Overcome Depression Naturally and without Medicine

1. The causes of depression

The causes of depression are related to emotional issues (stress, negative life situations, having a negative self-esteem, or feelings of being overwhelmed) and physiological issues (neurotransmitter imbalances, hormone imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies).

Although people usually resort to the conventionally prescribed treatment of taking anti-depressants, those medications have undesirable side effects. Headache, agitation, insomnia, or even sexual dysfunctions are counted among those possible side effects. Moreover, with prolonged use, those medications become less and less effective.

2. Alternative medicine: A natural, holistic approach to overcome depression

In contrast to anti-depressant drugs that deplete the body of neurotransmitters and have undesirable side effects, alternative medicine advises to address both the emotional issues and the physiological issues of depression focusing on an organic nutrition (i.e. a whole food diet, without processed foods), regular exercise (to increase the body levels of endorphines) and the use of appropriate nutritional supplements: magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, amino acids L-Tyrosine and GABA (Gamma-amino butyric acid), plus omega from flax seed oil and fish oil to build the body’s neurotransmitter levels.

3. Nutritional Balance

It should also be noted that Folic acid is usually found deficient in people who suffer from depression, so it is a good idea to include it among your natural supplements. Alternatively, consider taking Folic acid from food sources like carrots, deep green leafy vegetables, organ meats, egg yolks, apricots, pumpkins, avocados, bean, rye, milk, oysters, or salmon.

Zinc has also been found deficient in some people with depression, so it is wise to maintain your zinc levels in balance. Food sources of zinc include Brazil nuts, cashews, peanuts, tuna fish, soybeans, calves liver, lean beef, beef liver, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. If you take a zinc supplement, do not exceed 100mg daily and take it when you have food in your stomach, since it may cause some nausea on an empty stomach.

L-Tyrosine raises dopamine levels, which influence moods. It is an anti-depressant and plays a role in controlling anxiety. Food sources of Tyrosine include aged cheese, chicken livers, wine, yeast, avocado, pickled herring and ripe bananas. A word of caution is in order: do not take a Tyrosine supplement if you are taking a MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) medicament, because the combination can cause an increase in blood pressure.

Taurine is an important antioxidant and immune regulator, which is necessary for neurological function. It is a sulfur amino acid derivative that is found only in animal products (ox bile) and not in vegetable protein sources. Stress causes urinary spills of Taurine. Excessive alcohol consumption depletes the body of Taurine.

All B vitamins are necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) in particular, is the most potent anti-stress vitamin. Royal Jelly is an excellent source of vitamin B5.

4. Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, depression is considered a derangement of the Vata dosha, which means an excess of air and nervousness in the body, and a need for grounding, stability and comfort. So decrease any "airy food" (like flour or anything that can ferment in your body and bloat your belly). Eat quality proteins and quality oils like omega oils to gain more "grounding" and increase the presence of the earth element in your body. You need also to hydrate your body to increase the presence of the water element in your body. Avoiding dehydration is a must. Eat warm food and avoid cold or frozen foods.

Avoid caffeine and sugar (they are not good for an excess of Vata) because the increase of energy supplied by caffeine and sugars is later followed by fatigue and depression. If you want a natural organic sweetener, Stevia is a good choice.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum)is good to fight depression, but it is usually advised that you avoid exposure to the sun while taking it. That is why this natural remedy is very popular in the United Kingdom and not so much in countries with hot or warm climates.

Some homeopaths advice to take Nat.Mur., Sepia, Ignatia, or Aurum when depression is combined with the other symptoms these remedies are for. But the specific homeopathic remedy to fight depression is Kali. Phos. (Potassium Phosphate), which is a remedy for ailments of a truly nervous character.

The specific yoga asanas (postures) for depression are: Palm Tree, Corpse, Lotus, Plough and Yoga Mudra. Ask your yoga instructor about them.

The Bach Flower remedies are homeopathically prepared plant and flower based remedies devised to help you to balance negative feelings. They provide a unique vibrational therapy to treat your emotions and help you feel good.

To treat depression, one or more of the following Bach flower remedies might be relevant:

Mustard. This remedy helps people with feelings of deep gloom which come and go with no known reason. It is good for the kind of “endogenous” depression.

Sweet Chestnut. This remedy helps people in despair who suffer mental anguish and feel they have reached their limits of endurance.

Honeysuckle. This remedy helps people who are nostalgic and dwell in the past.

Gorse. This remedy helps people with feelings of despair, hopelessness and despondency.

Walnut. This remedy protects people with over sensitivity from outside influences and assists them during periods of transition and change.

Star of Bethlehem. This remedy is good for the after effects of emotional shock or trauma.

Gentian. This remedy helps people who feel frustration, discouragement, and the resulting self-doubt.

There are 38 Bach Flower Remedies that address different emotional states. If you want to know what is the most appropriate remedy for your own, personal, individual situation you can book a personal consultation with me.

From the point of view of Energy Medicine, depression is a lack of expression. So music therapy can be very helpful to channel your energy appropriately in order to overcome depression.

Release your voice. Practice singing, chanting and toning. This practice is even more appropriate and effective when you use your own personal musical scale. You can also listen to music in the keys of your own personal music scale. If you do not know yours and want to know how it works, you can book a personal consultation with me.

From a higher perspective, depression occurs when Spirit is trying to move you through a change and you are resisting. So you need to communicate with your higher self through meditation, find your inner center and determine what your own soul really wants. When your life development or self-fulfillment is held back or suppressed, frustration usually sets in. And when this frustration is ignored or suppressed, it degenerates into depression. Healing at this stage is possible if you seek with renewed vigor the answers to life’s most basic questions in a way that bring happiness to your soul.