Depression

Natural Treatments For Depression

Conventional doctors are quick to treat most any degree of emotional upheaval with antidepressant drugs that have horrendous side effects. At the DaSilva Institute we help our patients address depression with safe, natural solutions.

The Conventional Approach to Depression

Experts say that one in four Americans will be diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. Major depression, a clinical diagnosis marked by extreme emotional pain and an inability to function, is a serious disorder that merits serious intervention. However, many people who feel sad, blue, or down in the dumps are simply reacting to the challenges, losses, and unpleasantness of life.

It’s normal to experience these feelings when you’re going through trying circumstances—but that doesn’t mean you have a disease that necessitates treatment with powerful, side effect-riddled drugs. At the DaSilva Institute, we help our patients address depression with safe, natural solutions.

Conventional doctors are quick to treat most any degree of emotional distress with antidepressants, most commonly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs such as Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro and others). These drugs have been shown in clinical trials to be no more effective than placebo for the vast majority of those taking them. Even worse, they have a long list of side effects, including weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and increased risk of bleeding.

The most serious adverse effect of these drugs, however, is akathesia (extreme agitation) and increased risk of suicide and aggressive behavior. SSRI antidepressants have been linked to thousands of murders and suicides, and the risk is greatest in young people. Thankfully, you do have safer options.

Natural Treatments for Depression

Because depression is a side effect of several medications, including beta blockers, steroids, and tranquilizers, Guy DaSilva, MD will look at your current drug regimen and help wean you off problematic medications. In addition, we will test your neurotransmitters to a more objective assessment of what’s truly out of balance. You will also be started on natural treatments for depression that include targeted amino acid therapy (Orthomolecular Medicine), diet, exercise, nutritional supplements, and, when indicated, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Each recommendation is designed to accommodate individual needs, aiming to improve health and quality of life.

Personalized Lifestyle Program for Depression

Nutrition Can Affect Emotional Health
Diet has a tremendous influence on mood. Deficiencies in essential fatty acids and other important nutrients, as well as excesses of refined carbohydrates have been linked to depression. Here at the clinic, we’ll help you make positive changes to your diet that will promote emotional as well as physical health. Furthermore, you’ll receive guidance in how to prepare healthy foods and make them part of your daily routine once you return home.

Exercise Elevates Mood
Exercise is probably the single most effective mood elevator. It increases levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine and boosts endorphins, brain chemicals that create a sense of well-being. In fact, many researchers feel that lack of physical exercise may be one of the major reasons for the increasing amount of depression in our society today.

Unique Therapies for Depression

Natural Remedies Fight Depression
Fortunately, nature has provided us with gentle, effective natural treatments for depression. Dr. DaSilva will prescribe an individualized supplement program designed to increase your energy and fight depression. We use several natural compounds that improve mood, including St. John’s wort, S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe), fish oil, Tyrosine, Adrenal support and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). These are far safer than prescription drugs and are backed by solid research, not to mention the experience of countless patients.

Balance Hormone Levels
Mood disturbances are a hallmark of hormonal imbalances. At the DaSilva Institute, we test our patients’ levels of thyroid, adrenal, testosterone, estrogen, and other hormones, and if they’re low, prescribe bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

One final note- If your depression is severe, seek medical help immediately. In some cases, conventional therapy is both a necessary and effective course of action.

For More Information Contact Us

To schedule an appointment at the DaSilva Institute, contact a Patient Services Representative at (888) 832-7458 or click Become a New Patient.