Antidepressant medication is the antidote for depression worldwide. This remedy for depression comes with an increase risk of violent behavior, increase risk of birth defects, and increase risk of suicide. The pharmaceutical approach appears flawed.
                     
When sixty-year-old Mildred came to see me, she was both frustrated and cautious. She had been suffering from depression for most of her life, and although years of psychiatric treatment had given her an understanding of her issues, it hadn't made her feel better. She had also been taking medication for twenty-five years and decided that was long enough. No wonder she was frustrated! Then she learned that I practice N.E.T., a technique that releases stuck emotional issues; she came to me for help in ridding her of the childhood memories that had been weighing her down. After a thorough history and evaluation, I felt that I could help her, but was reluctant to make any promises about the medication. The biochemical changes that would have occurred in her brain over twenty-five years was of serious concern to me, so I suggested that for the time being we just reduce her dosage. She agreed, and after just five sessions, her mood had dramatically improved-she was even smiling and joking.

Depression is a worldwide disorder that affects over 350 million people of all ages and walks of life. Feelings of hopelessness, paralyzed will, and being trapped are just part of the deep anguish that these individuals are dealing with, often to a debilitating degree. Minorities that suffer from depression have a much higher risk for strokes and heart attacks; and more women than men suffer from the disorder. In fact, in the U.S., one in four women in their 40s and 50s take psychiatric medications. In all, thirty million Americans are hooked!

The traditional medical community has long relied on antidepressants as the cornerstone of mental health treatment; however, while these medications can alleviate depression they are often problematic. Many are accompanied by a long list of horrific side effects, so the patients are often forced to swap emotional symptoms for physical ones. In addition, people often wind up taking them indefinitely, which can cause a nutrient deficiency that leads to other health problems. Most disturbing is that meds can actually make the situation worse, as demonstrated by the increasing suicide rates among those taking them. It is important to remember that the pharmaceutical approach is all about suppressing symptoms, not confronting the underlying causes of depression. Moreover, the research has consistently shown that antidepressants have a very strong placebo effect; in other words, if one is given a sugar pill and told it's an antidepressant, he or she will feel better because they believe it to be so. This is good news for the pharmaceutical manufacturers that make billions from antidepressant prescriptions each year. The bottom line is about profits, not individuals.

For twenty years I have been using natural methods to help clinically depressed patients elevate their mood and let go of past traumas. When treating depression there are many factors to consider, including genetic predisposition, childhood adversity, relationships, past trauma, underlying infections, abusive life situations, prescription medications, loss and setbacks. To address these factors, I have combined the healing techniques of Dr. Scott Walker, William Walsh, PhD. and Dr. Devi Nambudripad; I also provide nutritional support tailored to improve absorption and balance hormones. The result is a streamlined process that helps speed up the healing and help my patients be happy again (or perhaps for the first time). Many patients, like Mildred, see results within one month. Mildred continues to smile, be positive, and for the first time, has hope for the future.

Author's Bio: 

For 20 years in Los Angeles, Dr. Mike treated many well-known celebrities, such as Josie Bissett, Mac Davis, John McEnroe, Quincy Jones, Rod Stewart, Amy Irving, Dean Cain, Dylan McDermott and Barry Bostwick to name a few. He has toured the country treating colleagues and has been a participating healthcare provider in 4 Olympic Games. He has patented a multi vitamin formula for optimal absorption of nutrients. His book, Keep Your Eyes on Attracting Love is available on Amazon. Recently, he was selected as a top holistic doctor in the state of Georgia.