Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious illness. While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time and often without reason. One in five people experience depression at some stage of their lives.

 

Possible Symptoms

Poor appetite with weight loss, or increased appetite with weight gain, Insomnia or Hypersomnia (increased sleep), Physical Hyperactivity or Inactivity, Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities,
Decrease in Sexual Drive. Loss of Energy and Feelings of Fatigue, Feelings of Worthlessness,Self-reproach, or Inappropriate Guilt, Diminished ability to think or concentrate, Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, Muscle aches, Headaches, Backaches, Stomach problems and Generalized Pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome.


There are different types of depression and they often have slightly different symptoms and may require different treatments.  The five main types of depression are:-
1.    Major depression – experiencing a depressed mood longer than two weeks. 
2.    Psychotic depression – Depression plus psychosis (hallucinations).
3.    Dysthymia – a less severe form of depression that lasts for years.
4.    Mixed depression and anxiety – Symptoms of depression plus anxiety.
5.    Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depressive illness) – Periods of feeling low or depressed, followed by periods of feeling high or manic.

Possible Causes

Genetic inheritance, Brain Disease or Lesion, Post natal depression, Menopause, Hypothyroidism, Adrenal Function (Stress);

Pre-Existing Physical Conditions, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Lung Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Inflammation, Chronic Pain, Cancer, Liver Disease, Multiple Sclerosis:

Prescription Drugs, Antihypertensives, Antiinflammatories, Birth Control Pills, Antihistamines, Coricosteroids, Tranquilizers, Sedatives,

Premenstrual Syndrome, Stress or Low Adrenal Function, Heavy Metals and other Environmental Factors, Food Allergies, Hypothyroidism, Hypoglycemia, Hypothalamic-pituitary function and Sleep Disturbances.
Post surgery, Nutritional Deficiencies, Lack of Exercise, Drug-misuse including alcohol, recreational drugs, caffeine, nicotine, sugar etc
Aggression turned inward, Reaction to loss of a person, thing, status or self-esteem.

Foods to avoid

Alcohol, Excess Sugar, Caffeine, Refined carbohydrate, Foods that cause allergies, Excessive sources of omega 6 fatty acids such as Safflower oil, Sunflower oil, Corn oil and Soybean oil (used in most snack foods, cookies, crackers, sweets and fast foods)

A health promoting diet rich in whole, natural unprocessed foods, especially high in plant foods; vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds and nuts.
Small wild cold-water fish between 2 – 5 times per week.
Drink water – preferably filtered to avoid xeno-estrogens and heavy metals etc.  (6-8 glasses per day

Lifestyle to avoid

Smokin, Drug Mis-use

Lifestyle to embrace

Counselling, Regular Exercise, Extend light exposure on winter days, Use full-spectrum lighting throughout your indoor environment, Practice regular yoga (asana - physical), yoga breathing (pranayama) together with short relaxations. Develop a good work/life balance.Massage. Enjoy time with friends and family. Seek out laughter, play, fun and music Express yourself authentically and seek out meaningful conversation. Get back to nature. Develop a sense of community and get involved. Keep a symptom diary to help you and your health practitioner better treat your depression

Possible treatment in Consultation with your Natural Medicine Practitioner consider:-

 

Botanical Medicine – Hypericum perforatium (St. John’s wort), Piper methysticum – Kava Kava,
Gingko biloba, Damiana, Oats, Passion flower, , Siberian ginseng, Skullcap*, Valerian, Withania*
Periwinkle*, Black cohosh*, Beth root*, Lavender*, Schisandra* Vitex, St Marys Thistle –

* suitable for depression during menopause

Homoeopathic Remedies - Aconite, Arsenicum,Causticum, Anacardium, Aurum,Helleborus

Supplements - A full range high-potency multiple vitamin, Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin, Niacin (Vitamin B3),   Biotin, Pantothenic acid, B6, Folic acid. (Folate supplements should always be accompanied by B12 to prevent masking B12 deficiency), B12, Vitamin C, SAMI (S-adenosyl-methionine), Zinc, Selenium, Chromium, Omega 3 fatty acids, L-Tryptophan, 5-HTP

(Nutrient deficiencies are common in depressed individuals. And requires a professional assessment with your qualified natural medicine health professiona)

10 Easy Steps To Help Depression (clinically proven)