Hope for Sufferers of Depression

As this is Mental Health Awareness week are focusing on some of the Naturopathic approaches to depression. Depression is a lonely illness. It’s so hard for people around the sufferer to give support and care as one of the features of depression a sense of isolation regardless of circumstances.

The word depression is used quite casually, it’s meaning can range from having a “down day”, to at the extreme, being clinically depressed. The incidence of depression has increased over the last few decades. There are many ways to help combat the effects of depression, most of them very simple to do. But remember because of the nature of depression even the simplest of tasks can require great effort and encouragement to do.

Exercise has been shown to make a huge difference to the rate of recovery in depression. Aim for at least 30 minutes aerobic exercise EVERY day. Just walking at a pace where you feel slightly breathless will make a difference. If you are walking outside you have the added benefit of the influence of sunlight, (it’s still there in dull winter days). Bright light stops the body producing melatonin that slows us down and induces sleep. Light will also increase serotonin, a chemical in the brain that lifts the mood. (Antidepressants such as Prozac work by increasing serotonin).

Despite the lack of motivation to do anything when depressed, true relaxation is usually severely neglected. Make sure you take time to relax every single day. Start off with just 10 minutes relaxation, and explore what helps you to relax. It could be deep breathing; tensing and relaxing your muscles or simply looking at the sky.

An excellent diet is essential to recovery. Some of the nutrients that play a key role in alleviating depression are the B vitamins, Magnesium and Potassium Phosphate.

Aim to eat the best foods for your individual metabolism so that your body is not only getting optimum absorption and utilization of nutrients but is eliminating toxins that may cause ill effects. The metabolic typing program is a fantastic way of assessing and monitoring individual needs.

Swings in blood sugar levels, and food sensitivities can cause fluctuations in mood and energy levels, which exacerbate depressive feelings.

Be very careful about cutting down fats in your diet. The type of fat is important, poor quality fats are destructive to the body whereas good quality fats help absorption of nutrients and proper functioning of the body and brain. People consuming a very low fat diet have are more likely to suffer from depression and suicide.

Whenever any depressive symptoms arise Naturopaths will always consider other aspects of the body, such as the hormones (the depression may be worse at certain times of the month) and the liver (due to the influence of toxins).

The benefits of St John’s Wort for treatment of depression have been widely publicised. Its action is focused on its effect on nerve transmission. Rosemary has an even longer tradition as an antidepressant. These form part of an extensive list of herbal nervous system tonics, including Valerian, Motherwort, Skullcap, Passionflower, Vervain, and Lemon Balm.

As with any illness, but even more so with depression it is essential to bear in mind some positive aspects of your life, however small they may seem to be. It helps to state these to yourself aloud in the mirror several times a day.