Depression
Depression is a major problem in the United States today. Approximately forty million people are depressed and about fifteen million are clinically depressed. In other words millions of people are unable to function normally and enjoy life.
Pill remedies like Prozac or St John’s Wort are not enough to get at the root of the problem and often people are left to figure out for themselves how to cope with this devastating condition. They may isolate themselves, self- medicate with alcohol or other drugs, or may be too embarrassed or afraid to seek professional help. During this time their condition gets worse and there is no hope for them to get out of the “pit”. A holistic approach to depression looks at the whole person, not just the symptom of loneliness, isolation, fear, and sadness.
Depression and anxiety are complex conditions and take time and effort to address. An interview to determine precipitating factors is usually undertaken. Then information concerning the parents’ mental or emotional disorders, drug or alcohol abuse, as well as childhood abuse is relevant. Most times there is a higher risk for depression in the children if the mother suffered from postpartum depression
Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to mental depression. A lack or decrease in vitamins B12, B3, B6 and folic acid contribute to depression. Omega 3 and omega 6 are also important nutritional considerations in the prevention of mental depression.
Certain medical conditions may contribute to the development of depression. Iron deficiency anemia, hypoglycemia, diabetes, heavy metal toxicity, hypothyroidism, hormone imbalances, allergies to food or environmental allergies, PMS, post viral infection, chronic fatigue, post-hepatitis, heart and lung disease can also contribute to depression. Certain drugs can also cause depression, including beta-blockers, anti-hypertensives, anti-inflammatory- drugs, and birth control pills. In addition excessive use of sedatives, tranquilizers, alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, and anti-histamines may also contribute to depression.
Almost anything that is going to exert extra stress on the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in the brain can throw an individual into depression. We know the body produces cortisol from the adrenals when under stress. The excess cortisol produced from the adrenals then interferes with the normal interaction of dopamine, nor-epinephrine and serotonin, the three major neurotransmitters of the bran that regulate mood and emotional response to stress. By providing the proper nutrition and reducing stress, the body is able to recover and produce its neurotransmitters to keep the individual from depression. It takes several weeks, perhaps months for the body to begin to heal once the process is started. Supplementation with neurotransmitter precursors such as 5PHTP may be helpful to rebuild neurotransmitter function in the brain.
Exercise is extremely important to move tension out of the muscles and to energize a system that just wants to sleep. Lifestyle changes are also essential to combat depression. The saying expecting something to change when you keep doing the same thing is the definition of insanity. Depressed people are also fearful people and it takes great courage to move beyond fear and to reach out for help and change. At Natural Medicine Center there is help and assistance to guide you in making healthy choices towards mental health.
