HOMEOPATHY FOR DEPRESSION

Depression has often been depicted as being a dark cloud hovering over a person’s head. But really, it is so much more than that. It has the ability to consume the individual’s energy and lust for life. Depression is that black hole which sucks one into a hopeless void where it feels as if there is no way out. Luckily, there are many natural options to consider as a means of restoring light into the individual’s life by correcting various neurotransmitters.

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WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?

Depression is a mental health condition which occurs as a result of various imbalances in important neurotransmitters in the brain. The main neurotransmitters affected in depression include Dopamine, Serotonin and Noradrenaline.

Dopamine: This neurotransmitter is incredibly important to help with thought initiation, attention, organization, reward circuits and feelings of pleasure and euphoria. If we have too little Dopamine, we will present with symptoms of decreased motivation, difficulty with memory and lack of expressiveness.

Serotonin: This neurotransmitter is responsible for mood stabilization. It is essentially one of our “Happy neurotransmitters.” Serotonin is also important for the formation of memories through various pathways. It is also important for the modulation of our sleep hormone called Melatonin- responsible for maintaining our circadian rhythm. If there is too little Serotonin there will be symptoms of depressed mood, agitation and irritability, insomnia and poor memory. Interestingly, there have been a few studies conducted which observed that individuals with fibromyalgia had low levels of Serotonin.

Noradrenaline:Incredibly important for increasing our arousal and awareness of our surroundings. If we have too little Noradrenaline there will be symptoms of lethargy, brain fog and depression.

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WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION?

• Depressed mood most of the day nearly every day
• Diminished pleasure in almost all activities
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Family and friends notice a complete “slowing down” of the affected individual
• Slowed speech and movements
• Feelings of worthlessness with possible feelings of guilt
• Decreased ability to concentrate with indecisiveness
• Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death

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NATURAL TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR DEPRESSION

5-HTP: Directly influences the production of serotonin. This substance is available in different concentrations ranging from 25 mg- 100 mg. 5-HTP can also be used for insomnia. If using for insomnia it is best to use the lowest concentration.

Sceletium and Felix: These are herbs which function by mimicking Serotonin. They do this by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain. Felix is wonderful to use in moderate to severe depression and Sceletium for cases of mild to moderate depression.

Vitamin B: The most amazing vitamin for all things neurologically-based. It is important for the formation of majority of our neurotransmitters in our brain particularly Serotonin and GABA.

SAMe: Aids in the conversion process of Serotonin to melatonin. It therefore aids in insomnia.

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HOMEOPATHY FOR DEPRESSION

Homeopathy is very individualized and the remedy given is specific to that individual’s symptoms. Therefore, the remedies listed below are very basic remedies which could be considered.

Aurum metallicum: Great for cases whereby the depression is associated with suicidal thoughts and alcoholism.

Sepia officinalis: Useful in cases of post-partum depression where there are many feelings of guilt. Used mainly in female patients who resent their husband’s and children for “destroying their life.” There is a strong alcoholic tendency in these patients with menstrual irregularities.

Natrum muriaticum: Mainly used in cases where the depression is as a result of a loss of some kind. Whether that loss be of a relationship or loved one. Those needing Nat mur are often stuck in the past and find it difficult to move on. They tend to be very worn out and deficient in most minerals. They also tend to be rather artistic and poetic.