What to do against depression
Depression is a problem commonly seen today in both women and men. Every year, it causes emotional suffering in millions of people, affecting their daily lives, work, and family life, and increasing the risk of physical illness. It can sometimes even lead to suicide. Depression is the most common mood disorder. Worldwide, one in every five women and one in every ten men experience depression at least once in their lifetime, and in a third of these people, the condition becomes chronic. In European Union member countries, approximately 43,000 people commit suicide each year, and most of these cases are related to depression.
Depression arises due to hormones, seasonal conditions, genetics, developmental problems, or psychosocial factors. Symptoms such as guilt, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, lack of confidence, sensitivity, loss of energy, loss of appetite and sexual desire, headache, and difficulty sleeping comfortably can stem from depression. However, although depression can sometimes become complex and make a person's life difficult, there is not just one but many ways to treat it.
CAN DEPRESSION BE TREATED WITH NATURAL METHODS
Although amphetamines were used for 60 years to "lift the mood" of those experiencing depression, they have now given way to medications. Although commonly used antidepressants are effective in treating depression, they can cause side effects such as anxiety, agitation, and digestive disorders. Of course, antidepressant medications are not the only solution for balancing brain chemistry. Diet, exercise, nutritional support products, and medicinal herbs can increase the level of natural mood-boosting compounds our body produces.
In fact, one of the fundamental principles in treatment should be to diagnose and eliminate the underlying cause of the depression. In addition, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiency or excess, and environmental and microbial factors that could trigger depression should be brought under control. For example, a deficiency of vitamin B6, B12, C, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can cause depression. In fact, sometimes the first and earliest sign of thyroid disease can present in the form of depression. First, all these parameters should be investigated, and in order to be able to make the necessary biochemical changes in the brains of people with depression, patients should first be instilled with optimism. Because optimistic people rarely become depressed, while pessimistic people are prone to depression and other illnesses.
Teaching patients to gain more control over their lives is more effective than the biochemical changes medications will make. The most powerful methods of healing are carefully listening to the messages coming from your body and soul, taking care of yourself, and setting aside time to nourish your spirit.
RECOMMENDATIONS AGAINST DEPRESSION
Medicinal herbs: Medicinal herbs have been used for treatment purposes throughout history. The active ingredient of many traditional medicines has been obtained from plants. The main herbs beneficial in treating depression are: St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus).
Herbal teas: When you take a break, instead of sipping coffee, choose to drink non-stimulating, adrenal-friendly herbal teas to relax. Herbal teas including mint, chamomile, valerian, passionflower, or skullcap have a soothing effect. Drinking these teas protects you from the overstimulating effects of caffeine.
Calming tea recipe:
- 1 tablespoon chamomile flowers
- 1 tablespoon linden flowers
- 1 tablespoon catnip
- 2 cups water
Preparation: Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs, cover for 15 minutes to steep, and strain. You can drink up to 4 cups a day.
AROMATHERAPY
Aromatic oils have a distinct effect on the limbic system, the center of our brain responsible for emotions and memory. Aromatic oils used against depression are obtained from basil, bergamot, cedarwood (Juniperus), clary sage (Salvia sclarea L), frankincense (Boswellia thurifera), geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, jasmine, myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), rose oil, sandalwood, spruce oil, and orange.
OTHER METHODS
Hormonal imbalances underlie all psychological problems, and it is possible to regulate these with neural therapy. Limbic system regulation through applied kinesiology, one of the complementary medicine methods, is quite effective in treating depression. It is possible to prevent, and even treat, mild depression using psychotherapy, acupuncture, and magnetic field therapy. Nevertheless, if there is no improvement, a psychiatrist should be consulted without delay.