A Menu of Treatments for SAD and Depression


Vitamin D, SSRIs, 5-HTP, tryptophan,


St. John's Wort and fish oil are not the only treatments for depression. There are a number of treatments, both medical and behavioral, that can help:


• Neurofeedback. This treatment can provide electromagnetic feedback to the brain, which helps the practitioner re- train the brain. In my 30 years of medical practice, I've seen many people helped by this therapy. • Energy Therapy. Acupuncture, Reiki, Healing Touch, Emotional Freedom Technique and other forms of energy therapy have been demonstrated to help improve symptoms of depression. • Counseling. This method doesn't cure depression by itself, but it can help you cope with and adjust areas of your life that are in need of repair. • Faith. A belief that in some spiritual or cosmic sense that one's life matters is hugely important in helping a depressed person think past the low points. • Laughter. Humor heals. A sense of humor and laughter are some of your strongest weapons against depression. • Exercise. There have been countless studies showing the connection between physical activity and mood improve- ment. In fact, exercise is now a univer- sally recommended treatment for depres- sion. This is because it optimizes the amount and balance of every neurotrans- mitter in our bodies. • Dietary Changes. Avoid foods that drain your body of energy; eat foods that nourish it. Indulge now and then, but remember: your brain needs real food to thrive. The more processed the food, the less it will nourish your body and brain. • Detoxification. Eliminating toxins from your body helps "free up" neurochemi- cals. Some people's brains hold on to heavy metals like mercury, which can interfere with neurotransmitters.


Get a Checkup First see your doctor or other health


care provider. Depression isn't always due strictly to neurochemical factors. Many people suffer from the mood disorder because they don't have enough of certain vitamins and minerals. B vitamins—espe- cially thiamin, folic acid and B6—are es- sential to good mental health. You also need proper levels of magnesium and iron


Natural Triad Magazine


Elizabeth Vaughan, MD is board certified by the American Boards of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Internal Medicine and Clinical Metal Toxicology. Vaughan integra- tive Medicine is located at 1301-A W. Wendover Avenue in Greensboro. Visit www.VaughanIntegrative Medicine.com. See ads on pages 2, 21, 23, 33.


to support the production of neurotrans- mitters like serotonin. Normal thyroid function, Vitamin D


and A, and minerals are all important. For a person suffering from depres- sion, get full blood work, including a complete iron panel, Vitamin D and A levels, B-12 and folic acid levels, and thyroid levels. This is in addition to a urine test that determines serotonin levels in the body. Take care of yourself this winter. And


Thrive in 2013! HOLIDAY SURVIVAL


A reason for seasonal depression that sometimes has nothing to do with physical well-being is the holidays. This is a time of year when people are ex- pected to be happy and surround by loved ones; when they're not, it can lead to feelings of sadness, loneliness and inadequacy. In addition, the holidays can be a very stressful time of year, leaving some people emotionally fragile. If you start feeling sad around


Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or New Year's,


there are a


number of things you can do to feel bet- ter:


• Look for help and encouragement from a support group or a caring friend. You're not the only one who has difficulty dur- ing this time of year. • Seek help from a therapist. • Seek solace in volunteer work, or church and community functions. • Take time away from the hustle and bustle to rest and pamper yourself. • Visit your doctor for a mental health checkup. • Don't feel like you have to live up to others' expectations—or even your own.


These tips can take the pressure off


of you and help you get the assistance you need.


Take Control of Your Life Today & Start Living a Life of Intention!


Sherel H. Lawson, MS, LPC Mental and Behavioral Health Counseling for Children, Adolescents and Adults


• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy • Individual, Family and Couples Counseling


Self-Pay, Medicaid and most Private Insurances


COUNSELING CENTER of GREENSBORO, Inc.


336-274-2100 sherellawson@gmail.com


www.counselingcentersnc.com DECEMBER 2012


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