Natural Solutions for

Managing Your Mental Health

Kaplan University
HW 499 Unit Four Assignment

Amanda Eskola
December 9, 2014

Disclaimer
This presentation is not intended for the purpose of diagnosis and/or
treatment of depression. This presentation is solely informative on
complementary and alternative treatments available.

Always speak with your primary care provider before making any changes
regarding your health, including starting/stopping vitamins and
supplements, beginning an exercise regimen, etc.

Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health

disorders in the United States.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates 14.8
million adults experience symptoms of depression in
the U.S.
Depression causes approximately 200 million lost
workdays each year, costing employers 17 - 44 million
dollars.
Currently, depression is fourth on the global burden of
disease list. It is predicted that depression will be the
second most common global burden of disease by
year 2020.
The World Health Organization states depression is
the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting
almost 121 million people around the globe.

What is Depression?

Depression can manifest in a variety of

ways, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder
or Postpartum Depression.
Depression is something that an
individual cannot just get over.
Depression is a medical condition, just like
heart disease or diabetes. It requires
proper diagnosis and treatment.

Low levels of serotonin

Symptoms include:

feelings of sadness and/or emptiness

feelings of hopelessness, helplessness
Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
Fatigue and lack of energy
Overeating or loss of appetite
Sleep disturbances
Thoughts of suicide

Current Treatments for Depression

Current treatments:

Antidepressant Medications
Psychotherapy
Combination treatment

medication and psychotherapy

Treatment for depression has been found

to be successful 60 to 80% of the time;
however, fewer than 25% of people with
depression actually receive help.
What are the barriers to receiving
treatment?

Barriers to Receiving Help

Medications

Cost
Side effects
Belief that medication will not help
Fear of addiction

Psychotherapy

Limited to no insurance benefits

Do not want to be seen as crazy
Thought that going to therapy is a sign
of weakness

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Approaches
A different focus: Restore health instead of
simply reducing symptoms

Several different vitamin deficiencies have

been shown to correlate with symptoms of
depression

Taking vitamins and supplements can enhance

prescription medication effectiveness

These approaches can help eliminate the

almost 2/3 of unresolved symptoms when
taking an antidepressant medication

Vitamins & Herbs

Vitamin B
Vitamin D
SAMe
Fish Oil
Folate
Zinc

St. Johns Wort

Omega 3 fatty acids

Other Natural Treatments

Exercise
Acupuncture
Yoga
Mediation
Massage
Dietary Changes

Foods Sources for vitamin B-12:

Fish, lean meat, poultry, eggs

Less caffeine

References
Castro, W. (2013). Nutritional and complementary treatments for mental health disorders. [Seminar
PowerPoint Presentation Handout]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2013). Depression. Retrieved from:
http://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/implementation/topics/depression.html
Hall-Flavin, D.K. (2014). Whats the relationship between vitamin B-12 and depression? Retrieved from:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/vitamin-b12-anddepression/faq-20058077
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). (2012). Omega-3 fatty acids
may be helpful in psychiatric care. Retrieved from:
http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/121506.htm
Penckofer, S., Kouba, J., Byrn, M., & Estwing-Ferrans, C. (2010). Vitamin D and Depression: Where is all
the sunshine? Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908269/
The top 10 reasons people say no to counseling. Retrieved December 9, 2014, from:
https://gustavus.edu/counseling/top10.php
Weil, A. (n.d.) Natural Depression treatment. Retrieved from:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00696/depression-treatment