Depression

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental problems. A person undergoing depression might experience a tinge of sadness or be totally miserable and dejected.
There can be various physical or psychological symptoms of depression that go hand in hand. This problem is one of the most difficult to endure and difficult to cope. Modern living style puts lots of pressure on us and in turn contributes to depression. Monotony and drudgery of daily routine gives rise to depression. If left untreated, depression can lead to suicide.

Symptoms of Depression:

• Feelings of acute sense of loss and sadness
• Loss of energy and interest
• Sleep disturbance with waking up at 4 or 5 in the morning with depression and unable to sleep or unable to go to sleep, nightmares and waking up regularly from midnight.
• Guilt, oppressive feelings and self-absorption
• Loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, impotence or frigidity, irritability, constipation, aches and pains throughout the body
• Lack of concentration
• Lack of decision making power
• Loss of interest in eating
• Rapid loss of weight
• Frequent eating and weight gain
• Severe depression might show low body temperature and blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering.
• Suicide in extreme cases
Though two people face the same problems in their daily life, they do not suffer from depression to the same extent.

Causes of Depression :

• Depleted functioning of adrenal glands
• Irregular eating habits like excessive consumption of carbohydrates like cereals, white sugar, coffee, tea, chocolates with less amount of vegetables and fruits leads to digestive problems and assimilation of fats. This results in the compression over the diaphragm in the heart and lungs region, reducing supply of oxygen to the tissues. This raises the level of carbon dioxide level, leading to general depression.
• Excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs causing faulty assimilation of minerals and vitamins. E.g. aspirin causes deficiencies of vitamin C and antacids cause deficiencies of calcium and vitamin B
• Diabetes, low blood sugar and weakness of liver due to use of refined or processed foods, fried foods and an excessive intake of fats.

Treatment for Depression :

Doctors recommend anti-depressants, but they provide temporary relief and have harmful side-effects like liver damage, hypersensitivity, insomnia, hallucinations - a confused mind, convulsions, drop in blood pressure which leads to headaches and dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty in inhaling and urine retention. The better method is to change your diet, go for periodic exercise and relaxation and meditation.

Deficiency of some nutrients in the body may also be one of the causes of depression. Nutrients boost serotonin and norepinephrine, the chemicals responsible for enhancing the mood. Eating foods rich in vitamin V like whole grains, green vegetables, eggs and fish will give a boost to these chemicals.
Eating certain foods like bread, bananas, oranges and grapefruits improves mood, mental energy, performance and behavior. Whole-grain bread is very beneficial as it is rich in tryptophan, an amino-acid, which when enters the brain, boosts the levels of serotonin.

Bananas are a rich source of magnesium and increasing magnesium intake will lessen anxiety and improve sleep. Magnesium can be found in other sources like nuts, beans and leafy green vegetables. A minute deficiency of vitamin C can make a person irritated and depressed. Besides, this body will not be able to absorb iron, thus resulting in fatigue.

Avoid harmful foods like strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, all white products, white sugar, food colorings, chemical additives and strong condiments. Eat diet rich in fresh fruits, raw vegetables, salad, whole grain cereals and fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

Fruits like apple rich in vitamin B1, phosphorus and potassium are the best home remedies for treating depression, as they help in synthesizing glutamic acid responsible for controlling the wear and tear of the nerve cells. Eat one fruit every day with milk and honey, this is an effective nerve tonic and gives new energy and life to the nerve cells.

Cashewnut is very helpful in treating general depression and nervous weakness. It contains lots of B group vitamins, especially thiamine and stimulates appetite and nervous system. It is also a rich source of riboflavin, which keeps you active, energetic and gay.

Root of asparagus can also be used for treating depression. It is used in herbal medicine for treating mental disorders and is a good tonic for brain and nerves. Powered cardamom seeds boiled in water and added to tea can be used.

Lemon balm can used for depression since it helps in removing brain fatigue, lifts the heart and spirit from depression. Taking a cold infusion of this balm will exert calming influence on the nerves. Put 30 grams of this herb in half a liter of cold water. Let it stand for 12 hours. Strain this infusion ad take in small doses throughout the day. Taking the infusion of rose petals occasionally instead of tea and coffee will benefit.

Physical activity is the best treatment for depression. Exercise keeps you physically and mentally fit. It acts as nature’s best tranquilizer. It changes levels of hormones in the blood, raises beta-endorphins and makes autonomous nervous system more effective. Gives a feeling of accomplishment and reduces the feeling of helplessness. Asanas like vakrasana, bhujangasana, shalabhasana, halasana, paschimotanasana, sarvangasana and shavasana are very effective in depression.

To overcome depression and gain confidence incorporate rest, relaxation and meditation in daily life. Try to relax and meditate as often as possible.