Depression is an illness often misunderstood by those who have not suffered from it.
Friends and colleagues with the attitude 'pull yourself together and carry on' are not helpful because sometimes the person suffering from depression simply can't pull themselves out of it.
It is estimated that a quarter of all people in the UK will suffer from depression at some time in their lives which makes it one of the most common illnesses of our time.
People seem to forget that depression is a treatable illness. However badly you feel at the moment will ease with time. Depression can be cured. There are a variety of natural treatments, remedies and help available to help you get better faster.
Am I suffering with depression?
There is a difference between depression and a low mood or feeling fed up. Depression is much more intense. It is a persistent feeling of sadness, emptiness, loss and dread. People who have been depressed say it's like living under a massive black cloud which takes over all parts of their life. Things often seem worse just after waking in the morning, and a feeling of extreme lowness can make it hard to get out of bed. The things you used to enjoy no longer bring you pleasure. Even the slightest upset makes you cry and you may snap at people around you. The world may feel shrouded by negativity and you may begin to never see the good side in a situation. These are some of the most common feelings associated with depression and if you feel all of these things together with some of the following feelings then you could well be in a state of depression.
- Loss of concentration and not being able to make decisions
- Sleep problems are common - some can't get to sleep whilst others sleep on and on
- Lack of energy, you may feel very slow and lethargic.
- Increase or decrease in appetite, leading to loss or gain in weight
- Loss of sexual appetite
- Feeling constantly tired
When should I seek professional help?
Don't wait until you reach the stage when you feel you can't cope with the feelings of despair, and day to day existence becomes a struggle. If your low mood begins to affect all parts of your life, you may even contemplate suicide. Seeking help will lift you out of depression quicker, you will gradually feel better in time. Depression is not a weakness of character, it is a treatable illness.
Can complementary therapy alleviate the symptoms?
There are many ways in which symptoms can be improved without the use of anti-depressant drugs. Complementary therapy encourages you to help yourself by introducing you to ways of enhancing and changing your lifestyle for the better. A depressed person often finds it difficult to fully relax themselves and often sees relaxation as laziness.
Massage is a fantastic stress release tool. Massage in its physical form is deeply relaxing and can be enhanced by an aromatherapist who uses a blend of oils to help alleviate both physical and mental anxieties. An aromatherapist is qualified to ask specific questions on your condition and blend oils according to the symptoms you are experiencing.
Combating anxiety is the foundation for the recovery from depression and panic attacks, therefore, the depressed person may find it a great benefit to learn how to meditate correctly. When the body experiences total relaxation through meditation, their mental clarity starts to improve and then maybe problems can be put into perspective. Yoga is exercise for the whole body and mind and can be a good way to help you deal with the low moods and unhappiness you feel.
It is well known that colour affects our mood and can enhance both elation and depression 'we are in a black mood', 'we feel blue', 'we see red'! Colour therapy works by studying a pattern of vibrations produced by your body which can be deciphered by a trained colour therapist. If you feel depressed, your body produces an unbalanced pattern of vibrations. The therapist aims to adjust these patterns, restoring balance. It has been proved that depression responds well to colour therapy.
Chiropractic and osteopathy ease headaches, neck ache and back pain by manipulating the skeleton. Because constant pain is one of the causes leading to depression symptoms can be alleviated. These therapies also boost energy levels helping the depressed person overcome day to day difficulties.
Bach Flower Remedies are a good way for us to help stay in balance and move forward. Recognising exactly how you feel is very important when it comes to choosing the most appropriate Bach Flower Remedy. You can take remedies one at a time or mix them together. Because they work in such a gentle way they are free of side effects.
* Mustard - deep gloom with no explanation.
* Star of Bethlehem - Shock
* Sweet Chestnut - Deep Despair
* Walnut - Protection from outside influences
* Wild Oat - Undecided about your direction in life.
Reflexology can also ease away tension by working on specific points on the foot which correspond to emotional and physical ailments. Reflexology can leave you feeling lighter, more energetic and ready to face the world.
Complementary therapies are very effective in treating all aspects of a person, their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual sides. Therefore depression respond well to this type of treatment.
If you wish to try complementary therapy for yourself, find a qualified professional therapist who is fully insured. Check out their qualifications through the professional body they belong to.
Discuss your condition and events which may have lead to it in full detail. Complementary therapy is only effective if you are totally honest with the therapist, and don't hide any important details from them, however hard it may be for your to talk about past traumas, etc.