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Depression can be experienced in many different and diverse ways. It can manifest as disappointment, loss, stress or frustration. However, when someone experiences a clinical depression with at least two weeks of sadness, decreased appetite, sleep disturbance, loss of interest in sex, fatigue, low self-esteem, excessive guilt, decreased ability to concentrate, indecision and thoughts of death it is time to seek professional help.
This type of depression affects approximately 10% of the population, with no proven relation to socioeconomic factors or genetic predisposition. Depression in young people has tripled since the 1950s. Clinical depression can last from six months to a year, and one episode carries an increased likelihood of two to three recurrences during one's lifetime.
Besides deep psychological and spiritual causes there is a biological basis for depression. Two-thirds of people suffering from depression suffer from hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic back pain, chronic lung disease, arthritis and angina. Marginal deficiencies in folic acid, B12 and other nutrients are common causes of depression, as are the thousands of chemicals, pollutants, heavy metals and drugs that are toxic to the nervous system if taken for many years.
There are many anti-depressants that can help in a crisis situation, but they can act as a Band-Aid to suppress the symptoms, instead of balancing the body. Many of the herbs such as St. Johns Wart are safe and effective, but may not be as strong as needed to change the chemical imbalance present. With Homeopathy the goal is to change the spiritual, psychological and biological patterns that create depression. There are many remedies that help the body to balance itself, but here are a few of the most effective:
• Ignatia is the most well-known for acute loss of any kind, especially with silent grief, self-reproach, shame, anger turned inward and suicidal thoughts.
• Aurum manifests with the overly responsible, ambitious, workaholic. They struggle with the loss of money, respect, love, power and they feel life has lost its value. They are hopeless with despair and can have fits of anger with possible suicidal thoughts.
• Natrum Muriaticum works in people that have very deep emotional wounds. They exhibit a silent suppressed grief. They are responsible and sympathetic to others suffering. They can be guarded, closed defensive and overly sensitive. They dwell on past trauma and self-blame.
• Phosphoric Acid can be helpful for those that are apathetic and indifferent with a resignation about their lives. They struggle to gather their thoughts and may appear listless and weak. They have an overwhelmed feeling due to work, study, grief or a broken heart.
• Pulsatilla is indicated for those sweet, mild-mannered individuals that struggle to refuse others. They have a desire to give and receive love. The causes of their grief may be due to loss, jealousy, anticipation, disappointment or they may feel forsaken. Emotionally, they weep easily and are moody. They have much guilt or shame with rigid ideals.
• Sepia appropriate people are overwhelmed, tired and feel indifferent to loved ones. They can become emotionally closed or cold. They desire solitude and silence, but they like someone available nearby. Their emotions are sad, with weeping and have a desire to runaway. They can be very sarcastic and critical with hormonal imbalances.
It is not uncommon to have depression in your life, what is uncommon is to let it linger and progressively get worse over the years. There is a solution to help your body come back into balance naturally.
Linda Nelson is a classical homeopathic practitioner trained at the Homeopathy School of Colorado. She practices at the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado (www.imcwc.com). For more information, call Linda at 216-3526.
This type of depression affects approximately 10% of the population, with no proven relation to socioeconomic factors or genetic predisposition. Depression in young people has tripled since the 1950s. Clinical depression can last from six months to a year, and one episode carries an increased likelihood of two to three recurrences during one's lifetime.
Besides deep psychological and spiritual causes there is a biological basis for depression. Two-thirds of people suffering from depression suffer from hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic back pain, chronic lung disease, arthritis and angina. Marginal deficiencies in folic acid, B12 and other nutrients are common causes of depression, as are the thousands of chemicals, pollutants, heavy metals and drugs that are toxic to the nervous system if taken for many years.
There are many anti-depressants that can help in a crisis situation, but they can act as a Band-Aid to suppress the symptoms, instead of balancing the body. Many of the herbs such as St. Johns Wart are safe and effective, but may not be as strong as needed to change the chemical imbalance present. With Homeopathy the goal is to change the spiritual, psychological and biological patterns that create depression. There are many remedies that help the body to balance itself, but here are a few of the most effective:
• Ignatia is the most well-known for acute loss of any kind, especially with silent grief, self-reproach, shame, anger turned inward and suicidal thoughts.
• Aurum manifests with the overly responsible, ambitious, workaholic. They struggle with the loss of money, respect, love, power and they feel life has lost its value. They are hopeless with despair and can have fits of anger with possible suicidal thoughts.
• Natrum Muriaticum works in people that have very deep emotional wounds. They exhibit a silent suppressed grief. They are responsible and sympathetic to others suffering. They can be guarded, closed defensive and overly sensitive. They dwell on past trauma and self-blame.
• Phosphoric Acid can be helpful for those that are apathetic and indifferent with a resignation about their lives. They struggle to gather their thoughts and may appear listless and weak. They have an overwhelmed feeling due to work, study, grief or a broken heart.
• Pulsatilla is indicated for those sweet, mild-mannered individuals that struggle to refuse others. They have a desire to give and receive love. The causes of their grief may be due to loss, jealousy, anticipation, disappointment or they may feel forsaken. Emotionally, they weep easily and are moody. They have much guilt or shame with rigid ideals.
• Sepia appropriate people are overwhelmed, tired and feel indifferent to loved ones. They can become emotionally closed or cold. They desire solitude and silence, but they like someone available nearby. Their emotions are sad, with weeping and have a desire to runaway. They can be very sarcastic and critical with hormonal imbalances.
It is not uncommon to have depression in your life, what is uncommon is to let it linger and progressively get worse over the years. There is a solution to help your body come back into balance naturally.
Linda Nelson is a classical homeopathic practitioner trained at the Homeopathy School of Colorado. She practices at the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado (www.imcwc.com). For more information, call Linda at 216-3526.
