Depression

All of us have days where we experience feelings of being down or blue. Regardless to our race, socioeconomic status or religion, we all experience times of pain or loss. Depression is feeling “down in the dumps” for an extended period of time. If you experience the loss of a love one through death, breaking up or divorce it is normal to feel down. If the person feels down for weeks to months and it impairs their ability to function in normal life activities, then they most likely have  depression.

            Research has found that depression can be linked to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. At Global Integrative Medicine if a person is depressed and they aren’t in a stressful event in his/her life, then we test for neurotransmitter imbalance. Some physicians prescribe anti-depressants like serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Prozac, Zoloft (Paxil and Lexapro). Many other anti-depressants like Pristiq, Effexor, and Cymbalta exist.

            At Global Integrative Medicine, we don’t prescribe any of the medications above although patients come to us already on those medications. Instead, we perform a test to look at the patient’s neurotransmitters.  After identifying which neurotransmitter is low or high in the patient, we recommend vitamins and herbs to assist the body to make more of the missing neurotransmitter.

            Depression is a whole body illness not just a condition of the mind. It affects the person’s sleep, energy, and appetite. Depression varies from person to person with varying symptoms and severity. Depressed individuals may hide from society and withdraw from items that previously gave them pleasure. Patients with more severe depression like dysthymia or bipolar disorder have also benefited from balancing neurotransmitters.

            Counseling or mind body medicine has also been beneficial for depressed patients. At Global Integrative Medicine we offer counseling and life coaching to support our patients during this difficult time. All of the patients with the diagnosis of depression spend 60-90 minutes with the physician to rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing the depression. At GIM, a patient gets the benefit of having any other medical conditions ruled out as well as natural assistance with symptoms of depression. A depressed person will enjoy the relaxed “down to Earth” atmosphere at GIM as well as be treated with compassion while they seek medical help.

            Even if a person is just enduring a season of life that is more difficult then we can recommend herbs to assist them through that season. We don’t recommend patients to take it upon themselves to just take herbs for depression, because certain herbs are contraindicated with certain medications or certain types of depression. Herbs can be just as powerful if not more powerful than some medications however they need to be used with proper knowledge. Also depending on the type of depression, randomly taking St. John Wort can make the symptoms worse. If you are interested in natural treatment for depression then it is strongly advised that you use herbs with a licensed healthcare provider.

            Here at Global Integrative Medicine we understand the physical and emotional toll that depression can have on a person and approach each patient uniquely. Pharmaceutical medications could be right for some people but for others they can actually make them feel worse or even get no improvement. For those that seek natural treatment for depression we offer a wide variety of services. You are not alone. We can help! Wishing health and happiness!

Dr. Matesa Pringle is a naturopathic physician who practices in Mesa, Arizona. She practices alternative medicine as well as traditional medicine and serves the East Valley cities of Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix, and even has some patients who travel from West Valley!

Disclaimer: The information on this site regarding medical conditions is presented for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered exhaustive and doesn’t contain all available treatments. The information here should not be used as a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician. Global Integrative Medicine, PLLC or Dr. M. Pringle assumes no liability for anyone using information on this site but is not under the care of a medical professional. By using this site you agree not to rely solely on any of the information contained herein for medical treatment. It is strongly encouraged you see a licensed physician, like Dr. M. Pringle or a physician of your choosing and adhere to that protocol first and foremost.