According to Webster's dictionary, holistic means: considering a whole thing or being to be more than a collection of parts; Treating the whole person rather than just the Symptoms of a disease.
Now, in terms of depression, this would mean that any methods of dealing with depression being used, would be targeted and not just the symptoms of depression such as inexplicable sadness, changes in moods etc, but the causes, effects and other aspects of the patient's experiences.
In this day and age when several people are in need of some form of depression treatment help, it is no wonder that such an approach is becoming more popular by the day.
At the moment, it might be safe to say that although holistic treatment for depression takes an enormous number of treatment modalities, the FDA and the medical institution often have a tendency to hold back and disregard alternative medicine as a feasible option.
They tend to believe that there is insufficient backing to show the efficacy of such an approach, however, this should raise some concern as a lot of the required drug studies that are written are done through the same drug companies that produce them.
But, in spite of this, I must stress that people should not blindly accept the claims of alternative medicine either
Nonetheless, it is still safe to say that in general, alternative medicine or Holistic treatment for depression methods can be much safer than conventional drugs when one weighs the side effects of the use of the latter option.
Perhaps one thing that remains to be said is that if you're suffering from depression, one of the first steps to overcoming it may lie in getting some help and the options are indeed plentiful.
All in all, here's to happiness.
In Friendship.
Posts Tagged ‘Treatment’
What Really Is Holistic Depression Treatment?
August 25th, 2010 
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panic attacks – treatment of panic
August 16th, 2010 admin panic attacks
Have you ever suddenly found it nearly impossible to take a breath? Has your body ever started shaking uncontrollably to the point that you were drenched in sweat? Has your pulse ever raced so fast and heart pounded so hard in your chest that you could hear it beating loudly in your ears? Have you ever felt an eery unsettling sense of detachment take over all your thoughts? If you've had terrifying moments where you felt you were on the verge of going crazy losing all control and about to die then you know what it's like to experience anxiety panic attack symptoms well on the verge of a full-blown panic attack
An anxiety panic attack is known as a panic attack that is brought on due to unnatural levels of anxiety. This kind of anxiety can be related to just about anything. Anxiety panic attacks are not just limited to big stressful events and occasions
Panic Attacks or anxiety attacks are sudden periods of intense anxiety and fear. Much like stress and anger panic attacks are caused by hormones released into our system in preparation to fight or flee from a perceived threat.
Panic attacks are never pleasant and the first one is enough to make everyone wish they never have another for as long as they live. However there is a problem when you try to stop panic attacks through mere thought because that is impossible. People dwell so much on them that they might as well be worrying themselves into another attack. In fact too much thinking about panic attacks can establish a permanent trigger that will set an attack off just by concentrating too much on the fear of having it. People often tend to get needlessly worked up and heighten their anxiety by worrying about how to stop panic attacks. All this makes it only makes it worse because after the first people are laying the foundation of what they think will stop panic attacks instead of encouraging that bad experience
Panic attack is basically a defense mechanism of your body. The body reacts in a certain way if it perceives some kind of danger. These perceived conditions or dangers are called 'triggers
Recurring and severe panic attacks have an incredibly negative impact on many people's lives. These attacks are highly debilitating and prevent the people who suffer from them from taking part in many activities and significantly diminish their quality of life. Panic attacks can manifest themselves in feelings of extreme dizziness tightness in the throat and chest racing heart and hot flushes all of which are followed by a full-blown attack
In order to start to eliminate your panic it's important for you to know what causes it. When you know the cause you can be prepared and alert to the signs and symptoms. Awareness is the first step to making any kind of change for if you are not aware then you can't change it
Panic Attacks Treatment – How to Deal With Panic Attacks
August 9th, 2010 admin If you suffer from severe , you want to find a panic attacks treatment that not only helps you end a panic attack in its tracks but you also need to find a solution that helps prevent panic disorder permanently.With panic attack treatments, most people suggest drugs to prevent the anxiety attack. For example, medications like Xanax can help prevent a panic attack. It's probably a good idea to use a two-pronged approach in quelling these types of episodes. You should meet with your doctor about prescription medications or herbal medications that can serve as valid panic attack treatments.Some medications serve as immediate symptom reducers. You might have a tablet when the onset of a panic attack occurs. Others are taken consistently and help stop panic attacks from happening altogether, or if it does, it's mild.The only problem with attempting to treat anxiety attack disorders with drugs alone (such as Xanax, Klonopin or Ativan) is they aren't designed for long-term use. Some natural treatments that will help prevent anxiety attacks are:PsychotherapyPsychotherapy can help sufferers understand their problem. The idea is, when a person understands what distresses them, they can then learn how to best deal with their anxiety.Cognitive Behavioral TherapyThis panic attacks treatment helps you focus on your thinking as the reason behind the anxiety attack, and not some kind of outside element. Basically, if you know it's your mind and your thoughts causing the attack, you can control and change that.Relaxation TherapyThis panic attacks treatment will help release your tension. Your breathing stabilizes, your pulse rate drops back to normal, and you get over the anxiety attack quicker and easier.Ensure that you test out a few different panic attacks treatment in order that should the time comes and your nervousness starts to get out of control, you're in a position to quickly get a grip on the situation and get your feelings back to how they should be.
Living with Anxiety? Find the Best Anxiety Attack Treatment For You
June 18th, 2010 admin 
I wanted to scream. I remember myself trying to say to my husband that I was feeling weird, but I couldn’t talk even tough all my body and mind was shouting Anxiety Attack Help. At that time I wanted the best anxiety attack remedy. I had several anxiety attacks and they are frightening but the good thing is, episodes are generally harmless. In most cases, attacks rarely last for more than 30 minutes, with peak of intensity within the first 10 minutes.
These are the symptoms of anxiety attack episode
Anxiety attack help comes in all shapes and sizes.
To handle an anxiety attacks try this tips and treatments:
Relax – Even though it is often impossible to relax during an attack, do not submit yourself to your emotion. Breathe. During an anxiety attack, focus your breathing to slow down your heartbeat. Deep breathing helps calms and relaxes your mind and body.
Think positively – Again, during an anxiety attack, it is often impossible to relax or even calm yourself, but you have to be in control. Push more optimistic thoughts to your head. Instead of thinking that you are going to faint because you cannot take the pressure, think of things that are positive and nice. Do no think that something bad will happen. Keep in mind that the more you think negatively, the more anxious and panicky it is going to be.
Think that it will be over soon – and it will. Anxiety attacks rarely last for more than 30 minutes so relax. You don't even have to count every minute that passed. What you should be doing is be conscious that it will not going to last forever.
Start an exercise program – Exercise has lots of benefits both to the mind and the body. It is also a great stress buster and anxiety reliever. Experts agree that as little as 30 minutes of exercise, 3 to 5 times a week is enough to reduce the chances of having anxiety attacks and at the same time lower the level of stress. What we do can have an effect on our quest for anxiety attack help. It is also a good idea to take some time and practice deep breathing exercises even if you are not stressed or feel anxious.
Talk to someone you trust – It can be your wife or husband, a friend, a relative or a therapist. Often, having someone who listens and understands what a person is going through will make a lot of difference. This is because it allows you to bring out your emotion rather than keeping it to yourself.
Meditation – has long been credited to relieve stress and anxiety as it promotes the release of negative energy from the body, relaxes tensed muscles, and calms the mind, which in turn, effectively reduces irrational fear and apprehension. Meditation may not be for all because of the time required to master the technique, however, with proper guidance of an expert or a little bit of patience and dedication, you can reap its benefits.
Breathing technique – is one of the most effective ways in controlling anxiety attacks. Proper breathing helps slow down heartbeat and helps calm the tensed muscles as a result of the attack. Breathing also diverts the mind's attention from the "trigger" and calms the self, thus, stopping the attack even faster. Proper breathing techniques are easy to learn and master.
Herbs – (such as passion flower, lavender, chamomile and ginkgo biloba) are very effective long-term treatment for anxiety attacks. Since they are all-natural, they posses no side effects. They may not be as aggressive as prescription drugs but they work just as effective.
Prescription medicines – are a major help in stopping the symptoms of anxiety and episodes of anxiety attacks. Antidepressants are the most common anxiety treatment. They must be taken continuously, which may take as long as six weeks before noticing the effects. Beta-blockers are a type of drugs that prevent symptoms from recurring.
Eat balanced diet – Like exercise, a well-balanced diet is important in keeping the body healthy, resistant to illnesses, and reduce stress level. Try to eat natural or organic foods. Keep away from processed foods or those that include preservatives and chemicals. These are some processed foods:
Therapies – are a very important anxiety treatment. These target the psychological aspect of anxiety. CBT or the cognitive-behavioral therapy is used to alter the way of thinking – converting negative thoughts into positive ones. Techniques used in CBT include role-playing and relaxation technique. Exposure therapy exposes the person to the physical sensations of panic in a safe and controlled environment. Through repeated exposure, patients gain greater self control and more confidence in facing fearful situation.
Avoid smoking and caffeine. Caffeine (from coffee, soda and tea) as well as smoking cigarettes can provoke anxiety attacks. It is wise, to avoid these things as much as possible.
