According to the national mental health survey 2015–16, one in every 20 Indians has depression. India had over 2,58,000 suicides in 2012.
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in routine activities. Feeling low, upset, or sad occasionally is normal. However, being sad is not the same thing as being depressed.
A depressed person experiences persistent melancholy and hopelessness for several weeks. This interferes with routine activities and has a negative impact on their personal and professional lives. Also, depression can make life miserable for you and your loved ones. Homeopathy is an excellent way to achieve long-term natural relief from depression.
Role of Homeopathy in Depression
Homeopathic medicines treat underlying causes and relieve depression with its associated symptoms. These natural medicines do not slow your mental activity by making you dull and drowsy.
Constitutional medications prescribed for depression reduce your emotional oversensitivity. It lowers the symptoms of depression by regulating your happy hormone, serotonin. These medicines can cure depression without any side effects. The best part of using homeopathy for depression is that it will not make you dependent on medicines. Once your condition is treated, you can live a medicine-free life.
Top five homeopathic medicines for Depression
Ignatia amara (Ign.)
Common name: St. Ignatius bean
Ignatia is a homeopathic remedy preferred to treat cases of acute and chronic depression. Depression triggered by acute grief like the death of a loved one, break-ups in relationships, and life disappointments can be wonderfully treated with this remedy.
It is suited to those who always remain sad, with weeping spells. These people often isolate themselves and avoid social engagements. They remain absorbed in their thoughts and brood all the time. Depression with bipolar disorder can be successfully treated with Ignatia.
Natrium muriaticum (Nat-m.)
Common name: Chloride of sodium
Chronic depression can be treated with the homeopathic medicine Nat. mur. It is suited to sensitive individuals. These people get periodic episodes of weeping.
People who remain stuck in grief all the time and often dwell on the unpleasant memories of the past are treated with this remedy. Consolation aggravation is the keynote symptom of Nat. mur.
These people get offended easily and feel indifferent towards life. Lack of interest in doing any work is an indication of Nat. mur. Depression in women before periods can be managed with this remedy.
Sepia officinalis (Sep.)
Common name: Inky juice of cuttlefish
Sepia officinalis is a good homeopathic remedy for postpartum depression and menopausal depression. It is suited for women who show an aversion to their family and friends.
The most important symptoms indicating Sepia are sadness and loss of interest in doing mental or physical work.
This is indicated in women who become indifferent towards their appearance, kids, husband, family, and household chores. They are lost in worries and are often stressed. Irritability and self-pity are other indications of this remedy.
Aurum metallicum (Aur.)
Common name: Metallic gold
Aurum metallicum is one of the excellent treatments for depression with suicidal thoughts. Hopelessness with a feeling of worthlessness is an indication of Aurum met.
This remedy is useful for those who feel intense depression and disgust for life. They also have negative thoughts, feel their future is dark, and don’t deserve to live.
The depression in Aurum met. is so intense that they often desire death. However, there is also a great fear of death in these people. Aurum met. treats depression with sensitivity to noise, excitement, and confusion.
Kalium phosphoricum (Kali-p.)
Common name: Phosphate of potassium
Kalium phosphoricum is one of the best homeopathic medicines for depression with excess stress. This homeopathic medicine is suited to people who are constantly sad and moody. It helps those who fear crowds, open spaces, being alone, and death.
Depression with constant negative thoughts in their minds is an indication of Kali. phos.
Kali. phos. is a remedy effective for sleeplessness due to depression. Other indications of this remedy include anxiety attacks, weeping, and restlessness.
Causes of depression
The exact causes of depression are not fully understood. Some factors that play a role are as follows:
Genetics
Genetics play a major role in increasing the risk of developing depression.
Changes in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters)
Your brain communicates with its other parts through neurotransmission. This is a process where nerves transmit messages from one nerve to another. For this, it requires an essential chemical called neurotransmitter. Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that control your feelings, moods, emotions, happiness, and pleasure. A disruption in these chemicals can cause depression.
Hormonal changes
The onset of depression is associated with hormonal changes. These changes often occur during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.
Structural brain changes
Specific changes in the brain structure are believed to cause depression. A less active frontal lobe is one such structural change causing depression.
History of other mental disorders
Mental health issues like anxiety disorders, mood disorders, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, and bipolar disorder can increase the risk of depression.
Chronic illness
Those with chronic illness, chronic pain, and chronic disease can feel depressed.
Symptoms of depression
Persistent feelings of depressed mood with sadness are the main symptoms of depression. Other symptoms accompanying these are:
Mental symptoms
- Feeling hopeless, pessimistic, and worthless
- Feeling sad, gloomy, and empty
- Feeling irritable, angry, or upset
- Lack of interest in tasks and activities that were previously enjoyed
- Frequent episodes of weeping
- Lack of pleasure
- Social isolation and withdrawal
- Feeling of guilt
- Lack of concentration
- Thoughts of death, self-harm, suicide
Physical symptoms
- Feeling tired and low in energy
- Changes in sleep (excessive sleep or sleeplessness)
- Loss of sexual desire
- Speech issues
- Concentration difficulties
- Difficulty in performing tasks
- Altered appetite (loss of appetite or ravenous hunger)
- Weight loss or weight gain
Treatment for depression
Depression is among the treatable mental health issues. Several depressed individuals who get treatment have a positive response. Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depressive disorder. Treatment options for depression include:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy. This includes talking with a mental health therapist. In this therapy, you will be helped to identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
A CBT therapist will help you identify unhealthy patterns of thoughts and identify their effects on your behavior and reactions. During CBT, you will be taught to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
This therapy emphasizes accepting uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and behaviors instead of fighting them. It helps you accept harmful thoughts and make a recovery plan.
Psychodynamic therapy
Psychodynamic therapy can help you understand and cope with routine life. The concept behind this therapy is your childhood experiences shape your present day. Thus, the therapist will assist you in reflecting on your childhood experiences and understanding how to cope with them.
Light therapy
Light therapy includes exposure to white light that helps you regulate your mood.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
ECT is used in people with clinical depression or severe depression that is resistant to other treatments. Electrical currents induce a seizure to help people with clinical depression.
Medication
Antidepressant medications are prescribed to help change brain chemistry, causing depression.
Brain stimulation therapy ( BST)
BST helps people with severe depression or depression with psychosis. Different types of brain stimulation therapy include:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
Diet and lifestyle modifications for depression
Diet and lifestyle play a significant role in depression. A nutrient-rich diet and regular physical activity can positively impact mood and overall mental health. Maintaining a supportive social network is also essential to managing and preventing depression. Here are some tips to follow:
Exercise
Exercise three to five days a week with 30 minutes of physical activity. Exercise helps increase the release of endorphins, the happy hormones that elevate your mood.
Avoid using drugs and alcohol
Alcohol use or drug abuse may temporarily improve your mood. However, over time, these drugs may exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Set boundaries
Overwhelming feelings might make depression and anxiety symptoms worse. You might feel better by balancing your personal and professional life.
Self-care
Taking care of yourself can help with depression symptoms. This entails obtaining enough rest, maintaining a good diet, avoiding toxic people, and engaging in fun activities.
Conclusion
Depression can be a temporary or long-term issue. However, the good news is it can be treated. Homeopathy offers a holistic treatment for depression. It treats symptoms and the underlying causes of this complex disease.
Don’t let depression impact your life. Take control of your emotions and end suffering with homeopathy.
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