Written by Dr. Rita Louise, Author and Founder of Soulhealer
Clinical depression or “depressive reactions” is a mood response that is often brought on by the stresses and strains in our lives. For some, it can be triggered by a serious loss, a difficult relationship, financial problems or any overwhelmingly stressful situation. For others it may be set off by medical conditions, drug or alcohol abuse, or hormonal changes.
Far more common than you may think, one in five women and one in ten men can expect to experience some form of clinical depression in their lives.
Depression can influence every aspect of your life. Although the exact cause of clinical depression is unknown, depression can leave one feeling sad, irritable, indecisive, pessimistic, hopeless or empty. Sufferers can experience insomnia, fatigue, memory loss, restlessness, anxiety and even rapid weight gain or loss.
Today, many people are aware of the drug therapy that is available for depression. This includes pharmaceuticals such as Zoloft, Paxil, Wellbutrin, and Prozac.
Depending on the severity of depression, there are also a number of alternative holistic home recipes which can help to manage mild, moderate and clinical depression naturally.
Home remedies for dealing with clinical depression
If you are currently on anti-depressive drug therapy, it is important to work with your primary care provider before incorporating these recommendations into your life.
- Exercise! Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce clinical depression by releasing endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in the body. It can also help to reduce stress and build self-esteem.
- Meditate! Meditation and other relaxation techniques work to calm the mind and help to reduce stress, muscle tension, and anxiety.
- Many forms of psychotherapy can be helpful in treating depression by helping individuals gain insight into and resolve their problems.
- Avoid alcohol, sedatives, and antihistamines, as well as substances that can alter one’s mood such as caffeine and nicotine.
- Increase consumption of fish such as salmon or mackerel. Both are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. You can also supplement with omega 3 EPA capsules or flax seed oil.
- St. John’s Wort has been used for years to treat symptoms of clinical depression and restore sagging spirit.
- B-vitamins help to protect against symptoms of depression. It is best to take a B-complex that contains folic acid.
- Essential Oils, such as Bergamot have also been shown to help “lift the spirits” and provide some relief for clinical depression.
Check out the podcast interview with Dr. Rita Louise below:
SEASON 6, EPISODE 4: INTUITION INSIGHTS. Author and medical intuitive Dr. Rita Louise answers the question, Is ESP Real? and why she believes focusing on intuition and energy are keys to good mental health and getting rid of negative thoughts.
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