WISHING YOU HEALTH, WELLNESS & HAPPINESS IN THE NEW YEAR

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DEPRESSION

Although the holidays are thought of by most of us as times of fun, family, feasting, and the company of loved ones, for some (especially in light of our country’s current financial situation), it is a time of sorrow, loneliness, hopelessness, uncertainty and strain. However, I trust that the majority of you will have a warm and wonderful heart-felt time. For those struggling with loneliness, sorrow or mild to moderate depression, I hope the following article will be of some assistance as a starting guideline during this holiday season.

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder and a major health problem in the United States (an estimated 11 million people yearly). Depression is a mental state characterized by varying degrees of feeling down or blue or a constant sense of despair and lack of motivation. It is classified as mild, moderate or severe and by degree of frequency. According to the American Psychiatric Association, to be classified as clinically depressed, the following criteria must be met: 1. poor appetite with weight loss or increased appetite with weight gain, 2. insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping), 3. physical hyperactivity or inactivity, 4. loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, or decreased sex drive, 5. loss of energy and feelings of fatigue, 6. feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach, or inappropriate guilt, 7. diminished ability to think or concentrate, 8. recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression occurs in all age groups, particularly the elderly and young. At any age it is twice as common in females as in males. Individuals with mild depression are often treated without medication and are encouraged to find relief by spending time doing things they enjoy like exercising, eating better & healthier foods (nutrition and diet changes), laughter and other stress management techniques.

For the more serious forms of depression where possible harm to self or others is apparent, a medical doctor or psychotherapist should be contacted right away where pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy may be used.

CAUSE(S):
There can be a multitude of causes for depression and often they are difficult to clearly detect. They can be in the realm of emotional or biological (which would include possible toxic environmental elements, chemical imbalance and/or nutrient deficiencies) or a combination of both. Some of the more typical and well-known causes of depression are listed below.

• Emotional
• Bereavement
• Job loss (finances)
• Unrealistic expectations
• Childhood environment
• A cold, uncaring upbringing
• Divorce
• Neglect
• Mid life crisis
• Loss of a parent
• Biological
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Physical abuse
• Oral contraceptives
• Chemical toxicity/Drug abuse
• Mental disease and nervous disorders
• Anti-hypertensives such as reserpine
• Viral infections
• Postpartum depression
• Cerebral allergies
• Alcoholism
• Heredity
• Chemical deficiencies
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Chronic disease

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Some symptoms of depression, such as feelings of guilt or inadequacy, may be apparent only to the person experiencing them. However, these feelings may bring about noticeable changes in behavior and attitude that are visible to others close to them.

• Anorexia
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Sexual dysfunction
• Impaired concentration
• Relationship withdrawal
• Inability to find pleasure
• Inexplicable mood swings
• Early morning waking
• Headache
• Constipation
• Anxiety attacks
• Frequent crying spells
• Gastrointestinal pain
• Overreacting to little things
• Emotional instability
• Sleep disturbances
• Inability to get out of bed

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS

1. Decrease the amount of protein and fat from animal sources.
2. Eat more toxin-free fish (salmon, halibut, cod, mackerel) and turkey.
3. Increase your intake of complex carbohydrates from organic fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Consume more whole grains, beans and seeds (supply essential fatty acids).
5. Avoid or limit the use of refined white sugar, flour and junk foods.
6. Avoid fried foods and foods high in saturated fats.

NUTRIENTS

• B-complex vitamins are essential for proper brain function and carbohydrate metabolism.
• Choline and Inositol are two B-vitamins that support neurotransmission in the brain and assist the liver in fat metabolism (in Chinese medicine poor liver function is said to affect mood).
• Niacin, another member of the B-complex family, increases circulation to the brain and aids the liver in fat and cholesterol management.
• Vitamin C supports the immune system, enhances circulation, protects brain cells from free-radical damage, and helps combat depression.
• Chromium (GTF or Picolinate) assists in the metabolizing of fat, maintaining muscle tone and the production of energy.
• S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (Same-e) in several studies was found to produce a significant reduction in pain, decrease rates of depression and lower homocysteine levels which are linked to depression and Sam-e availability.
• 5-HTP a form of L-Tryptophan has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain and reduce pain and depression found in people suffering from chronic pain conditions.
• L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that aids the body in combating stress and elevates levels of dopamine one of the feel good brain neurotransmitters. (Caution: Do not take with MAOI, i.e., Nardil).
• L-Taurine is an important antioxidant, immune system regulator, white blood cell activator.
• Essential Fatty acids (EFA), especially from fish oil such as salmon, mackerel and cod is crucial for assisting in proper brain function and blood lipid balance.

LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENT

• Participate in a regular exercise program (30 - 45 minutes daily, 4 - 5 times weekly).
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, sedatives and antihistamines.
• Get out in the morning sun 3 - 4 times a week (before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m.)
• Spend more time at parks, hiking, beaches and strolling your neighborhood.
• Spend more time laughing and playing with children and animals.
• Become involved with yoga, meditation, Tai chi, prayer or mental imagery.

HERBAL APPROACHES
St. Johns’s Wort has a long history of combating depression and anxiety. Research indicates that one of the active compounds hypericin shows positive effects against anxiety, depression and feelings of worthlessness. (Caution: Do not take if pregnant, avoid intense sun exposure).

Ginkgo biloba has shown benefit in combating depression by improving blood flow to the brain and by enhancing long and short-term memory. (Caution: In large amounts, ginkgo may cause diarrhea, irritability and restlessness in some individuals).

Gotu kola, an East Indian herb, works much like ginkgo by improving circulation throughout the entire body, especially the brain. It takes part in revitalizing both the mental and physical body stores of energy. In India it is used as an antiaging herb. (Gotu kola is caffeine free and has no listed cautions).

Siberian ginseng has a solid history for improving the function of various organs and glandular systems, enhancing the production of energy and the libido and creating a sense of well-being.

Licorice root, besides having wonderful gastrointestinal soothing abilities, it contains at least eight different antidepressant compounds. (Caution: Long-term use could result in headache, lethargy and high blood pressure).

Ginger, besides being a good circulatory enhancer, has a long history of helping with depression, pain and anxiety. (Caution: Ginger has a blood thinning affect).

Oat straw has a history of balancing deficient and debilitated systems and supporting sound brain function.

HOMEOPATHIC (general depression):

1. Aurum
2. Ignatia
3. Cimicifuga/Sepia
4. Medusa
5. Murex
6. Natrum Carbonicum
7. Natrum Muriaticum
8. Pulsatilla

For more in-depth information about depression and what can be done, please see the list of references below and/or visit this blog often which features upcoming lectures and articles on health, wellness and nutrition.

References:
The Natural Medicine Guide to Depression.....Stephanie Marohn

Mood Cure....................................................Julia Ross

Deadly Emotions..............................Don Colbert, M.D.

Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary................F. A. Davis Company

Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide.........Burton Goldberg Group

The American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine
........Charles B. Clayman, M.D.

Integrative Medicine Access, Professional Reference to Conditions, Herbs and Supplements

The Green Pharmacy................................James A. Duke, Ph.D.

The Family Health Guide to Homeopathy............Barry Rose, M.D.

Homeopathic Medicine.................................Trevor Smith, M.D.

Wallace B. Sconiers, Ph.D., Hom, CN
Email: DrWallaceSays@aol.com

For more information and to schedule an
appointment with Dr. Wallace,
please call (661) 729-4533.
Services & Fees: www.drwallacesconiers.net