|
Clinical depression is a state of intense unhappiness (sadness/melancholy). The feeling is so severe that it starts affecting the persons day to day life. It disrupts his personal, social and professional life.
|
|
| Commonly people associate depression with feeling sad for no reason or lack of motivation. Clinical depression is much more serious and leads to constant negative feeling and also sometimes substance abuse. |
Commonly people associate depression with feeling sad for no reason or lack of motivation. Clinical depression is much more serious and leads to constant negative feeling and also sometimes substance abuse.
About 18% of population suffer form clinical depression at least once in their life before the age of 40. It is more common in women than in men, however the difference is fast shrinking. According to WHO (World Health Organization) clinical depression is expected to become the second largest cause of disability world wide after heart diseases by the year 2020.
- Heredity
- Research has shown that tendency to develop depression could be hereditary and run in families. National Institute of Mental Health, USA has declared in a press release that 40-70% major depression is inherited.
- Altered levels of neurotransmitters
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD); during winters when daylight is less
- Organic brain damage caused by degenerative conditions such as Parkinson disease, Multiple Sclerosis or by traumatic blunt force injury may contribute to depression,
- Prescription drugs such as hormonal contraception methods and steroids
- Reduced levels of omega-3 fatty acids in intensively farmed food and processed foods.
- Alcohol and other drugs: Alcohol can have a negative effect on mood, and misuse of alcohol, benzodiazepine-based tranquilizers, and sleeping medications can all play a major role in the length and severity of depression
- Postpartum depression: 10-15% of women experience a disabling and persistent form of mood disturbance like postpartum depression.
- Sociopsychological causes: Low self esteem, altered perceptions about ones own state and capabilities.
- Past unhappy experiences such as death of a parent, rejection, neglect, chronic illness, and physical, psychological, or sexual abuse can also increase the likelihood of depression later in life.
- Life experiences like loss of job, financial difficulties, divorce, stress at work, etc. may lead to depression.
The person suffering from Depression experiences the following symptoms
- Depressed mood
- Anhedonia or inability to experience pleasure from normally pleaseureable life events such as social interactions, eating, etc.
Other symptoms
- Overwhelming sadness and/or fear
- Lack of emotions
- Lack of interest in daily activities
- Change in appetite. Either increase or decrease of weight
- Altered sleep pattern. Either loss of sleep or increased sleep
- Mental and Physical fatigue
- Difficult concentration and decrease memory
- Feeling of guilt, anxiety, hopelessness, helplessness
- Unintentional and purposeless motions like walking around a room, wringing hands etc.
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self loathing and low self esteem
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Episodes of sobbing
- Behavioral changes like aggression and/or irritability
- In some people depression may lead to substance abuse such as alcoholism, mood alteration drugs, etc.
In some people depression may lead to substance abuse such as alcoholism, mood alteration drugs, etc.
Depression in children may be presented as
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Disturbed sleep nightmares
- Learning or memory problems which were not existent previously
- Significant behavioral changes like aggression, withdrawal, etc
- Do not start antidepressants on your own. Get yourself investigated for other causes of depression from a qualified physician.
- Relaxation techniques, regular exercises like aerobics and yoga help relax both mind and body.
- Regular meditation is useful. Begin by sitting in acomfortable position. With your back straight and your eyes closed. Choose a word such as "Aum" and repeat it silently to yourself. A busy schedule helps but do not overwork in keeping the mind occupied.
- A diet of whole grains, lean meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, low fat dairy products and vitamin B complex and selenium helps. Take plenty of carbohydrates.
- Identifying the cause of depression is the first step in overcoming it. Confront the cause and treat each problem separately - they will begin to appear less overwhelming. It is good to talk. Admitting you are unable to handle the problem alone may be difficult, but involving another person or a support group may be helpful. Discuss your grievances rather than bottling them up.
| Homoeopathic treatment | Top |
In the present scenario Homeopathy plays a vital role on management of Depression. Homeopathic medicines are known to positively influence the psyche of the person and help him to develop a positive attitude towards life so that he can cope better with day to day life and be more productive.
Before prescribing Homeopathic medicine a complete detailed case is taken. The study includes the physical and mental makeup of the person. His genetic predispositions and inherent tendencies too are taken into consideration. Only after evaluating all these factors an individualized constitutional medicine is prescribed. Homeopathic medicines in conjunction with supportive self help tools like meditation, hobbies, etc gives excellent relief.
The medicines are safe and effective; they do not react adversely with other medications and can be taken along with conventional medicines. They are not habit forming and help to overcome dependence on other conventional medicines.
|