrawal symptoms if one
decides to stop taking them abruptly.
Natural Remedies for Stress, Depression and Anxiety
Going through emotional trauma and stress can be discouraging
and trying to get back on-track seems almost impossible. However, there are
many natural things that one can try before running to the doctor for an
anti-depressant. For many, these remedies are literally life-savers and as
an added bonus they come with no toxic side effects.
Cleansing & Detoxification. Total body cleansing is something that even many natural medicine practitioners don’t consider important or necessary. However, the fact is that even if one puts the cleanest food and the best supplements into their body, if the digestive track and liver are sluggish then one will not get the total benefit of everything that is being consumed. The liver has been called the seat of the emotions. A sluggish liver as well as constipation can be the culprit of misappropriated anger, stress, mood swings, hormone imbalance and an overall feeling of fatigue.
Cleansing & Detoxification. Total body cleansing is something that even many natural medicine practitioners don’t consider important or necessary. However, the fact is that even if one puts the cleanest food and the best supplements into their body, if the digestive track and liver are sluggish then one will not get the total benefit of everything that is being consumed. The liver has been called the seat of the emotions. A sluggish liver as well as constipation can be the culprit of misappropriated anger, stress, mood swings, hormone imbalance and an overall feeling of fatigue.
Healthy
Diet. You can actually
change your mood with what you eat and drink. Eliminating
just sugar, which is known to alter mood, can help many adults as well as
children to become more emotionally balanced. Unfortunately sugar is often
the first thing reached for when we get emotionally taxed. Why? Because
sugar gives a very short emotional lift which seemingly makes one feel
better. However, that “sugar high” is quickly followed by a crash making one
feel fatigued and moody. Try to make it a practice to reach for Omega 3
fatty acids (needed for normal brain function) such as sardines, flax seeds,
hemp seeds and walnuts. Avoid caffeine and alcohol intake as both can bring
one’s mood down. Try juicing your vegetables. According to Cherie Calborn, The
Juice Lady: “Greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli are rich in folic
acid—a deficiency contributes to depression. Magnesium deficiency is linked
with depression, poor attention, memory loss, fear, insomnia, and
restlessness (including restless leg syndrome). Juice magnesium-rich
vegetables—beet with greens, spinach, Swiss chard, collards, and parsley.
Chlorophyll in dark greens helps fight depression. Fennel juice has been a
traditional tonic to help release endorphins—the feel good chemicals that
elevate mood and dampen anxiety and fear. According to folklore, celery
helps you forget your troubles from a broken heart and soothes your
nerves.”
Water. Your
body requires no liquid other than pure, clean water. Water is used for
virtually every biological and cellular function necessary for life and
health. Our cells are bathed in water. Drinking one-half of your body weight
in ounces of pure, clean water every day is a basic stress prevention
technique. I highly suggest using a Wellness
Water Carafe to filter your
water.
Sunshine. For
many people inadequate light (sunshine) can make any type of depression
worse. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more common in the winter
months for those that live in areas that receive less sunlight. If possible
take a daily walk in the sunshine. Consider purchasing a light-box for
winter months. Sunlight on the body also increases the oxygen carrying
capacity of the blood and increases the adrenaline available to the tissues
and overall tolerance to stress.
Adequate Sleep. Often,
sleeping difficulties are the first sign of depression. Just as we need
proper light during the day, the body needs proper darkness at night in
order to be able to heal and repair sufficiently. Restful sleep and mood
are very connected. University
of Pennsylvania researchers found
that subjects who were limited to only 4.5 hours of sleep a night for one
week reported feeling more stressed, angry, sad, and mentally exhausted.
When the subjects resumed normal sleep, they reported a dramatic improvement
in mood. I suggest being in bed by 10:30 PM every night, even weekends. Make
sure your bedroom is dark and cool. Turn off computers, TVs, cell phones,
etc. Turn the alarm clock away from your face and put a cloth over it to
block out the light or better yet, move it across the room. Forty-five
minutes before bed take a warm bath with 1 cup of Epsom salts added to the
bath water. Keep bed linens clean and fresh.
Exercise. The
American Council on Exercise indicates that one of the most effective
methods of stress relief is exercise. Regular exercise reduces the amount of
adrenal hormones the body releases in response to stress. Exercise also
helps your body release greater amounts of endorphins which are powerful,
pain-relieving, mood-elevating chemicals in the brain. No gym membership is
required. Walking, rebounding,
bicycle riding, swimming, tennis, yoga, Wii sports or exercise games, etc.
Anything that gets your body moving can be effective. Exercise also helps
open four of the body’s elimination routes: breathing, sweating, urination
and defecation.
Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the practice of using
essential oils for psychological and physical well-being. Aromatherapy can
affect your mood and help alleviate or temporarily eliminate stress or other
psychological factors. Some good oils to try are peppermint, lavender, lime
or any of the citrus oils.
EMF Sensitivity.
Every day, we literally
walk through a maze of electromagnetic
radiation. Detrimental
energies from electromagnetic fields emitted from high tension wires,
industrial radar, microwave beams, electric current, wi-fi, computers, cell
phones, televisions, fluorescent lights, and other electrical appliances
have been found to be dangerous to mental and physical health. When an
individual sleeps or works for extensive periods within electromagnetic
frequency zones, these energies create a constant source of stress (altering
body polarity) which can lead to fatigue, frustration, tension and illness.
Signs of exposure may include drowsiness, chronic aches and pains, sleep
disorders, irritability, low energy and general malaise and may lead to more
serious health situations such as cancer. PurchaseEMF
protection products for
your cell phone, office area, home, computer, water pipes and appliances.
Hormone Balance. Many
women and their doctors don’t quite understand the huge connection between
the hormonal changes that occur during peri-menopause/menopause and
depression. Estrogen dominance, unbalanced cortisol levels, thyroid and
adrenal dysfunction can make one feel horrible and eventually lead to
depression. Performing a simple saliva
testwill allow you to know
your hormone levels and which, if any, need to be balanced. Saliva testing
measures the unbound biologically active hormone levels, while serum (blood)
testing only measures the protein bound biologically inactive hormone levels
in the body. If
you are experiencing depression and stress – saliva test your hormones
levels before using any type of hormone replacement therapy or using
antidepressants.
Meditation. Meditation
allows us to get quite and still for a period of time. Even scripture
reminds us to “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. Taking time to
quiet the mind of the cares of the day allows the body to actually relax and
restore to a calm state as well as helping one to reduce negative emotions.
Many believe that mediation is literally a “refueling” time for their body
and mind. Meditation is also a good time to practice lymphatic drainage with
deep breathing exercises.
Supplements. The
following supplements are suggested for stress, depression and anxiety: Vitamin
D-3; Vitamin B6; Max
B-ND (B
Complex); 5-HTP (do not combine 5-HTP with
antidepressants); Lithium
Orotate; Magnesium Orotate; Free Aminos; Melatonin
ND andMethylcobalamin
B-12 Select. Every person should be on an
organic, liquid multi-vitamin/mineral complex such as intraMAX.
Without a doubt, minerals are “the gift of life” and cellular function
becomes impossible without them. The 74th Congress, 2nd Session of United
States declared 99% of Americans are mineral deficient because our foods no
longer contain adequate amounts of essential Organic trace minerals
critically necessary to maintain health and promote healing.
Talk, Talk, Talk. Find a trusted and non-judgmental friend
or practitioner who you can talk to about the happenings in your life. Many
times just the act of speaking deep-down thoughts can be cleansing and
refreshing to the mind. Anger, unforgiveness, victim mentality and hurt
from past wrongs all need to be dealt with and put to rest. You will be
amazed at the freedom you experience once toxic emotions are healed. Two
excellent books to read are Feelings
Buried Alive Never Dieand the sequel Healing
Feelings…From Your Heart by
Karol Truman.
When dealing with stress, depression and anxiety it’s so easy to be talked
into the quick fix “pop-a-pill” philosophy rather than take the time
necessary to address the entire body. Certainly one can use only the
supplements suggested above and get some good results, but choosing to
address all possible causes will give the best results with the added
benefit of helping support your body toward healing and health! You will
not only look better and feel better – you will “be” better.
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