WHEN DEPRESSION HITS

We all go through stages where we feel depressed. It can affect our appetite, sleep, self esteem and general outlook on life. It may be short lived and we often snap out of it.

Depressive disorders may arise when the symptoms without treatment, continues for weeks, months, or years.

Major or clinical depression consists of symptoms that interfere with our basic everyday activities – work, study, sleeping, eating and recreation.

If these symptoms are familiar to you, speak to your healthcare professional to help you get back on track.You always feel sad, anxious, restless, and irritable, fatigued or lack a healthy self esteem.

• Sleep changes – you need more sleep or keep waking up in the middle of the night or early morning.
• Change in appetite – may be increased or decreased, leading to weight gain or loss.
• You seem to lack vitality and lust for life – activities that were fun before seem uninteresting

You may experience other symptoms such as chronic pain that doesn’t respond to treatment.

• Everything seems so difficult, poor concentration
• Thoughts of suicide or death.
• Triggers for depression

Brain chemicals, called ‘neurotransmitters’ – high and low levels may cause or contribute to clinical depression. Women are more prone to clinical depression compared to men. Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause may be the answer.

Chronic illness or conditions can bring on clinical depression
Medications – side effects of some medications
Genetic tendency – especially bipolar
Everyday living gets too difficult – divorce, financial problems or the death of a loved one etc.
What natural therapies can help?

St John’s wort – clinical trials using extracts of St John’s wort have focused mainly on its effects in patients with mild depression (also associated with menopause), nervous tension and anxiety. It has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and nervous tension.

There have been a number of studies on the use of SAMe for depression. SAMe increases the availability of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.

• B group vitamins – support the nervous system
• Vitamin B6 has been clinically proven to be of benefit to patients with premenstrual symptoms in particular anxiety and depression.
• Calcium and magnesium – are calming minerals important for nerve transmission.
• Fish oil – research suggests eating fish lowers the risk of depression and suicide and the prevalence of depression is lower in countries with higher fish consumption.
• Take it easy and give yourself a break. Set realistic goals.
• Take small bites – break large tasks into small ones, set priorities.

If you are not up to it, leave important decision making to when you are feeling better.

Let your family and friends know what you are going through. It is good to talk about how you are feeling. If there is a time when any important decisions can’t be put on hold they can help sort out the situation.

Don’t overburden your body with the extra stress of late nights, alcohol, excessive caffeine and junk food. Get adequate rest and follow a healthy diet

Chill out – exercise and stretching helps clear your mind and relax your muscles. Try deep breathing exercises and meditation if you can’t slow down

Take time out every day to do something YOU enjoy

Speak to your Naturopath or healthcare professional at Go Vita about how you are feeling.

For more information, Visit: Naturopath | Vitamins and Supplements