Why Am I Sad All the Time?
Did you know that as a woman, you may be more likely to suffer from depression than a man?
That’s because women experience many conditions, such as pregnancy and menopause, which men don’t experience. In addition, puberty, trauma, alcohol/drug addiction, heredity, stress, death of a loved one, abusive relationships, and the stress of caring for family and working also contribute to the likelihood that you will experience a depressive episode in your lifetime.
How do you know if you are suffering from depression? Some symptoms might include profound sadness, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, inability to concentrate, increased or decreased appetite, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, and/or thoughts of suicide. Although most of these symptoms are part of everyday living in a stressful world for which we learn to cope, when these symptoms go unabated for lengthy periods it is time to take action. It does not indicate a "brain chemistry imbalance" or a drug shortage!
Depression is often mis-diagnosed by not looking for organic reasons for your symptoms such as poor nutrition, organic or spinal imbalance, etc. and the treatment most often prescribed includes anti-depressant drugs. These carry significant potential problems due to possible harmful side effect that may worsen the depression or increase the thought of suicide. Such medications do not really help a person learn to cope better or naturally correct the problem long-term.
There are non-prescription alternatives to help you deal with depression. These include walking outdoors and talking with a good friend, light therapy, supplements (such as B-complex and certain herbs), exercise, massage therapy, yoga, the use of relaxation techniques and changes in diet (such as adding more omega-3 fatty acids).
And chiropractic care? The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research documented a research study in which significant results were achieved using chiropractic with individuals who were diagnosed with depression. A significant number of the study participants (73%) showed an impressive reduction in depression symptoms following chiropractic care.
Many in our practice, who are under care for conditions other than depression, often remark that they feel better, happier and more “alive” because of their chiropractic care. If you are feeling “blue,” or are experiencing any of the other symptoms mentioned above, please be sure to let us know at your next visit. We’d be happy to discuss the subject and share our experience with other practice members with you!
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