Homeopathy & Depression
No one is exempt from depression, the ‘common cold’ of psychiatric illnesses.
We all go through depression sometime, or the other, yes — each in our own way. Besides, we all react to life’s innumerable problems differently.
When depression persists to a point where it affects your daily life, it often leads to a lack of ability to live normally.
What research says
Medical research says that depression may be ‘biologically- or genetically-based.’ Low levels of one neurotransmitter — norepinephrine — for instance, could trigger depression.
Symptoms
- Negativity in all aspects of life: a feeling of pessimism, or belief that nothing can make your life better
- Changes in sleep patterns: sleeplessness; disturbed sleep, getting up too early, or sleeping more than is necessary
- Changes in eating patterns: lack of or change in appetite, or eating too little or too much
- Fatigue; difficulty in concentrating or making decisions
- Isolation, withdrawal from people, and neglecting your appearance
- Persistent sadness; self-disgust
- Reduced libido
- Failure to experience pleasure [‘anhedonia’]
- Social withdrawal, digestive disturbances, gloom and, in certain cases, suicidal behaviour.
Depressive symptoms are among the most common complaints seen in medical practice. Surveys suggest that depression is extremely widespread, with certain cases never coming to the attention of doctors. Statistics suggests that the risk of depression over a lifetime is approximately 7 out of 10 for women; and, 4 out of 10 in men.
Homeopathy: The safe, effective treatment for depression
Homeopathy diagnoses the type of depression a person is experiencing, not just the problem by its name alone; it looks at each person [mind-body] as a completely unique individual. This is not merely based on the symptoms experienced during depression, but also on one’s personality or temperament, besides the likely cause of depression.
- Depression is one of the most commonly treated conditions by homeopathic doctors worldwide. In a 6-year study of 6,544 patients, published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a large group of patients were treated with homeopathic medicines for depression. 71 per cent of such patients improved.
- In another study of 1,783 patient conditions, published in Homeopathy, depression was the most frequently treated condition. 63.06 per cent of depressed patients, among them, experienced significant improvement with homeopathic treatment.
Homeopathic medicines for depression not only help depressed patients, who first and foremost suffer, or have problems to recover, from depression; they have also been shown to reduce ‘related’ depression in patients having fibromyalgia [a medical condition characterised by chronic widespread pain and a heightened pain response to pressure], or following oestrogen [the female hormone] withdrawal in cases of breast cancer.
Most important. Homeopathy has the potential to offer a fairly cost-effective, effectual and safe alternative treatment plan for depression, in comparison to conventional medicine, while contributing significantly to reduced lost workdays — without side-effects.
Self-Help
- Sit quietly; think what exactly is disturbing you
- Take a good look at how you respond to daily events
- See how you can make adjustments to reduce your stress levels
- Don’t blame others for your problems
- Exercise regularly for 30 minutes, 4-5 times a week; or, go for a 30-minute walk, 4-5 times a week. Exercise helps to release endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ chemicals
- Eat healthy and nutritious food, with 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables, everyday
- Avoid sugar and caffeine. Remember: sugar and caffeine raise your stress levels
- Develop a hobby to take your mind away from stressful distress
- Try relaxation, yoga, meditation, listening to soft, soulful music [with less than 60 beats per minute]
- Become socially involved; watch a TV comedy show. Laugh your stresses out
- Consult your homeopathic doctor. Follow-up on a regular basis.
