Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors including Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft are a $20 billion dollar industry, according to Ray Moynihan in his book “Selling Sickness.” Roughly 28 million Americans (one in every 10) have taken a drug like Prozac, Zoloft or Paxil. These drugs are used, but most people are not aware of the serious side effects caused by these powerful SSRIs. For years we have seen TV ads about depression and how great these medicines work, but are we getting the true story? These medications can have deleterious effects on how our brain works.
What are the alternatives to medications for people who are depressed? First of all — move!! The old adage “life is motion, motion is life, the absence of motion is death” has plenty of truth to it.
Within our spines we have more movement receptors than anywhere else in our body. This is where chiropractic adjustments improve the function of the spine and allow for the proper messages to flow from the brain to the rest of the body. Proper input from the spine lights up the brain. Lack of movement depresses the brain. This is why people who are depressed do not want to get out of bed.
Second — exercise. You don’t have to run a marathon to get the mental benefits of exercise. Walking 15 minutes, three times per week is a great start to a healthier life. Also, getting proper nourishment is essential for battling depression. Getting enough vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids has shown to really help individuals with depression. These simple steps can really make a difference in individuals who are looking for a non-pharmacologic solution to battling depression.
Dr. Scott Glocke is the director of Back Cove Family Chiropractic in Yarmouth. He has been a family wellness chiropractor for the past six years and specializes in wellness for the entire family. Contact him at drscott@backcovechiro.com.