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The incidence of
depression has been growing at a phenomenal rate but the positive factor
here is that people no longer fell stigmatized by acknowledging that
they have a problem. The awareness has set in and once this hurdle is
crossed, treating depression is possible.
The effects of depression can be traumatizing and the individual
suffering from it feels emotionally, physically and even spiritually
assaulted. It is an illness and one that has to be treated before it
becomes too late. |
Depression can break a weak willed person. When we
talk of remedies for depression, you would like to deal with natural
remedies and the purpose of this exercise is just to do that.
Depression can be caused by many factors both genetic and biological.
Individuals may have a genetic makeup that makes them prone to
depression or stressful events like the loss of a close one could also
be a cause. In addition it is believed that it is also caused by
biological factors. We have what are called neurotransmitters in your
brains, which are responsible for sense of well being that we feel.
Serotonin and other chemicals like dopamine, acetylcholine,
norepinephrine largely act as an anti depressants and tranquilizers.
Depletion in the levels of these neurotransmitters could lead to
depression.
Anti depressants essentially enhance neuro transmission simultaneously
increasing the levels of the neuro transmitters especially serotonin..
Medication coupled with natural remedies has been known to be very
effective in curing depression.
St.John’s wort extract is a herb which is highly rated as a natural anti
depressant. In fact in ancient Greece, this plant was used as a tonic
for the nerves. The elements present in this herb help to increase the
levels of the important neuro transmitters and it has been found to be
very effective in countering mild depression. In fact it helps
individuals to sleep more soundly and improves memory. It has proved to
be very significant in countering depression which is an offset of SAD
(seasonal Affective Disorder).This usually occurs during the months when
there is a decrease in the amount of available sunlight(during winter).
In conjunction with light therapy what it does is to increase the level
of melatonin which is produced in the body thus helping to regulate the
sleep wake cycle.
Amino acid therapy is fast finding patrons. These basic building blocks
of which proteins are made actually function as neurotransmitters.
Tryptophan is one such neurotransmitter which relieves depression but
the best part about tryptophan is that it is found naturally in foods
that we normally eat. Whole grain cereals, vegetables, fruits and low
fat dairy products are all natural sources of tryptophan. Tofu (high in
tryptophan), most Soy products, sesame seeds, walnuts, peas, pumpkin
seeds are some common sources of this wonder neurotransmitter. When
eaten in combination with carbohydrates, the amount of tryptophan taken
in is increased. Tryptophan is converted into serotonin (the feel good
chemical) and this in turn to melatonin (which is required for good
sleep).
Kava is another natural remedy for depression and it has been used for
hundreds of years by people living in the islands of the south pacific
region. It is often referred to as “ the calming plant” and brings along
with a feeling of well-being and contentment. Of course overuse of this
herb can cause a rash to break out. Gingko biloba is another herb,
which contributes to mental health. It is essentially an anti oxidant
and is very popular to combat depression.
For a long time, depression and nutritional imbalances have gone hand in
hand. A deficiency in certain vitamins or minerals could inhibit the
production of the neurochemicals ---the good feel chemicals. B vitamins
have always been in the news and Vitamin B6 is known to have assist
enzymes to convert amino acids to serotonin and norepinephrine –the good
mood chemicals. So a deficiency of Vitamin B12 or folic acid can cause
depression.
It has also been found that a deficiency in magnesium can lead to
nonspecific low mood levels. The point to be noted here is that
improvement in the levels of serotonin can be set right by eating the
right natural foods which contain the above elements. This in
combination with other forms of therapy can alleviate depression. In
fact ingestion of Vitamin C has been known to catalyze reactions, which
lead to the production of serotonin.
The traditional medicine of India
-Ayurveda advocates yoga,
massage and meditation, which increase “prana”or the energy of life. A
concoction of Ashwagandha and Brahmi powder steeped in water for 10
minutes and drunk twice or thrice a day is said to cure depression.
Another natural remedy for depression, which is widely advocated, is
drinking a “kasahayam” or tea made from the (Indian basil) tulsi and
sage. Massaging the body and head with herbal oil and then having a hot
water bath does wonders for the body and mind. These have been practiced
from time immemorial in India and are very popular forms of treatment.
In fact there are actually parlors which offer you this kind of
massage.
Yoga exercises helps in the increase of circulation of oxygen in the
system, helps the mind to relax, stretches the muscles and helps to
restore the neurochemicals. Deep breathing exercises or “pranayama” help
the body and mind to relax. By focusing on calm and peaceful things,
the mind tends to counter the negative energy, which is present.
Listening to music, playing your favorite songs, doing the things you
like-- all help to nullify depression. Going out with friends, visiting,
going to places you like - in short doing things that break away from
the routine and mundane can help to alleviate depression.
If it is possible try and discuss your problem with a friend or a good
counselor. When things are verbally expressed, the intensity of negative
force is drastically reduced and they may come up with certain ideas,
which helps you to deal with depression. Writing down your actual
thoughts and feelings also helps because by doing so, you are able to
give vent to whatever is troubling you. This does relieve you to a great
extent. Diversify your activities and work till you are tired. This
gives the brain the necessary impetus to focus on anything but the
problem causing depression.
Aromatherapy has gained popularity of late because of its ability to
help the body to relax and revive the nervous system. Inhalation of some
herbal oils like rose, jasmine, lime, and grapefruit is a natural remedy
for depression. Acupuncture is said to be a great mood enhancer. Eight
–10 weeks of acupuncture treatment culminates in mood elevation, which
is very similar to the elevation got by the use of anti depressants.
Last but not least, prayer is said to have the power to heal. Religious
practices and religious beliefs could help the person to cope with
depression. All these natural remedies for depression may be sufficient
by themselves if depression is not very severe, but in severe cases it
needs to be combined with medication.
~ M. Hemdev..
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