By Raisa Weisspapir
Q.: I was diagnosed with depression at 36, after giving birth to my child. During two years of endless battle with depression, I've seen many different specialists. They were trying to help me by prescribing drugs like Prozac, Cymbalta or Zoloft. I tried most of the common drugs but, unfortunately, they made me feel very weird or worse. Many of them have bad side effects. I just can’t take it anymore. Can Homeopathy help me?
A.: Yes, Homeopathy is a very beneficial and effective natural way of helping patients suffering from depression.
Prozac and other anti-depressive drugs give you a false sense of being okay when, in fact, they just mask remaining problems. Besides that, the side effects and withdrawal symptoms can be very difficult to handle.
Homeopathy gently initiates the healing process that can literally transform your life. Old hurts, griefs, anxieties, injustices, jealousies, and obsessions can be put in their proper perspective and released.
What is depression?
Many of us experience “the blues” at various points in our lives. The loss of a loved one, high levels of stress, bad relationship, money troubles or job problems- and we can feel a sense of utter hopelessness about the situation.
But if you or your loved ones are having "the blues" that last for a long period of time and interfere with day-to-day life, it could be a sign of depression. Please do not wait. Ask for professional help as soon as possible! Remember, you are not alone.
How do you know if you are depressed?
Usually, you might feel tired and low energy, cry easily, feel sad, can't concentrate, irritable, lose interest in your job, life doesn't seem fun anymore. You may also feel guilty or worthless, may sleep too much or too little, lose or gain weight and have various aches and pains such as headaches, digestive disorders, or chronic pains that do not respond to treatment.
Recognizing Teen Depression:
With teenage depression on the rise, it's important to recognize the signs at an early stage. Depressed teens may exhibit increased irritability rather than a despondent mood, or they may complain of physical ailments such as headaches or stomachaches. Some teenagers reveal their depression through behaviour problems such as fighting or having trouble at school. Also, if a formerly outgoing teen is very quiet now and withdrawn, they might suffer from depression.
Statistics
Look at these numbers: more than $8 billion annually in the USA, and $12 billion worldwide, are spent by millions of patients trying to improve their lives with antidepressant medications.
If you remember, Aldous Huxley predicted a future population of people “high” on “mood-enhancing” drugs, in his novel, Brave New World.
In my personal experience, I have seen as many as 40% of my middle-aged female patients, teenagers and even young children on these drugs!
Practical Tips
Improve Your Sleep
Sleep and mood are intimately related. Some studies show that insomnia may be a cause of depression.
Stop Negative Thoughts
Did you know that habitual negative thinking can lead to depression? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps to alter common patterns of negative thinking.
Exercise for Joy
Studies show that regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve mood.
Staying physically active is essential to achieve and enhance a good mental disposition. Exercise promotes brain excretion of “feel-good” chemicals called endorphins that increase the level of serotonin. That helps to distract from negative thoughts, increase resistance to stress, and enhance self-esteem.
Also, sweating helps detoxify the body.
I strongly believe that a combination of Homeopathic medicine, a balanced diet and an active healthy lifestyle help to find a renewed hope and develop a brighter spirit, give more energy, improve physical health and release the emotional pain of traumatic memories.