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| Health & Wellness |
 Depression
- An Epidemic or Opportunity for Growth?By Nicola Elliott Lapierre One in ten people will suffer from some form of depression in their lifetime according to the Canadian Mental Health Association and the American Psychiatric Association. The numbers of people seeking treatment for depression is on the rise as is the number of prescriptions for medications. IMS Health Canada reports that 2.72 million people were diagnosed and treated for depression in 1993. That number rose to 7.8 million by the year 2000. The class of medications for treating depression known as psychotherapeutic drugs, including antidepressants, are the second highest dispensed drugs in Canada with heart medications in the lead. What are the criteria for the most common form of depression known as Major Depressive Disorder? According to the Canadian Mental Health Association when a person is experiencing symptoms that are severe, are present most of the time and last for longer than two weeks then a diagnosis of clinical depression can be made. Symptoms associated with Major Depressive Disorder are feeling worthless, hopeless, helpless or excessive guilt, sleep disturbances, lethargy (lack of energy), appetite changes, decreased sex drive, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, irritability, impatience or anger and thoughts of death or suicide. It is important to note that there are several other types of disorders that come under the term “depression” these include: Dysthymia, having chronic symptoms less debilitating than Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, which may include depression but not always and is characterized by episodes of mania (extreme highs and lows) or hypomania where the highs and lows are less extreme. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is another type, which occurs in some people as a result of the reduction in daylight hours, mainly in winter months. Postpartum Depression, which follows childbirth is yet another type. Two other conditions often associated with depression are Anxiety, excessive worry combined with fear about the future, and Panic Attacks, a severe “fight or flight” response with no apparent cause or trigger. Within the medical community commonly accepted causes of depression include biochemistry of the brain, genetics, environmental factors and personality. These are all valid when discussing possible triggers for depression. As previously mentioned the incidence of depression is increasing and so is the number of people seeking treatment. In light of this we must explore other causes and uncover some of the deeper issues behind this condition. Food - This subject is a book on its own but in a nutshell “what you eat affects your mood”. Scientists have uncovered and continue to uncover a myriad of chemical reactions that make up brain function. This delicate balance of chemistry in the body and brain depend on a nutrient rich and balanced diet. Some neurotransmitters in the brain associated with mood are directly affected by the food we eat. Eating a diet low in nutrients affects the function of neurotransmitters. Food allergies and sensitivities play a role as well. The typical North American diet contains many deficiencies not to mention a host of chemical additives and the drugging of our food source animals. In addition, life force energy is lacking in so many of the foods we eat through manipulation of the food. This includes processing, packaging storage time, the quality of soil it’s grown in and preparation. Emotional Disconnection - In westernized society we posses a deep rooted fear of our emotions and do our best to avoid them (particularly the negative ones) at all costs. We accomplish this by stuffing down emotions or feelings that we deem negative. We may use mood altering substances such as alcohol, drugs and food. Sometimes we use activities as a form of avoidance including working constantly, gambling and overindulgence in sexual activities. Notice how these are all forms of addiction as well as avoidance. Spiritual Disconnection - So far our discussion has focussed on the manifestations of depression and the possible physical or emotional causes. In the westernized world our main focus is on the physical, material and occasionally the emotional aspects of life. What is lacking is the relationship with our true, authentic self. What is our true, authentic self? It is the origin of who we are; that part of us that has been called “soul” or our higher self. It is the part of us that manifests as a physical being with thoughts and emotions. What ever name you give it, the authentic self is the absolute truth of who you are as an individual and as a part of the whole. When you deny your true, authentic self you are denying your origin. In reality, the healing of depression should begin with the nurturing of our true, authentic self then supporting it by dealing with our emotional issues, eating a nutrient rich and balanced diet and exercising our bodies. How do we begin to nurture our true, authentic self? Begin by respecting yourself. Learn to say “no” instead of “yes” in situations you really don’t want to be in. Discover the ways in which you give your power away to others. Look deeply within and discover what it is you want not what society, your friends or family want for you. Uncover your creative potential. It takes courage and personal reflection to climb out of the pit of despair. It means taking charge of your situation. Explore all avenues including the ones mentioned here. Discover what is true for you and your personal situation. Above all never give up because there is a solution. In the words of Jill Wolf, “don’t quit when the tide is lowest, for it’s just about to turn”. Nicola Elliott Lapierre offers Specialized Kinesiology for testing & balancing physical systems, nutrition levels, food and product sensitivities & emotional blocks combined with intuitive energy work. Nicola can be reached at 403.238.4822 or heartsongholisticcare@yahoo.ca References: Colbin, A., Food and Healing: How what you eat determines your Health, your Well Being and the Quality of your Life, tenth anniversary edition, New York, USA, Ballantine Books a division of Random House Inc., 1986 Somer, E., Food & Mood: the complete Guide to Eating Well and Feeling your Best, second edition, New York, USA, Henry Holt & Co., LLC, 1995, 1999 Skog, S., et al., Depression: What your Body's trying to tell You, New York, USA, Avon Books Inc., 1999 Depression, Medications, CBC News Online, August 9, 2004, www.cbc.ca/news/background/depression.html Let's Talk Facts about Depression, Medem Medical Library, American Psychiatric Association, October 10, 2005, www.medem.com Treating Depression with SSRIs, IMS Health Canada, October 10, 2005, www.imshealthcanada.com Types of Depression, PsychDirect, a public education website of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, October 12, 2005, www.psychdirect.com Depression, Canadian Mental Health Association, October 14, 2005, www.cmha.ca Depression: Symptoms and Signs, Mood Disorders Society of Canada, October 14, 2005, www.mooddisorderscanada.ca |