The Happy Camper!

Depression Part 2~ Ways to feel better (including use of natural supplements)

Okay, now that you know you're depressed-now what? First of all, it's important that you have expert advice from your doctor. Self diagnosing may be inaccurate. Once your therapist or doctor thinks you have the symptoms of depression it's time to treat what ales you. Depending on the type of depression you are diagnosed with means two things: prescription drugs or other alternatives. Your doctor knows best. My therapist diagnosed me with clinical depression, not major depression. Clinical depression can be treated with many alternative methods, including herbal supplements. But before I get into this any further, I want to touch on what you can do without supplements or prescribed medications. Here are some very helpful ways to help you during depression;

You already did the most important thing, you saw your primary physician. If you are having any suicidal ideations then it's important not to ignore these thoughts. You can call this number and talk with someone 24/7”: 1-800-SUICIDE OR 1-800-273-8255.

It's also important that you reach out to friends and family. Talking about your depression can help. Would you believe that regular exercise can help? Studies have shown that exercise can increase the production of your body's endorphins (a natural hormone), hence reducing levels of depression. You've heard the saying: “you are what you eat”, well- that happens to be a lot of truth behind that saying. So eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies.

And how about those omega-3 and omega-6 fats in our diets? Another amazing study shows a relationship between symptoms of depression and the ratio of low omega-3 to high omega-6 fats in a person's diet. The amounts and ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is crucial because these fatty acids serve as building blocks for prostaglandins, a group of hormone-like substances that control many important aspects of biological function throughout our bodies.

Stay off the bottle. Alcohol is known to be a depressant, so you're only adding fuel to the fire. Try and stay away from refined sugars and caffeine as well Drink plenty of natural water-up to 8-10 ounces a day. Last but not least-keep stress at a minimum. Any thing that caused stress needs to be eliminated. Find time during the day to meditate and relax!

Now that I've touched on ways to keep your depression down through diet and exercise-let's talk about those herbal supplements. How do you know what to take vs. not to take? I have done plenty of research on this. Plus it helps that my therapist believes in natural healing concepts. This is a very personal journey that only you can take. This ride is a single ride. No one can make decisions regarding what supplement to take, but you! Dr. Mercola is a nationally known expert on natural supplements.

There are so many natural remedies to choose from it can a bit overwhelming! Here are a few that you can read about and then you decide.

St. John's Wort has proven to be effective in the treatment of depression as well as bi-polar disorder. Remember that everyone's chemical makeup is different. What works for one person-may not work for you!

Happy Camper herbal supplements: I couldn't believe the results when I first discovered these happy pills! All I can say is-they work! If you are suffering from premenopause, feeling agitated, or depressed-these little guys will take the edge off. Plus when you take before bed time, you'll sleep like a baby! But don't go to your local health food store, they will over charge you. Order her for half the cost.

Here's what's in these powerful supplements that cause you to feel better:

Passion Flower (aerial portion extract), Kava Kava (root, rhizome), Eleuthero (root), Gotu Kola (aerial portion extract), Kola Nut (seed extract contains caffeine), Schizandra (fruit), Wood Betony (aerial portion), Lavender (flower).

Kava Kava is derived from an Indian pepper and can to promote relaxation. Gotu Kola has been used for centuries to reduce lethary, increase energy, and improve memory as well as blood circulation. Schizandra fruit has been used to calm nerves.

Over all I rate Happy Camper a 10...giving it a two thumbs up!

Take plenty of vitamins. The most important of which are-vitamin C, vitamin B6 and B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin D is also an important vitamin as well as immune fighting supplement. If you don't know how much to take you can always refer to Dr. Mercola's website.

Ginkgo, ginkgo, ginkgo! Ginkgo is among the oldest living species on earth and has been used quite frequently as a medicinal herb worldwide for centuries. For Europeans, it is the most commonly prescribed herb! Additionally ginkgo not only enhances memory and decision-making, it also lowers homocysteine levels; for a healthier cardiovascular system!

And again-Omega-3's; these polyunsaturated essential fatty acids can decrease levels of hostility-which in turn can lead to optimum mental health.

Have you drunk your milk today? Calcium is equally important. Don't like milk? You can find calcium tablets in any drugstore.

Okay, I think that's enough to get you started on your way to a happy, depressed free life. The rest is up to you-you decide! Isn't it time you become “A Happy Camper”?

For more information on depression you can visit this link.