Depression

Do You Have These Symptoms?

• Emotional instability

• Sleep disturbances

• Loss of energy or fatigue

• Lowered self-esteem

• Thoughts of suicide and hopelessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure

• Crying

• Difficulty in performing tasks

• Loss of weight or appetite

• Poor concentration

• Physical complaints

 

Depression is more than just “having a bad day”. We all feel sad from time to time, but for people suffering depression, this feeling does not go away.

 

If you recognised yourself above, you are not alone. Depression is the most common mood disorder in today’s society, with 15-20% of people suffering at least once in their lives.

 

What Is It Exactly?

Any four of the above symptoms for more than two weeks with moodiness can be classed as depression.

For the majority of sufferers, it will be a mild, stemming from either social, environmental, dietary or lifestyle factors. For others, a chemical imbalance may be the cause, resulting in a longer treatment plan.

 

What Types of People Get It and What Are the Risk Factors?

• People of every age, gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic group can have depression

• Typically starts in the late 20’s, but it can arise at any age, affecting everyone from young children to older adults

• One in four women will suffer from the condition making it twice as common as in men

• Having a biological relative with depression

• A depressed mood as a child

• Suffering a long term illness

• Alcohol, nicotine and drug abuse

• Certain personality traits, such as low self esteem, being overly dependent, self-critical or pessimistic

• Long term use of some medications

 

A study of students in New Zealand found that over 25% of students had levels of depressive symptoms. High levels of poverty, witnessing violence at home, and experiencing bullying at school were all significant risk factors for depression."

_{Denny S, Clark T, Flemming T, Wall M. (2004, April) Emotional resilience: risk and protective factors for depression among alternative education students in New Zealand. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 74(2),137-49.}

Back to Top

 

How It Starts and Develops

There are many possible causes to developing depression. For some people depression will gradually develop over a period of weeks, months or even years sometimes. For others it will appear like a dark cloud, practically overnight. This is usually due to a shock or trauma of some kind, for example the death of a loved one, or a car accident.

 

Below is a list of possible contributing factors.

• Nutrient imbalance

• Chronic disease – including cancer, chronic fatigue, AIDS

• Hormonal imbalances

• Recreational drug use – usually long term use

• Chronic alcohol consumption

• Heavy metal toxicity

• Prescription medication side effects

• Chemical exposure

• Adrenal fatigue

• Neurotransmitter problems (chemicals within the brain which transmit signals)

 

How Can You Get Over It?

Recognising depression is a very good start to beginning the healing journey. It is incredibly powerful to acknowledge that you have depression and to decide to do something about it.

 

Dietary Considerations

• Avoid sugar, coffee, cola drinks & other stimulants – these are nothing more than short term stimulants, which promote mood fluctuations. We want to avoid mood fluctuations wherever possible!

• Eat regularly – this gives the body a sense of routine, which helps to reduce stress on you and your body.

• Introduce ginger, garlic and onions into the diet – these are great antioxidants, which eliminate free radicals determined to damage the cells of your body.

• Add fish to the diet or supplement with linseed oil – this promotes Omega 3 fatty acids, which are very important to alleviate depression

• Avoid alcohol or limit to one drink per day – alcohol is a depressant

• Eat fresh fruit & vegetables wherever possible – this will ensure that vitamins and minerals are still present in the food. Shop at farmer’s markets to try to avoid chemical exposure.

• Avoid refined food – eat complex carbohydrates (fruit, vegetables, grains and legumes), these are slower to release their sugars into the blood, reducing fluctuations in mood.

Back to Top

 

Supplements

Omega 3 fatty acids

Research shows that DHA and EPA are very important in treating depression. DHA is important for the structure of the cells of the nervous system & brain, and enables communication between these cells. EPA is also essential for communication between cells of the brain, nervous system and the rest of the body.

 

Vitamin B Complex

Important for the functioning of the entire nervous system (including the brain), and helping the body to cope with stress. The most important of these are B6, B3 and folic acid.

 

Other supplements may need to be added, depending of the cause of the problem. For example if a chemical imbalance is apparent then supplements to correct those need to be given, specific for that person.

 

Herbs

St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

This is the most common herb in use for depression. There are many clinical trials to support its use in the treatment of mind to moderate depression. It has been shown to be equally as effective as Prozac, with fewer side effects.

 

Kava (Piper methysticum)

Best known for its intoxicating drink, Kava is prepared from the root and drunk in traditional ceremonies in the Pacific Islands. Kava has been shown to decrease anxiety and relax the body without loss of mental sharpness.

 

Gingko (Gingko biloba)

Increases blood flow, it also increases oxygen supply and tissue nutrition to every part of the body, particularly the brain. This can enhance memory, and cognitive function. Amongst other things, Gingko has the ability to decrease depression.

 

Note:  All herbs should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, as there are many occasions when particular herbs should not be used.

Back to Top

 

Tests

It is worthwhile considering a couple of tests:

Check for food sensitivity and allergies

This can be done by elimination, (the cheapest option) or via a blood test to test for immediate reaction as well as delayed reaction allergies. You will need to see a naturopath that does these.

 

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

This will test for adequate levels of minerals and highlight certain imbalances within the body. HTMA will also test for levels of toxic minerals such as mercury.

 

Lifestyle Factors

Aerobic exercise

Regular activity is the cheapest way to help depression! It does not require anything more than going for a brisk walk each day. Find a buddy or group to walk with, or just get out there on your own! Start off gently with just 10 minutes a day, if it all seems to daunting. Aim for 30 minutes a day for at least 4 or 5 days a week.

 

Find someone to talk to

Maybe you could talk to a friend or family member, local minister or a trained counselor. This will help you to find the cause of the problem and deal with it. The differences made can be very profound, just from recognizing certain triggers or behaviours that have resulted in you reacting a certain way to things.

 

 

Get the Help You Need to Get Well

It is difficult to wade your way through all the information that is available, so the best way to get results fast is to find professional help. Whether you have Clinical Depression or just feel sad, we can help you.

 

If you would like help NOW with a treatment plan that is designed specifically to get YOU well, you can email us or phone 09 473 8283 to make an inquiry or appointment.

To book an appointment time that suits your schedule, visit our online booking page here NOW.

 

Improve your energy levels and manage your busy life easily, with natural solutions to excellent health.