Prolonged feelings of sadness can be an indication of depression but the best thing you can do if you ever experience these feelings is to see a medical professional to have your condition professionally diagnosed. Apart from the various depression treatments, there are a number of medications available that doctors prescribe to their depression patients. Today after many years of research and study, depression can be beaten but this does need an early diagnosis for this but unfortunately for some people the cost might not make it possible. Experts in cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy have found great success in dealing with people suffering with depression. Prozac is an antidepressant that belongs to the group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. The drug is often prescribed by doctors to treat patients suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, the eating disorder called bulimia nervosa and major depressive disorder.

The road to recovery can actually be swift with many patients often in less than twenty weeks so the treatment is very successful. Before anything else is done it is necessary to have tests run by a specialist in depression so that it is made clear exactly the type of treatment is required. Your doctor will be able to recommend what type of treatment and depression medication required as they do differ considerably and no-one wants to make the situation worse. You would be amazed at the large number of medications now available to help with this condition.

The more popular ones are those that are of the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors then there are the tricyclics while the other popular variant is the monoamine oxidase inhibitor. The last thing you want when taking medication is to feel worse. Sometimes, doctors actually find it more effective to mix up these medications, depending on the needs of the individual. It is not uncommon for the doctor under these circumstances to prescribe two or more of the drugs if it will benefit the patient’s condition.

Despite the advances, it is still not an exact science and often the dosage may be increased or even lowered to suit the individual’s needs. However, when it comes to taking these drugs, patients are highly advised to never mix up depression medications; as well as change which dosages to take without consulting their doctors first. The use of anti-anxiety and sedatives should not be used as the primary medication for a depressed individual. Although often prescribed as a combination treatment with other medication, anti-anxiety drugs are not used to cure the problem.

Often confused as part of the depression medication, their real purpose is merely to reduce the stress levels of the patient while he continues to take the other drugs. Many people prescribed with tricyclic medication will experience some of the more common side-effects. Although the side effects can actually cause the sufferer to lose their ability to function in normal life, unless this happens, many users are happy to put up with the side-effects. Side effects that cause problems should always be reported so a safer alternative can be prescribed without delay.

Aromatherapy

The following aromas are noted for their anti-anxiety properties: clary sage, lavender, geranium, bergamot, juniper, lemon, orange, and ylang-ylang. To ease the jit. ters, you might want to try a few drops of lavender oil on a handkerchief or tissue; inhale occasionally.

Bodywork and Somatic Pradices

Massage is a classical technique to restore relaxation and circulation for better mental and emotional well-being. CranioSacral Therapy; SomatoEmotional Release, Oriental bodywork, reflexology and polarity therapy-each in its own style-may help, and possibly heal, the physical-emotional elements of this problem. The Trager and Feldenkrais methods also may be useful in lowering inner turmoil.

Herbal Therapy

Herbalists offer a variety of herbs for , easing anxiety. Valerian, which has been used as a sleep aid and tranquilizer for more than 1000 years, is considered one of the best anti-anxiety herbs. To use the herb as a tea, steep 2 teaspoons of chopped root in 1 cup of boiling water for IS minutes; let stand for 8 to 12 hours. Strain. The herb is also available in capsule and tincture form. A blend of lavender, oats, linden flower, catnip, and lemon balm is also effective for easing anxiety, say herbalists. To make a tea, combine equal amounts of the herbs, then steep 4 tablespoons of the blend in 4 cups boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain through cheesecloth. Drink up to 6 cups a day.

Other helpful herbal supplements include:

• kava kava (as directed on label)
• St. John’s wort (300 mg 3 times daily with food) (Do not use in conjunction with antide-pressants. St. John’s Wort may act as a mild monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); consult your health care provider regarding potential dietary and medication restrictions.)
• gingko biloba (60 mg twice daily)

Herbal products are available in health food stores and in some pharmacies and supermarkets. Follow package for specific directions.

Homeopathy

See a homeopathic professional for chronic anxiety. For acute, or sudden, anxiety, a practitioner may recommend one of the following treatments, depending on your symptoms:

Gelsemium-for anxiety before taking a test or giving a speech; symptoms may include weakness, diarrhea, racing heartbeat

• Argentum nitricum-for anxiety accompanied by a fear of failure; symptoms may include worry, extreme edginess, diarrhea
• Lycopodium-for anxiety accompanied by low self-esteem.
• Aesthusa cynapium-for performance anxiety
• Aconite-for fear of flying

Hydrotherapy

A neutral bath (slighter cooler than body temperature) has a positive effect on the body and can help ease muscular as well as mental tension. Simply fill the tub with lukewarm water (940 to 970 F) and soak with as much of your body submerged with water as possible for at least 20 minutes.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture By unblocking and rechanneling energy pathways, acupuncture can promote relaxation, which can be helpful in treating any number of emotional disorders, including panic attacks, generalized fear and anxiety, and even agoraphobia (fear of large spaces). In cases of hysteria, an acupuncturist may target the heart, kidney, brain, stomach, and head points in an attempt to balance the patient’s chi and redirect negative or disturbing energy patterns.

Because Chinese medicine contends that excessive fear or anxiety damages the kidneys and large intestine (where it may cause irritable bowel syndrome and colitis), acupuncturists will attempt to strengthen these particular organs.

Acupressure Anxiety-related dizziness can be treated by pressing on the Yin-tang point that lies in the center of the face between the eyebrows, or by applying pressure to the Liver 3 point that is located on the feet between the first and second toes. Hysteria may be relieved by massaging the point that lies just below the lowest crease on the center of the thumb (where it meets the palm). To alleviate general nervousness or heart palpitations, a practitioner may manipulate Heart 7 (found on the outside edge of the wrist), Pericardium 6 (on the underside of the forearm), and the corresponding ear points.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Chinese therapists believe that anxiety disorders are the result of a weakened shen (what we might call the psyche, spirit, or soul). There are many Chinese herbs that can help combat feelings of anxiety and the symptoms that accompany certain anxiety disorders, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and confusion.

Yoga and Meditation

The daily practice of meditation along with deep breathing and three to four yoga poses can quiet the mind and help break anxiety patterns. Be sure to include the Corpse pose.