Depression is a broad condition and many people suffer from it at some point in their lives. There is a difference between feeling blue and depression and it is important that people understand this in order to help those friends and
family close to you.
In the papers we have read recently about the “Rock Stars”who sadly succumbed to their bouts of depression. This makes it all the more important to recognize it in people around us. Statistics say that as many as 1 in 5 suffer
from depression in our community.
One or some of the following occurrences or feelings often accompanies depression:
- A feeling that life has no purpose
- A feeling that life is out of control
- Poor or inadequate sleep
- Following a major illness
- Following a cranial injury
- Poor diet and nutrition
- Long-term stress
- Constantly fatigued and exhausted
- Loss of a sense of who one is
- Obsessive or compulsive behavior –always doing things
- Uncomfortable with time alone
- Apathy and lethargy
- Weight loss
- Weight gain
- Thought of ending ones life
Depression is linked to low levels of serotonin. Many of the prescribed anti-depressants such as SSRI’s (selective serotonin uptake inhibitors) such as Prozac work by lifting the levels of serotonin. Serotonin is one of our brain’s
neurotransmitters. These are responsible for one nerve cell communicating efficiently with the next nerve cell.
However an unfortunate side effect of some of these drugs (that varies with each individual) is that the medication can suppress all feelings –not just depression. This can affect family members considerably as the person responds
differently to life’s situations and those around them.
In the last 2 years I have come across 6 supplements that are reported to be very useful in lifting depression. Please check with a Naturopath and always consult your Doctor before taking any of these supplements if you are currently
on anti-depressant medication. Never simply stop taking any medication that you are taking without consulting your Doctor.
The supplements are:
- St John’s Wort (not as efficient for ‘O’blood type)
- L-Tyrosine –an amino acid that is involved in serotonin production.
It isavailable in powder and capsule form and I recommend a teaspoon in water on
waking and at bedtime (away from food and other supplements) - Tryptophan –also an amino acid –found in foods –oats,fish,turkey,pepitas
and eggs - 5-HTP –it is also useful for insomnia. It comes from a West African plant
called Griffonia. 5-HTP has the added bonus of increasing the activity of 2
other neurotransmitters –that of dopamine and noradrenalin. These are
associated with motivation and alertness. - Essential Fatty acids –Omega 3 and 6 found in fish oils
- Siberian Ginseng
Oils that I have found particularly useful for depression include:Pine,Bergamot,Rose,Geranium,Ylang Ylang and Clary Sage. However if you are pregnant,oils are not advisable.
Crystals that I have found particularly useful for depression include:Turquoise,Tourmaline,amber,amethyst,hematite,jade and clear quartz.
It is a matter of people getting back in touch with their feelings. What really makes you happy in life and expressing yourself clearly to loved ones.
Sometimes healing involves taking a new direction in life. A powerful way to bring happiness back in,is to view life differently. This is where Kinesiology can help as it can facilitate the rejoining of mind,body and spirit and help
one reassess old beliefs.
Having had personal experience of “the dark night of the soul”,I am happy to report that I came out of it a better and enlightened person particularly in the area of caring for others and myself.
There is great support out there and it is simply a matter of reaching out. Check out Beyond Blue, Think Yourself Happy and Yes To Life
.
The Yellow Pages has a couple of pages dedicated to support groups and help lines. It is important to realize that the feeling will pass and that help is at hand.
This newsletter is based on my opinions and experiences. I hope that if seeing your health professional about depression,it motivates you to bring up some of the alternative and complimentary ways to beat it. Remember too that there is nothing wrong with taking medication,which can act as a band-aid before the inner personal healing can begin.
