2 Little Known Causes Of Depression

Among the many causes of depression are 2 little known causes - "highly unlikely" as in, one doesn't normally associate depression with the component in question.

Oral Contraceptives

Among these, birth control pills have recently come under scrutiny as a possible cause, with previously "normal" women (and teens) reporting symptoms such as:

• Unrelieved pessimism
• Exhaustion
• Deep sadness
• Crying
• Stress

The big tip-off that the depression may be caused by contraceptives? A lack of the sleep disorders or appetite changes such as anorexia (loss of appetite) or carbohydrate/sugar cravings that usually accompanies most types of depression.

When one starts to realize that some of these symptoms mimic pregnancy or post-partum depression, things start to make sense. Studies further confirmed that almost half the number of women studied for depression associated with oral contraceptives test as deficient in vitamin B6 (pyridoxine.)

When treated with vitamin B6, the depressed women's moods noticeably improved.

If this sounds as if it might be the cause of your depression, do see your doctor or naturopath to discuss B6 supplementation.
Keep in mind that dosage should not exceed 50 mg/day.


Zinc Deficiency

Zinc is a mineral that provides crucial regulation for our genetic functions. When diets are zinc deficient over a long period of time, our genes don't "read" information the correct way. The results? Symptoms such as:

• Depression
• Frequent colds and sore throats
• Lack of appetite
• Lowered immune systems
• Frequent infections (compromised white blood cells)

One big clue to a possible zinc deficiency, apart from these symptoms? Faulty sense of taste and smell.

Before you rush out to dose yourself with Zinc, however, do consult your health professional. The optimum amount is tricky to determine for each individual, and it is possible to suffer from an overdose. Recommended zinc dosage for adults: 8mg per day.

Symptoms of Zinc toxicity include digestive difficulties, cramps and a bitter taste frequently described as "metallic".

Depression is a life-altering illness. It takes over your entire being, affecting your thoughts, feelings and actions. It can cause physical pain, and has been proven to aggravate or have a hand in causing numerous other illnesses. And left untreated, it can, sadly, lead to suicide.

The pharmaceutical companies have patented many drugs for the treatment of depression. The first drugs used were opium, amphetamines and barbiturates, but their addictiveness prompted the search for something better. Next came tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs were introduced in the late 1950s. Although they proved to be effective for many patients, it was later discovered that both harbored some dangers. With tricyclic antidepressants, it was the ease of accidental overdose. With MAOIs, it was side effects such as dangerously high heart rate and blood pressure.

The problems with these early depression drugs prompted the pharmaceutical companies to go back to the drawing board. They came up with selective serotonin reputake inhibitors (SSRIs). These proved to be significantly safer, but they too had undesirable side effects. Dangerously elevated heart rate and blood pressure were possibilities here as well, and sexual dysfunction was also a concern.

Many other types of antidepressants have since hit the market, each with its own set of side effects. But SSRIs remain the antidepressant of choice for most doctors, because they are nearly as effective as the original antidepressants and have a relatively low incidence of dangerous side effects. (Note the word "relatively.")

The potential dangers of antidepressants is enough to scare any depression sufferer. But they want to live a happier life, so many of them take whatever little pill the doctor prescribes for them. If that's what it takes, they are willing to take a risk.

But what if there were a safer way to treat depression? Well, as a matter of fact, there is. Many patients have had great success using natural remedies to treat their depression. Natural remedies are just as effective as those prescription drugs, but they are much safer.

Remember, Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes.

Bests to you,

Erika Al

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