According to the DSM .IV classification system there are three distinct levels of depression, which can be best described as major, moderate, and mild. Chronic depression is depression that continues over time. It is not a single episode and it is not just the blues, it is depression that is serious enough to disruptive the productivity of daily life and interferes with positive thoughts. Depression can change behavior. Chronic depression can render an individual feeling hopeless about the future, anxious and worried. There will be intense periods of sadness, gloom, and despair.
People with chronic depression will often shy away from doing new and challenging things, they will feel they will not succeed so why bother. Over time this attitude has a serious impact on the lives of people who live with chronic depression. There may be countless missed opportunities in life due to these negative thoughts and feeling.
Chronic depression is fairly widespread among the people of the world. It is estimated that close to 11 million Americans over the age of 18 are affected by dysthymia otherwise known as chronic depression. Dysthymia is not reserved for adults for children can have it as well. It also appears that more women are subject to chronic depression than men, but men will suffer this kind of mental illness as well.
The DSM IV-TR lists several symptoms of chronic depression such as: inability to sleep or sleeping too much, a persistent feeling of sadness or emptiness, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, feeling guilty, loss of energy, feeling fatigued or tired, lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, aches and pains, headaches, cramps and digestive problems, and feeling of thoughts and suicide. These symptoms are they same as major depression only less severe. Only about 5 of these symptoms are necessary for a diagnosis.
There is medication for major depression and sometimes it is prescribed for chronic depression. People suffering from chronic depression have been helped through natural remedies and they are less damaging on the body chemistry in the long run.
St. Johns Wort
St. Johns Wort is a herbal remedy, which is very popular for relieving the symptoms of depression. Some studies have shown that St. Johns Wort has affects, which are comparable to the standard medications. Never take St. Johns Wort with other any other medication without first consulting with your doctor. Take it in moderation as it can cause nausea and sensitivity to light.
Chamomile and red raspberry tea
Both these teas are great mood enhancers. Chamomile tea has been used for centuries for helping with sleep disorders and has an effect on the nervous system to gentle calm anxiety. Red raspberry tea is said to be an effective herbal tea to promote mental alertness, and clarity of thought. A few leaves in a steeping cup of boiling water is all that is needed. Some people say that Chamomile tea will reduce fever as well.
5-HTP
5-HTP is used as a mood enhancer as it is said to convert into seratonin and melatonin. This amino acid, Tryptophan, is surrounded by much controversy as to whether or not Tryptophan is safe to use for depression. The Mayo clinic researchers warn against the use of 5-HTP with antidepressant medications and advise that people who are pregnant or have a host of medical conditions should not use the product. Learn all about 5-HTP and consult with your doctor before trying this product.
Fish Oil And Vitamin E
There is new research showing that fish oil and Vitamin are good mood enhancers. EPA and DHA in the fish oil stimulate the nervous system and DHA as well as Vitamin E are great for brain stimulating.
Meditation and Visualization
Meditation and visualizing are great ways to relax the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Meditation can clarify thinking and positive visualization can seal in good healthy thoughts. For example, if you want get a promotion at work you can visualize that promotion, feel it and watch it in your mind. See yourself in situations where you would be working in your new job and live the moments. It will help you to have the confidence it takes do what it takes to deserve and get the promotion you would like to have.