 Depression
- Understanding It Better
By Monica Harai of Harai Health Services
Depression is very common. Most of us have felt “down” at times, but serious
depression is a “downer” over a longer period. It is important to understand
what depression is in order to do anything about it. There are varying
degrees of depression. Sometimes people can feel depressed a little and it
goes away easily. Sometimes people can be depressed a lot, and it doesn’t go
away, leading to suicidal tendencies. These would represent the two ends of
a continuum. Where do you fall?
When considering this “continuum” idea, different people will need different
treatment. Not all people will need help, as some can overcome it on their
own, but any depression that continues for more than two weeks needs
attention from a qualified practitioner.
Depression is often associated with low serotonin levels, but this doesn’t,
in my opinion, lead to a very explicit definition of depression. A better
way, I believe, to start understanding depression is to think of depression
as when
a person requires something outside themselves to motivate them or make them
“feel” happy. In other words, they lack the “inner motivation” or “ability”
to take care of their own happiness. They are heavily reliant on other
people, places and things. Now don’t confuse being tired with being
depressed. You can be tired without being depressed, but you usually don’t
have depression without being tired. It is also worth mentioning that
anxiety, euphoria, irritability, unreasonableness and mood swings often
accompany depression.
Many people are dealing with depression and don’t realize it. I have seen
this a lot and it is unfortunate because people aren’t living up to their
potential. Depression, even in small amounts, can hurt one’s self-esteem and
the ability to accomplish their best in life. So what are the causes? And
what can we do about it?
First of all, depression that gets worse needs to be dealt with by a
qualified practitioner or doctor. Some people have found prescription drugs
to be helpful, however drugs are a short-term solution and those who are on
them need to address the deeper problems. Depression can be caused by
unresolved anger, toxic liver or colon, a run-down or weak immune system,
run-down brain from stress, living with toxic people, food allergies,
dietary imbalances, abuse as a child, blood sugar imbalances, etc. The
causes are numerous as are the solutions.
Solutions include seeking professional therapy and reducing unnecessary
stress. Acupuncture and herbs such as St. John’s wort, Black Cohosh, Lemon
Balm, Damiana, Ginkgo and Ginseng are a natural approach, as are using
minerals, chromium for blood sugar imbalances, vitamin B and C, and
essential fatty acids like flax oil, Evening Primrose oil, Borage oil, hemp
oil or fish oils. Antioxidants like Grape Seed Extract, Pine Bark Extract,
Geranium, Lemon, Grapefruit and Ylang Ylang are other alternatives. The more
severe the depression, the more intense the program you will need to follow.
There are ways to prevent depression. Here are a few suggestions to put into
practice:
a) Don’t take on too much. Bite off what you can chew, but no more.
b) Prioritize your “to-do” list. Remember you are human, not a machine.
c) If you have abuse issues, seek appropriate help.
d) Learn to ask for help if you need it. Don’t do it on your own.
e) Concentrate on what you can change, not what is beyond your control.
f) Eat according to your blood type. Diet is huge in mental health.
Whatever you do for yourself to help your depression heal, try to seek out
trustworthy people so you can bounce your ideas off them. This will help you
find your way better. Eventually, you will be able to trust your own “gut
instinct”, which really is considered your second brain!
The purpose of this article is in no way intended for diagnostic or
prescribing purposes, but is simply a brief overview of a very complex
topic.
Monica Hirai is a Certified Herbalist, Holistic Practitioner & owner
of Hirai Health Services. She helps people obtain maximum health through
homeopathic remedies, herbs, diet & aromatherapy. Monica may be reached at
403.276.5756. |
