What is Depression ?
It can be an extremely daunting task for a depressed person to discuss their feelings
with friends, family, or their doctor. Depression can be overwhelming and the sufferer,
although feeling isolated and alone, will often resist seeking help. Depression
is an illness that can affect anyone and should not be perceived as a sign of weakness.
It is, therefore, extremely important that any sufferer of depression is encouraged,
by family and friends, to seek treatment.
Depression manifests as feelings of sadness, pessimism, hopelessness and general
lack of interest in life. Almost everyone has times of feeling down but these feelings
usually pass quickly. However, in some cases, these feelings are more severe and
persistent. If depression occurs without any apparent cause, persists and deepens,
then this may be a symptom of an underlying psychiatric illness.
Depression may be the result when the body is exposed to constant stress that the
sufferer may find overwhelming. There are many stressors that can cause depression
such as allergies to environmental factors, nutritional deficiencies or excesses,
work related stress, etc.
Who Is Affected by Depression?
Depression is the most prevalent psychiatric illness with between 10 and 15 percent
of people having an episode at some time in their lives (usually in the milder form).
Depression is more common in women, affecting about one in six as opposed to one
in nine men. There may be a predisposition towards depressive disorders, although
it is unclear to what extent genetic factors play a role.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
A person may be suffering from clinical depression if they experience a low mood
continually for more than two weeks.
Symptoms vary with the severity of the illness.
In mild depression the main symptoms are: -
- Anxiety.
- Variable mood.
- Crying, for no apparent reason.
In more severe depression: -
- Loss of appetite.
- Insomnia.
- Hypersomnia (sleeping all the time).
- Loss of interest in life.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of concentration.
- Low self-esteem.
- Extreme agitation.
- Contemplation of suicide.
Allopathic Treatment Options
Drug therapy, using anti-depressant drugs, is used for people who have predominantly
physical symptoms.
Psychotherapy is used, either individually or in group therapy, where it
is most useful for people where personality and their life experiences are the cause
of the depression. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), although rarely used
for decades, is once again being used by some hospitals to treat the more severe
cases. Electroconvulsive therapy is usually used on the very severe cases of depression,
especially if the person is delusional or has failed to respond to other treatments.
Complementary Treatment Options
Experience has shown that both Shiatsu and Qigong have been found to be beneficial in the treatment
of depression, creating a feeling of wellbeing. Shiatsu is usually experienced as
deeply relaxing and practitioners can work with conditions of both acute and chronic
natures.
Herbal
- Gentian (Gentiana lutea) – used for cases of mild depression.
- Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) – an excellent tonic where nevous exhaustion
has led to depression.
Vitamin
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – Large doses appear to energise depressed
people.
- Pantothenic acid – Has a tension-relieving effect.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) – combats stress.
- Magnesium – Known as the stress mineral, it is necessary for the
functioning of the nerves.
- Calcium – Makes you more relaxed.
Pro-Holistic provides Shiatsu,
Healing Chi Kung therapy, on-site massage, Stress Mangement courses, and Stress Mangement workshops. We also provide tuition in Chi Kung,
Tai Chi, Neijia,
and self defence.