Clinical Depression

Depression is a common experience among people with cancer. Two evidence-based treatments are medication and psychotherapy. In terms of psychotherapy, I highly recommend you find a therapist who is experienced in cognitive behavioral therapy. I also recommend this book which is aimed toward helping cancer patients overcome both depression and anxiety using behavior therapy. http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Patients-Overcoming-Depression-Anxiety/dp/1572245042/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332588387&sr=8-1 I also recommend Kris Carr’s books on cancer. Check her out on Amazon.com. As a cancer survivor, she has an empowering and fun view of recovery and survival.

The answer here is yes there are, but the additional questions that are posed next should be "Are they effective?", "How will they interact with my other medical treatment?" and "How safe are they in general?"

To get the complete information you need, I would suggest working with a naturopathic physician in concert with your oncologist or other physicians. Just because something is deemed "natural" doesn't necessarily mean it's safe or that it is effective. Depending on the study, herbs and natural supplements can be shown to not be effective, to be effective and/or to be hazardous depending on dose and regimen.

If you are really concerned with natural approaches, consider a holistic approach by developing a healthcare team. Get a registered dietician, your medical doctors, a mental health professional and a naturopath involved in your care. Not everyone can afford to have such a group of professionals all in on one case, but wouldn't it be incredible if you found you could do much of what you need by simply changing your diet, engaging in moderate activity/exercise and modifying behavior and self-talk?

Most definitely any alcoholic beverage should be avoided if you are feeling depressed. Alcohol is a Central Nervous System Depressant and can make depressed emotions worse. People often have a hard time believing that because they use alcohol as a social lubricant, initially feeling more relaxed, less inhibited and less concerned over issues. However, that effect is usually short lived after a small amount of alcohol. When people drink more and more, they can become more emotionally erratic and experience the negative effects of hangover.

You may want to consider eliminating caffienated drinks due to the crash that can occur after the caffiene has cleared your system and high sugar drinks can affect blood sugar levels which can also impact mood. Replace these drinks with water, amking sure you drinnk at least 8-12 eight ounce glasses per day (more if you live in the desert).

From a food perspective, there are fewer absolute directives, but there is some evidence that eating highly processed foods (read "junk foods") that are high in sugar and fat could impact energy level and therefore mood.

Current theories on improving emotional wellness suggest that an holistic approach can be the most effective way to treat mood disorders. Looking at your diet, that means trying to eat as healthy as you can afford and eating foods as close to their original form as possible: raw fruits, raw or steamed vegetables, lean meats (fish and chicken) prepated by baking, grilling or other low-fat manner. Avoid eating TV dinners and eating out at restaurants as you can't be assured of how healthy the food was prepared. Make sure to include activity in your "diet." Get moving at least 30 minutes a day, getting your heart rate up over 120 beats per minute (based on what your doctor approves).

There isn't a magic fix from a food or drink perspective (or any perspective for that matter), but controlling what you can will improve your likelihood of a speedy recovery.

There are many types of professionals who are specifically trained to help people with depression. Their degrees, training and clinical approach may vary but each is qualified, trained and experienced in treating mental and behavioral health problems. The most common headings of mental health providers are:

Professional Counselor/Mental Health Counselor - Degree: Minimum of Master of Arts or Science in Counseling/Mental Health Counseling. Completes a practicum/internship in Professional Counseling prior to graduation and a supervised clinical experience following graduation. Engages in talk therapy; does not prescribe medication.

Clinical Social Worker - Degree: Minimum of Master of Social Work. Completes a practicum/internship in Cliniical Social Work prior to graduation and a supervised clinical experience following graduation. Engages in talk therapy; does not prescribe medication.

Marriage and Family Therapist - Minimum of a Master of Arts or Science in Family Therapy. Completes a practicum/internship in Marriage and Family Therapy prior to graduation and a supervised clinical experience following graduation. Engages in talk therapy; does not prescribe medication. Focus is often on couples and family counseling.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - Requires Nursing License and Minimum of a Masters in Nursing Science (MSN) and completion of specific training in psychiatric nursing. Can provide both talk therapy and prescribe medications under the supervision of a doctor.

Psychologist - Generally reguires a Doctoral Degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology or clinincal psychology. Completes a practicum/internship in Clinical Psychology prior to graduation and a supervised clinical residency following graduation. Engages in talk therapy; does not prescribe medication. Also directs in depth psychological assessments for such things as cognitive functioning and learning disabilities.

Psychiatrist - Requires graduation from medical school (MD or DO) and a medical residency in Psychiatric Medicine. Can engage in talk therapy but the practice is dwindling. Does prescribe medication.

How you decide which professional is appropriate for you may rest on the level of severity of your distress, cost of treatemnt, insurance benefits and restrictions, availability of local professionals and the need for pharmological treatment.

Each of these providers has professional organizations and state licensing boards whose job it is to keep the consumer safe and regulate the provision of services. If you need help making a choice, try talking to your physician and ask for a referral. You may also look the websites for your state's boards for professional licensure and uncover information on complaints and outcomes of investigated claims against a provider.

Take the time to research your choice well before you commit to treatment and don't be afraid to talk to family, friends or even your clergy. You may be surprised to learn someone else close to you has sought out professional help as well.

Depression is quite common. 16.6 percent of Americans will experience at least one episode of clinical depression in their lifetime. It is more common in women than men.

For more about depression and its treatment, see our article: http://www.cfah.org/hbns/preparedpatient/Vol3/Prepared-Patient-Vol3-Issue1.cfm

The difference between feeling sad or down in the dumps and clinical depression has to do with how long you feel down, and the impact of your emotions on your daily life and relationships. Feeling blue for longer than two weeks and feeling like your mood is interfering with your life are signs of clinical depression that need to be shared with a health professional. Clinical depression can also include changes in eating and sleeping habits, lack of focus and energy, and difficulty feeling any positive emotions. Clinical depression often reoccurs and may get worse.

For more about depression and its treatment, see our article: http://www.cfah.org/hbns/preparedpatient/Vol3/Prepared-Patient-Vol3-Issue1.cfm

Antidepressant medications and talk therapy are the two most common treatments for clinical depression. They are often used at the same time. Research indicates that the best kinds of talk therapy are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy. CBT focuses on changing the negative thought patterns that can drive depression. Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving and understanding relationships. Therapists often offer a combination of talk therapy approaches.

For more about depression and its treatment, see our article: http://www.cfah.org/hbns/preparedpatient/Vol3/Prepared-Patient-Vol3-Issue1.cfm

Therapy and medication together are often more effective than either one alone, but antidepressant medication can have side effects. Treatment also can take a while to improve clinical depression. It is important to discuss changes or concerns about your treatment with a professional before discontinuing medication and/or therapy. Your family doctor or psychiatrist can help you make the best choice for you.

For more about depression and its treatment, see our article: http://www.cfah.org/hbns/preparedpatient/Vol3/Prepared-Patient-Vol3-Issue1.cfm