Depression is a common disorder. While we all may experience temporary blues or discouraging setbacks in life, when these feelings persist and compromise our daily functioning, it can be a sign of a serious problem. Depression can take a major toll on our lives as well as the lives of those around us.
Depression is much more prevalent today than it was 50 years ago. Ten times more people suffer from major depression today than in 1945. Fifty years ago the average onset of depression was 29 years old and, sadly today, the average onset is just 14.5 years of age! Depression cuts across all ages, genders, every socioeconomic level, and it’s estimated that at least 1 in 10 Americans takes anti-depressant medication.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or empty feelings
- Markedly diminished interest or enjoyment in nearly all activities most of the time
- Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt, inadequacy, or unworthiness
- Irritability and restlessness
- Persistent fatigue, sleeplessness, or excessive sleeping
- Increase or decrease in appetite
- Recurrent suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Constant pains, headaches, or stomach problems that do not respond to treatment
Every individual may exhibit different signs and symptoms with varying frequency and severity. If five or more of these symptoms apply to you or someone you know – it could signal depression.
Here is a list of possible reasons a person may be experiencing depression that you may not know about:
- Imbalances between abnormal gut bacteria and healthy gut flora
- Nutritional deficiencies, especially Vitamin D, B Vitamins, Omega 3’s and Magnesium
- Hormonal Imbalances such as estrogen dominance, adrenal fatigue, chronically elevated insulin levels, and functional hypothyroidism.
- Hormonal deficiencies including thyroid, DHEA, Estrogen, Progesterone, Cortisol, and Testosterone just to name a few. (Click here to understand why your hormone levels may appear normal on labs despite your symptoms)
- Food allergies and sensitivities, such as gluten (wheat products)
- Chemical imbalances in the brain and gut (80-90% of the body’s serotonin is made in the intestinal tract if it is healthy!)
- Foods and additives including artificial sweeteners, sodium nitrate, monosodium glutamate, Acesulfame-K, some food dyes, aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal), alcohol, sugar, and grains.
The good news is that today we know much more about the underlying causes of depression and here at TWIHW we seek to find and correct the underlying causes of depression rather than band-aiding with antidepressants. Depression is NOT caused by a deficiency of Cymbalta, Zoloft or Wellbutrin. Through targeting the underlying causes of depression, which may be related to dietary habits, vitamin deficiencies, food sensitivities and hormonal imbalances described above, TWIHW helps you to overcome depression and get your health and life back on track. If you or a loved one is suffering from any form of depression, please call 281.298.6742 and ask to speak to a Wellness Consultant.
Click here to read a testimonial from a real patient.
References:
http://www.depressionperception.com/depression/depression-facts-and-statistics.html
http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/dlp/depression-information/major-depression-facts/