Depression can be a completely appropriate response to a sudden life crisis. The symptoms include: difficulty concentrating, thoughts of suicide, changes in sleeping habits, changes in weight, fatigue, feelings of being out of control, great sadness, self-blame and guilt.  Basically there are two main types of depression, unipolar - in which there are low moods only, and bipolar - in which there are extreme highs and lows.  Some people experience depression only during the winter, this is known as SAD (seasonal effective disorder).  Depression does not have to be a life long condition; there are ways of combating it.  Taking action is always better than not taking action, and self-help methods are preferable because people who are depressed often feel that there is nothing they can do for themselves.

Depression can also be caused as a side effect of drugs including barbiturates, tranquillisers, beta-blockers, heart drugs – particularly those containing resperine – drugs used to treat high blood pressure, corticosteroids, antiparkinsonian drugs, amphetamines, pain killers, arthritis drugs, anti-convulsants, antibiotics and drugs used to treat alcoholism.

So often a person will visit their medical professional because of depression and be prescribed antidepressants.  While there are certainly occasions when these are really necessary, at least for a short time, or in emergency situations, it is worth remembering that they do have side effects and many do not help long term, as they do not deal with the real cause behind the emotion. The drug paroxetine is a SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), or a 5HT drug, that is often prescribed.  Paroxetine works by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, this type of drug takes about four weeks to work, and stays in the body several weeks after you stop taking it.

Prozac, another SSRI drug, has been known to affect nearly every system of the body, including nervous, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, urogenital and the skin. Side effects can include: visual disturbances, palpitations, mania/hypomania, tremors, symptoms of flu, cardiac arrhythmia, back pain, rashes, sweating, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, double vision, memory loss, cataracts or glaucoma, asthma, arthritis, osteoporosis, stomach bleeding and kidney inflammation.  Another side effect associated with Prozac is sexual dysfunction in up to 75 per cent of users.  Of course, not everyone suffers all these side effects, but it is not unusual for side effects of one sort or another to be reported when taking these drugs. Some of these side effects are identical to the symptoms the depressed person is being treated for!  Bearing all these possible side effects in mind we suggest you look at the other alternatives if possible before resorting to antidepressants. If you are considering cutting down, or stopping, your prescribed medication, please first ask the advice of the medical practitioner who gave you your prescription. This is important, as stopping abruptly may be dangerous for your health.

Stress, Depression and diet

Most people don’t realise how closely depression and stress are connected with their diet.  Poor eating habits can cause depression by failing to provide the adequate nutrition necessary for proper functioning within the body.  Depression may be due to very high, or low, levels of dietary fat.  It is thought that there is a link between cholesterol levels and mood swings.  Studies suggest that men with low cholesterol levels are at greater risk.  Many other studies show that a very low fat diet causes depression and lack of mental concentration.  Low cholesterol levels can make people feel almost suicidal.  Besides too much or too little fat, caffeine and sugar can make you depressed.  Studies have shown that cutting out caffeine and sugar for as little as one week can lift depression!   Food allergies and moulds have been proven to provoke depression too.  At least 30 per cent of cases of chronic depression are associated with low production of thyroid hormones.  Smoking, which can decrease thyroid function, has been linked with double the risk of depression.  Consuming too much iodine can produce under- or over-active thyroids; a better alternative is to try the homeopathic remedy, Iodum provers, which can increase the levels of circulating thyroid hormones. 

Suggestions to help beat depression

• Follow a low saturated-fat diet.
• Eliminate caffeine.
• Supplement a wholefood diet with the following vitamins:
• Folic Acid (2mg)
• Vitamin C,
• Vitamin B6
• Manganese
• Zinc 
• Niacin (B3)
• Omega-6 fatty acids (evening primrose oil 500mg - 200mg daily)
• Introduce daily meditation into your life, or use an 'Orion' light machine
• Or relaxation/visualisation (15 to 20 mins a day)
• Take up regular, gentle exercise, like Tai Chi, Yoga or Chi Kung
• Consider counselling, St Johns Wort (non-sedative action)
• Siberian Ginseng (non-sedative action)

There are some wonderful successes to be had from making simple dietary and lifestyle changes, but please don't struggle on alone, depression is serious.  It is not weak to ask for help, all therapists acknowledge that it takes strength to ask for, and accept, assistance.  Never give up and believe it can't get better, it can.

Flower Remedies

Many of the flower remedies appear to deal with this condition.  You will need to get past the apparent symptoms and discover the real cause of the problem. 

Ayurveda

For Vata types depression is associated with fear and anxiety.  Rubbing the scalp and soles of the feet with Sesame Oil is soothing and healing for Vatas.  Psychologically Vata depression is connected with loneliness, try to spend more time with other people.

For the Pitta type, depression can be associated with anger or loss of control.  These types entertain thoughts of suicide - this is serious and you should consult your medical professional.  Meditation is particularly helpful in healing Pitta depression and drinking Ginkgo Biloba tea twice a day is helpful too, use half a teaspoon in a cup of hot water, leave to infuse for 5 - 10 minutes.

Kapha types tend to be very sleepy and gain weight along with their depression.  Increasing the amount of exercise you do and doing Chi Kung breathing exercises are helpful for Kaphas.  

Helpful Juices 

• Sage 6 leaves
• Carrots 4
• Celery 3 sticks
• Thyme small sprig
• Parsley 1 handful
• Rosemary 2 teaspoons

This juice is cleansing and calming and increases vital energy.  It provides B vitamins and reviving aromatic oils.

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