At Northshore Naturopathic Clinic, we offer a holistic approach to tackling the complex issues of anxiety and depression. We believe that you need to use conventional testing and tools to identify functional and emotional reasons behind the experience of anxiety and depression. Our goal is to help our clients regain their mental wellness so that they can thrive by using medication-free treatments that are easy on their bodies.
Anxiety and depression facts:
Antidepressants undoubtedly have their place in the treatment of depression, but sadly, 40% of patients using these medications will have a relapse after they stop taking antidepressants in 2-4 years. Modern medicine, while it does work, does not address the underlying physiological changes associated with mood disorders.
Furthermore, very few medications have been studied for long-term use. Most studies that test antidepressants in humans range from 6 weeks to 9 months, with effectiveness measured at 35-60% improvement of the initial symptoms.
Medicating those who are suffering from depression or anxiety does not fix the often underlying causes, especially in the case of anxiety, which will not go away without dedicated work. It is a simplistic approach to treating a complex brain.
Canada ranks third in the world for the most antidepressant use. And this cannot be attributed to our lack of sun, as Australia ranks first! Almost 1 out of every 10 Canadians is now using at least one antidepressant medication.
The reality when it comes to treating depression and anxiety is that, while medication can be a part of the overall treatment, for most people, work must be done to address underlying issues through various therapy options.
Anxiety and Depression Symptoms:
Depression symptoms include:
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
- Restlessness, irritability, Panic attacks
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicidality, suicide attempts
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, including sex
- Feeling “slowed down”, low energy, fatigue
- Difficulty making decisions, concentrating, or remembering
- Overeating and weight gain, or low appetite and weight loss
- Persistent physical symptoms for which no other cause can be diagnosed; such as headaches, digestive disorders, and pain
Anxiety symptoms include:
- Panic, fear, and unease
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Cold, sweaty, or numb extremities
- Issues with sleep
- Inability to concentrate
Anxiety and Depression Symptoms:
Depression symptoms include:
- Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
- Restlessness, irritability, Panic attacks
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicidality, suicide attempts
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, including sex
- Feeling “slowed down”, low energy, fatigue
- Difficulty making decisions, concentrating, or remembering
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Overeating and weight gain, or low appetite and weight loss
- Persistent physical symptoms for which no other cause can be diagnosed; such as headaches, digestive disorders, and pain
Anxiety symptoms include:
- Panic, fear, and unease
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Cold, sweaty, or numb extremities
- Issues with sleep
- Inability to concentrate