Serotonin. What is it and what does it do?
Serotonin is a hormone manufactured by the brain. It helps us maintain a happy feeling and keeps our moods under control by helping with sleep, calming anxiety, and relieving depression. Besides being involved in the process of addiction, low Serotonin levels are believed to be the reason for many cases of mild to moderate depression which can lead to symptoms like anxiety, apathy, fear, feelings of worthlessness, insomnia and fatigue. Depression is the nation's most prevalent mental health problem, affecting about 15 million Americans who spend about $3 billion a year on drugs to battle it. Almost all of these medicines target Serotonin by regulating its release or action.**
Some people naturally produce lower levels of Serotonin than others. At times, extreme stress will cause us produce less Serotonin. Even weather changes can influence it. If we suffer from depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia or sleeping frequently and for excessive periods of time, loss of appetite or a ravenous appetite, headaches, backaches, colon disorders, or feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy; we are most likely producing low levels of Serotonin.
Before I go on; I must say this: if you are suffering from depression or any of these symptoms for an extended period of time, please consult your doctor. Depression is a very serious matter and if the prescribed method of treatment is medication; consider it carefully and make your decision. There is no shame in taking medication if your doctor honestly believes you need it. However, there are other options you can consider, as well. Both you and your physician must take into account the severity of your depression, family history, and how long you have been dealing with the symptoms. Also, if you are currently taking anti-depressant medication; do not stop taking it. Most people must be slowly weaned off anti-depressants. Others can never stop taking them. Again, you must discuss these decisions with your doctor.
So how do we know if we are depressed? If we are experiencing the symptoms I mentioned earlier or we feel trapped in a sad and hopeless funk for about two weeks or longer; we could be battling depression. Clinical depression is usually diagnosed after about 30 days, but if we are feeling this way for more than a few weeks; we really should seek professional help. Talk to a therapist and let him or her decide the next course of action.
Here's my story about Depression, Medication and how I balanced my Serotonin Levels Naturally:
There was a time in my life, several years ago, that I needed to submit to my doctor after years of fighting against treatment. This was long before I knew about health and healing. I had been seeing a therapist for a couple of years and was not getting any better. I was getting worse. My life was a complete mess and eventually I became severely depressed, totally useless, and an actual danger to my own self. I finally gave in and started taking anti-depressants. I took them for about a year. The side-effects were awful; but this was absolutely necessary in order to save my life. When the depression finally began to lift a bit; I went back to school and that is when I learned about a holistic lifestyle and the healing power of food. During this time, I also made some serious and radical changes and decisions because I was trapped in a situation that was dangerous to my well-being. I began adding more pleasurable activities and hobbies to my life. I also drastically changed my diet and included certain foods to help boost my Serotonin levels. As I continued to make more and more positive strides, my doctor slowly began to wean me off the medication. This was over fifteen years ago and I've never suffered from depression or any of its symptoms ever again.
I am a success story, but it was not easy. It would have been much easier to keep taking the pills; but I was bound and determined to be drug-free as quickly as possible. This might not work for everyone, but it is certainly worth investigating the possibilities. In my case, an anti-depressant was necessary to help the clear fog that prevented me from taking steps to change my life. There is no stigma or shame attached to this. Sometimes we have to do what we must to get well and if we need medication; we should take it. Hopefully it will only be a temporary method and if we are willing to make serious changes to our lives; in most cases it will be temporary. We should discuss all the details of our illness and treatment with our doctor until we are comfortable and everything is crystal clear. It is our responsibility to ask questions; it is the doctor's responsibility to answer them. If he or she refuses or is unable to explain in ways we can understand; time to find a new doctor. Our health and our lives are always in our hands.
Serotonin and Our Daily Moods:
Our moods shift daily depending on what is going on in our lives. A recent break-up with partner can make us cry and we might want to hide under the covers for a few days. Perhaps temporary stress on the job is causing us to toss and turn at night. This isn't really depression. We probably just have a minor case of the blues or we are simply experiencing normal emotions due to upsets, changes and stress. It's also normal to feel less than spectacular, energetic and enthusiastic at times. We might feel this way for a day or two. Maybe longer. During the colder winter months, we all tend to feel a little down in the dumps. Serotonin production can decrease slightly during these times but eventually, they should go back to normal as life gets back to normal. We can help that process along by treating ourselves well, getting plenty of rest and exercise, and by eating good, healthy, natural foods. Here is a list of foods to eat and things to do to help boost Serotonin naturally.
Here's to your good health- Body, Mind and Spirit! .
** Statistics from AngelFire.com
***DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor. I am a trained and certified Holistic Health and Nutritional Consultant. I do not diagnose, treat, or heal sickness or disease. My mission is to simply educate and encourage others to take personal responsibility for their own health and wellness, to eat clean and wholesome foods, and to nourish the body, mind and spirit.
