Are you depressed?

We all have our ups and downs. For some though the "downs" are  more persistent.  Some may need professional help. It is this author's opinion that Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) drugs like Paxil and Prozac may do more harm than help.

The Zung Depression Self-Assessment Test , based on the Zung Self-Rating Scale, is a widely used depression screening tool that is recognized by physicians worldwide. Although designed as a screening tool, it has been adapted to track your score over time as well. So take it once in a while to re-assess your depression.

Most people who are depressed score in the 50 to 69 range. Severe depression is considered above 70 (highest total score is 80). If your score indicates depression, see a health care or mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment. Bring these test results to your appointment. For milder depression (scores less than 60) you may consider some alternative treatment based on supplements and meditation.

So if you want to self assess your mood and you suspect you may be depressed take this test by clicking on the following link: Zung depression self test, or keep reading to find out some natural remedies for mild depression.

• put you in the good mood zone and melt down depression and anxiety in a short period of time
• increases the calming hormones Melatonin and Serotonin (the "good mood" neurotransmitter).
• raise your threshold to stress triggers
• reduces blood lactate, a marker of stress and anxiety
• decreases the stress hormone, Cortisol
• keep your mind focused and clear
• make you feel energized throughout the day
• become optimistic and accept things you can not change

Meditation is no longer an esoteric or time consuming practice. Twenty minutes a day go a long way. Look at it as a "mind workout" for a lot less time than many of us spend in front of the TV (which by the way is mostly stressful). Beside increasing your Serotonin levels, there are other body direct responses to meditation, most noticeable being the increase in the DHEA (natural steroid pro-hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands) that naturally decreases with age. Similar benefits with the HGH (Human Growth Hormone) that is naturally released during deep sleep or deep ... meditation.

Natural mental health supplements are equal important. St. John's Wort is proved to have similar or better results than SSRI drugs for treating depression without the negative side effects. Hyperforin is the active antidepressant compound in St. John's Wort. Pharmaceutical-grade products are standardized to a minimum of 5% hyperforin. The effective daily dosage of St. John's Wort is 900 mg for a mild-moderate depression.

Another effective natural supplement for depression is 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). This amino acid is extracted from the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant. When taken alone, doses of 150-300 mg per day are effective. In herbal treatments for depression that combine 5-HTP with St. John's Wort, a daily dose of 25-100 mg 5-HTP is sufficient.

B vitamins are also known to help maintaining the brain neural connections and good mental health.

Double blind placebo trials are expensive hence not feasible for compounds that can not be patented like the ones mentioned above. The lack of interest of the big pharmaceutical companies, does not make these natural supplements less effective for treating depression and anxiety.

Mind Boosters is one of the most comprehensive and practical books written on the topic of mind enhancement using natural supplements. The author is Dr. Ray Sahelian MD. His research is based on the feedback received from countless patients who have used natural supplements to enhance mind capabilities or heal depression and anxiety.

His formulas for mental health supplements are the result of the very latest research regarding breakthrough nutrients, amino acids, herbs, herbal extracts, coenzymes and hormones. Give them a try:

 St. John's Wort

 5-HTP