Exploring Depression
By Monica Hirai Depression is very common. Most of us have felt down at times, but serious depression is a downer over a longer period.( The purpose of this article is in no way intended for diagnostic or prescribing purposes, but is simply a brief overview of a very complex topic.) It is important to understand what depression is in order to do anything about it. There are varying degrees of depression. Sometimes people can feel depressed a little and it goes away easily. Sometimes people can be depressed a lot, and it doesnt go away, but leads to suicidal tendencies. These would represent the two ends of a continuum. Where do you fall on the continuum? When considering this continuum idea, you can see different people will need different treatment. Not all people will need help, as some can overcome it on their own, but any depression that continues for more than 2 weeks needs attention from a qualified practitioner. Depression is often associated with low serotonin levels, but this doesnt, in my opinion, lead to a very explicit definition of depression. (At least one that most people can understand.) A better way, I believe, to start understanding depression is to think of depression as this: When a person requires something outside themselves to motivate them or make them feel happy. In other words, they lack the inner motivation or ability to take care of their own happiness. They are heavily reliant on other people, places, and things. One warning: Do not confuse being tired with being depressed. You can be tired without being depressed, but you usually dont have depression without being tired. It is also worth mentioning that anxiety, euphoria, irritability, unreasonableness, and mood swings often accompany depression A lack of serotonin will make one tired. A lack of melatonin will cause sleep imbalances. Also, low serotonin levels will cause low melatonin levels as well, because some serotonin will convert to melatonin in the evening to help induce sleep. Going back to my definition, this creates an umbrella, which I believe many people will reside under. It is just a matter of degree. A lot of people are dealing with depression and dont realize it. I have seen this a lot and it is sad because people arent living up to their potential. Depression even in small amounts can hurt ones self-esteem and the ability to accomplish their best in life. What are the causes? What can we do about it? First of all, depression that gets worse needs to be seen by a qualified practitioner or doctor. Some people have found some drugs to be helpful. But usually the drugs are a short-term solution and those who are on them, need to address the deeper problems. Depression can be caused by unresolved anger, toxic liver /colon, very run-down weak immune system, run-down brain from stress, living with toxic people, food allergies, dietary imbalances, abuse as a child, blood sugar imbalances etc. The causes are numerous as are the solutions. Solutions would be; reduce unnecessary stress, 12 step programs for the codependent or drug abuse, Cognitive therapy to change thoughts, Acupuncture, Herbs like St. Johns wort, Black Cohosh, Lemon Balm, Damiana, Ginkgo, Ginseng ; Minerals like trace minerals, chromium for blood sugar imbalances; B vitamins, Essential Fatty Acids like; Flax oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, Hemp Oil, Fish Oils, or Combinations of any of the oils; Vitamin C, antioxidants like Grape Seed Extract, Pine Bark Extract, Essential Oils like; Geranium, Lemon, Grapefruit, Ylang Ylang etc. The more severe the depression, the more intense the program you will need to follow. There are ways to prevent depression. Here are a few suggestions to put into practice: a) Dont take on too much. Bite off what you can chew, but no more. b) Prioritize your to-do list. Remember you are human, not a machine. c) If you have abuse issues, seek appropriate help. d) Learn to ask for help if you need it. Dont do it on your own. e) Concentrate on what you can change, not what is beyond your control. f) Eat according to your blood type. Diet is huge in mental health. Whatever you do for yourself to help your depression heal, try to seek out a Holistic Practitioner that can help you find the right solution for you. Don’t walk alone. It is more time-efficient and cost effective to pay someone to help you than for you to try one thing at a time with less than satisfactory results. Build trust in people and yourself by asking for the help you need. This will help you find your way better. Eventually, you will be able to trust your own gut instinct which really is considered your second brain! Give yourself a happy heart and smile again! About the Author: Monica Hirai, Certified Herbalist, Holistic Practitioner, Owner of Hirai Health Services, helps humans of all ages to obtain maximum health through herbs, homeopathic remedies, diet and aromatherapy. Can you say that you feel better today than you have before? I can. Being a proponent of Holistic Healing, I like to practise what I preach to others, in my practice as a Certified Herbalist/Holistic Practitioner. I was working in Medical Lab Science, but looking for a career change. Through finding solutions to my own problems, I realized I wanted to be a Practitioner of the Holistic Healing Arts. After receiving training, in most of the therapies I have used on myself, I started using them with other people with great results. Colon hydrotherapy, herbs, aromatherapy, homeopathic remedies, iridology, healing energy therapies, cranial bodywork, ABO dietary counseling, tongue/pulse reading are useful in treatment as well as in understanding where problems originate. Thus I integrate healing based on all the layers of the body, physical, emotional and mental. A truly holistic experience! Call today 403-276-5756 or visit my website for more information ==>http://www.hiraihealth.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Monica_Hirai http://EzineArticles.com/?Exploring-Depression&id=198671 eliminat credit card debt debt termination chase mortgage credit card debt elimination christian debt elimination credit card debt consolidation debt elimination
