Just because you feel sad and depressed for a few days does not mean that you have depression.  A serious condition that can last months or even years, that’s depression.  Studies have show that around 15 million Americans are affected by this illness each and every year.  The sad fact is that only a third of those Americans will ever seek help for their affliction.  The age- old stereotype associated with mental illness influences many to still avoid admitting they suffer from depression.  Depression gets worse with time.  Without treatment it will take over your life.  It cannot be ignored.

A variety of factors, and even combinations of these factors, lead to depression.  Physical and emotional problems, chemical issues, even DNA all play a part.  It can be given birth by the very environment that the victim lives in.  It can be caused by stress brought on by even more detrimental factors.  Complicated diseases like depression aren’t easy to crack.  The human mind is very complicated as well.  Work continues into the mind and brain and how they work, what makes them tick.  It’s clear that it’s an imbalance of chemical compounds in the brain that creates depression.  We are learning more every day about how the whole process works.  Better treatments come from more knowledge.

There are a variety of medications available to treat depression.  Of course the market is full of ‘quick fix’ antidotes.  Clinical tests to prove something really works in treating depression are required.  Not too long ago people who were considered mentally ill were thrown into asylums, never again to be seen or heard.  Fortunately that has all been changed.  The anti-depressant Prozac first came into use in the USA in 1988.  It was proven to work, and thus is still prescribed today even though it can have serious side effects.

Since that time more and more use has been made of a new class of anti-depressants.  Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, SSRI, are being used today.  These include Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, and Luvox.  These have limited side effects and have been shown to work.  Herbal medications also have a place in this market.  The ingredient in St. John’s Wort extract, heperforin, is present in those that prove every bit as effective as anti-depressant drugs.   When this is present in the proper quantity it is a winner.  Research and information are your friends when it comes to the finding the right depression medications for your depression.

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