Don't Let Low Grade Depression Steal Your Life

Do you sometimes experience symptoms of mild or low grade depression? This type of depression can be insidious since there are no disabling symptoms to alert you to the problem. Low grade depression can sap your energy and reduce your effectiveness in all areas of life.

Its very important to know where to draw the line when it comes to depression. People often dismiss their depressed feelings as a phase that will blow over, and this may be true sometimes.

Should the symptoms not interfere with normal activities such as work, socialization, family and professional life, the temporary "down phase" can be used and seen as a great opportunity for personal growth.

To determine if you're experiencing low grade depression here are some things to check:

• Are you experiencing low energy?



• Are you maintaining your interest in life?



• Do you often experience a vague unhappiness for no apparent reason?



• Do you often berate yourself?



• Are you having sleep problems - too much, not enough, restless sleep, etc.



• Do you find it difficult to concentrate or to make decisions?

If you're experiencing some of these symptoms, it may be time to consider your options. You don't need to continue letting low grade depression drain the enjoyment from your life.

Holistic treatment for depression works with multiple factors in the depression sufferer's life. Some things, like diet for example, are relatively easy to change. For some people, adding consistent, high quality protein to the diet may substantially ease symptoms of depression, should hypoglycemia or some similar condition be a partial cause of symptoms.

Dietary supplements and herbal remedies can be helpful natural remedies to address depression effectively. St John's wort is probably the number one natural depression remedy used all over the world, and it works well with the herb, passionflower. Both are backed-up by numerous clinical trials and studies that have shown their effectiveness. As an added bonus, significant side effects are experienced very rarely with mentioned natural alternatives.

Valerian is another wonderful herbal depression treatment, particularly beneficial for treatment of insomnia or anxiety accompany the feelings of depression. Valerian does not have the same drug interactions that have been noted with St. John's wort usage. In fact, there are few, if any side effects to the herb.

The previously mentioned herbs can also be combined successfully with other factors such as increased levels of physical activity. Many individuals feel exercise has a natural anti-depressant effect. Should the symptoms however become more severe, counseling therapy may be considered.