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Depression is a serious medical problem that needs to be treated right away. It does not only affect an individual’s mental health, it can also have profound negative effects on his overall health and wellness. Therefore, anyone, especially a kid, who is suspected of having depression, should be diagnosed to get proper, adequate treatment as soon as possible.

Treatment for depression comes in various forms. Short-term psychotherapies, counseling and medications are used to overcome depression. The most common treatment option prescribed by most doctors today is antidepressants, which are used to alleviate mood disorders.

Antidepressants Put Your Child’s Health at Risk

Antidepressants were previously regarded as the solution for depression. Unfortunately, despite the wide availability of antidepressants in the US, one in 20 Americans is still depressed, based on the 2005-2006 findings of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Top natural health expert, Dr. Joseph Mercola, believes that this happens because “antidepressants are barely effective,” causing serious side effects such as:

1. Increased risk of diabetes
2. Lower immunity
3. Greater risk of suicide and violent behavior

The US FDA has also confirmed that antidepressant medications are not safe for children as they can actually hasten the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in adolescents and kids with depression. Celexa, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft are examples of antidepressants that have been found to increase suicide risk.

Natural Treatments for Depression May Be More Effective than Antidepressants

Because of the harmful effects of antidepressant drugs, Dr. Mercola encourages you or your child to consider natural methods for treatment of depression. These may be safer and less expensive tools for treating depression than using antidepressants.

Dr. Mercola recommends the following options:

1. Do a lot of physical activity and exercise. Several studies have revealed that exercise makes you feel good – it helps you have a positive mood and relieves mild depression and anxiety.
    
2. Manage stress. Doing yoga or meditation can help address your stress and other emotional issues.
    
3. Get enough Vitamin D. Staying out in the sun will help you obtain healthy levels of Vitamin D, a powerful nutrient that plays an important role in treating depression and other conditions.
    
4. Eat healthy foods. Make sure you consume whole foods to support your mental health. Eliminate sugar and grains from your diet to normalize your insulin levels.
    
5. Boost your brain function with Omega-3 fats. Optimal intake of essential fats from high quality krill oils can help optimize your brain function. High levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain are found to actually decrease symptoms of depression.
    

Lifestyle Changes Will Help Overcome Depression

These natural methods show that popping pills is not the sole and best solution to treat depression. If you want your child to become healthy without resorting to antidepressants, then making such lifestyle changes will help him fight depression the natural and safe way.

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