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Depression, especially manic depression, is a condition that millions of Americans suffer from each year that can be treated via medications, cognitive therapy, or aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is one of the most popular treatments because it uses natural oils that come from plants to treat the symptoms and assist in a healing process. Depression can be caused by a lack of sleep and aromatherapy can relax the mind and help patients suffering from depression get their sleep back on track. The oils used in aromatherapy can also help to brighten one’s mood, but should only be used as a complimentary treatment that is combined with a variety of other treatments.

Clary Sage essential oil is used to help treat insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Basil is used to help treat fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Rose essential oil is used to treat the nervous system and other disorders. Ylang-ylang is used to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Sandalwood is used to treat depression and tension. Lavender is used to treat headaches, insomnia, migraines, nervous tension and stress related conditions. Jasmine essential oil is used to increase the beta waves in the front of the head which gives the patient a more alert and responsive state of mind.

The emotional centers in the brain are closely related to the sense of smell, which is why aromatherapy is so commonly used in treating depression. Smelling the scents listed above can easily help patients suffering from depression relax and remove tension from their bodies.

If anyone feels that they are experiencing depression they should consult their doctor as soon as possible before beginning an aromatherapy regimen because there could be other treatment options available including medication, cognitive therapy, and other treatments. When using aromatherapy patients can do perform aromatherapy on their own or they can go to a masseuse and receive a massage to help with their depression. If the patient does their aromatherapy on their own they can use candles, diffusers, and other scented items to help with their depression.

Understand Lithium Side Effects

Many Americans face the challenges of mental illness and regularly take medications to control the effects of their illnesses. A commonly prescribed drug for manic-depressive disorder, or Bipolar disorder, is Lithium. The medication was first discovered to have mood-stabilizing effects in the late 19th century when doctors prescribed it for gout. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) didn’t allow widespread use of Lithium until around 1970.

Lithium is an element found in nature that can help doctors treat manic-depressive patients. A lithium deficiency will not create a Bipolar disorder, but it can help with the chemical imbalances that do cause the condition. Lithium is quite effective in treating this disorder, but has some noteworthy side effects.

A common Lithium side effect is an increase in urinary frequency. This occurs more in women than men and generally surfaces after two years of treatment. Sometimes you can lose bladder control, but not always. Increased thirst is another side effect, and drinking to quench thirst may lead to an increase in urination. Mild nausea and shaking hands are common. If any of these side effects are worrisome, contact your doctor.

Some lesser occurring side effects are an increase in acne and a rash on the skin. Some patients have reported feeling bloated or pressure on their stomachs along with twitching muscles. These symptoms should not alarm you, but if they are bothersome, contact your doctor.

Some Lithium side effects warrant an immediate call to the doctor: loss of appetite, weak muscles, slurred speech, widespread trembling, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Any of these could be early signs of Lithium toxicity, and you need to address them immediately. Taking Lithium can make a person struggling with bipolar disorder feel human again. While some side effects can be troublesome, they are not always present. Many people take Lithium and experience no side effects from it.

Aromatherapy and Depression

Understand Lithium Side Effects

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