Driving away the Blues

  • Jaspal Bajwa
  • India
  • Aug 22, 2014

 

 

Lbb and flow is the natural order. Energy is always on the move - either spiralling up or down, in response to changed conditions and evolving gradients. This is how our moods change – from the herd-like ‘Monday morning Blues’ to the anticipatory elation when ‘Thank God it’s Friday’ reverberates through official corridors. Very few of us stop to ask whether our frenetic activities might in actual fact be a camouflage for a yawning emptiness that we are feeling deep within. Situational Depression from any temporary setback is quite normal; as is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - sometimes called the ‘Winter Blues’. The ability to rebound varies from person to person. WHO estimates that at least 350 million people around the world suffer from Depression. It is prevalent in all age groups, social classes and cultures. About half of the ‘patients’ go undiagnosed or untreated. At an incidence of 25%, women are twice as likely as men to experience Depression, and are especially vulnerable after childbirth, pre-menstruation and during menopause. Other at-risk groups are highly stressed out urbanites facing mid-life crises, as well as out-of-work young adults and several celebrities - who on the exterior come across as leading glamorous (happy) lives. 

The good news is that Depression is one of the most treatable forms of mental illness. But this definitely does not mean mindlessly relying on quick-fix anti-depressant drugs - these merely address the imbalance of chemicals in the brain in a mechanistic manner. Worse still, you would experience lots of side-effects and/or relapses once the drugs are stopped. Interestingly, several studies in recent years published in reputed scientific journals have brought in a fresh perspective. It is now known that the efficacy of anti-depressant drugs has always been over-stated by over-zealous drug companies. There is accumulating evidence that natural remedies are as good, if not better - and with far fewer side-effects. A holistic approach first seeks to raise awareness – encouraging us to bring Depression out of the closet and to remove the stigma associated with it. Addressing the root issue of imbalance in lifestyle choices is key. Over centuries, the mind-body-spirit balance techniques have proven to be very effective. The holistic approach stresses the need to keep our curiosity alive, never losing our child-like wonder as we engage in an active lifestyle, keeping ourselves meaningfully engaged in a shared purpose with others. Within this context, dietary choices, together with complementary herbal therapies, continue to play a major role in treating Depression.


Tip of the Week

The key is to fill our lives with lots of fresh air, physical exercise, yoga, soothing or inspirational music, adequate amount of quality sleep, and nurture self-worth enhancing relationships. Caffeine and alcohol should be replaced with ‘live foods’ - like fresh fruits and vegetables and light refreshing drinks like lemon juice in water, or sherbets made with natural flowers or herbs. ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’ (CBT) is one of the most powerful options available. It has the ability to break the vicious circle by re-wiring the state of our mind. It deals with the here and now (rather than the baggage of the past). It helps break apparently overwhelming issues into smaller parts and makes it easier to see how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are intricately connected. Surrounded by an environment of compassion and understanding, CBT empowers patients to help themselves.


Nature's Wonder Foods of the Week :  Anti-Depression Foods & Herbs

Well-balanced meals, composed mainly of seasonal, raw or minimally processed foods, are the best to help maintain our energy and a robust immune function. Aim for 7 to 10 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day. Select those foods that help the brain and the hormonal system release neurotransmitters related to a sense of well-being - especially Serotonin, Dopamine and Norepinephrine. 

These would include:

  • Complex carbs from whole-grain products, fruits, vegetables and legumes 
  • Fish that are replete with Omega 3 essential fatty acids 
  • Turkey meat, which is high on Serotonin-producing Tryptophan.  
  • Foods high in B Vitamins - like tuna, chickpeas, buckwheat, eggs, lean meats, lentils, spinach, asparagus and avocadoes.
  • Spices like turmeric, cloves, cardamom and saffron help alleviate Depression.

 

Several very highly regarded herbs can be considered, under the guidance of an experienced herbalist. These include:

  • Ashwagandha, Gotu Kola, Brahmi, Guggulu, Nardostachys jatamansi (a flowering plant   of the Valerian   family) and Holy Basil (Tulsi)
  • St. John's Wort, Gingko Biloba, Rhodiola rosea, Camu Camu and Maca 

In severe cases of Depression, selective use of Supplements can be considered. However, this should always be under medical supervision, as there can be significant interactions with any drugs that may have been prescribed. Recommended Supplements are:

  • B Complex vitamins: especially B1,Niacin or B3, B6, Folic Acid and B12  
  • Vitamins C & D and minerals like zinc, magnesium and calcium
  • SAMe (s-adenosyl-L-methionine), a synthetic form of chemical that occurs naturally in the body to enhance dopamine levels 
  • 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) may help raise Serotonin levels in the brain.

For Education purposes only; always consult a Healthcare Practitioner for medical conditions


 

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