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Depression
depression - a feature of modern life for many?
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Depression has become the most widespread of all the “mental health disorders” affecting nearly half the population
[1] .
It may vary from persistent feelings of sadness to utter misery, hopelessness and dejection. Whatever form it takes, one thing is certain, your health, vitality and ability to participate in life get weaker. It is no doubt the leading cause of suicide.
Depression is often regarded as the most unpleasant experience a person can endure. It is far more difficult to cope with than a physical ailment as it usually has no clear internal physical cause or source. The growing complexities and distractions of modern life combined with the weakening social bonds of family, friendship and community are principle contributors to this epidemic. |
So much for the "bad news", if you are suffering from depression you know all that already and the last thing you want to hear is another voice saying "Cheer up, its not the end of the world!" or "Snap out of it!"
The “Medical” Cure
Modern “healthcare” typically treats depression with anti-depression drugs
[2]. These may provide temporary relief but most have harmful side-effects and none address the causes or prevention of the condition.
Long term use has been linked to some of the most horrific incidents of mass killings in “developed” countries in recent times; I believe the harmful side-effects of over-use of anti-depressants include:
- toxic buildup
- gross liver damage
- hypersensitivity or “touchiness”
- insomnia or difficulty sleeping, waking up exhausted
- loss of interest in sex, loss of libido
- hallucinations, difficulty identifying what is real and what is illusion
- a confused state, difficulty thinking or carrying out simple tasks
- convulsions, trembling
- a fall in blood pressure
- headaches and dizziness
- blurred vision
- difficulty in inhaling
- urine retention
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I have heard estimates that one-in-four individuals in modern western society are on some form of anti-depressive drug regime. I suppose you could say that, in itself, is quite depressing.
What depression is doing for you
Yes - thats right - depression is doing something for you not just to you.
Part of being alive is a deep-seated desire to appreciate living and to be meaningfully involved with life which many people have buried deep within themselves due to the many constant pressures they need to service.
Appreciating life requires two main skills:
- a sensitivity to enable you to develop an awareness of the high-quality aspects of your life
- an ability to detach from modern distractions so that you can appreciate these aspects of your life
Depression is nature's way of teaching you these skills when you have not been able to do it for yourself. Sufferers know that they experience an increase in sensitivity - typically in response to negative stimuli - but the skill is being learnt to also appreciate the positive aspects of living. Sufferers also know that they are less and less able to live an active, involved life - stillness is creeping in but, as with all involuntary learning, it is usually regarded as a negative experience.
I believe that anyone who undertakes to learn stillness and sensitivity of their own accord will effectively immunise themselves from depression. As you will see from the list above, anti-depressants actually exacerbate the condition by preventing any increase in sensitivity through numbing your mental processes and inhibiting your body's ability to be still.
My approach to treating cases of Depression
My plan of action for self-treatment of depression consists of
- regulating the diet this usually involves two strategies:
- reduce the intake of toxins which overload the body's ability to function effectively
- restore a healthy nutritional intake by adding natural sources of minerals and vitamins - I regard supplements as a last resort so you wont leave here with a carton full of pill bottles.
- exercise vital to restore an adequate level of circulation to the system which is needed to dispose of toxins naturally and transport the revitalising nutrients throughout your body. But relax - I do not believe in exercise as stress - rather a healthy regime of regular movement.
- scientific relaxation by this I mean a daily undertaking to give your body time to heal - hand, heart and head - in a conscious, cooperative and voluntary fashion. This will teach you sensitivity for yourself and for your environment.
- meditation the principle component of any effective prevention regime, meditation can take many forms and need not involve teaching your limbs to imitate a pretzel. Most people meditate naturally and are quite blissfully unaware they do. My desire is to teach you to do it with awareness so that you can reap the broad-spectrum benefits as effectively as possible. The style and form you choose to adopt is entirely up to you, there are literally thousands to choose from. Whichever you choose you will learn the ability to be still. Our Natural Health Education ebook, audiobook and CD “Meditation and Beyond” is available to guide you to developing a meditation practice which suits you.
I will formulate a specific plan for you based on your condition, your circumstances and your preferences through a naturopathic consultation or take advantage of our online health support facility .
Just one hour of your time could significantly improve the rest of your life
My fee for a consultation is available on the fees page - an appointment is essential and a typical session will last around one hour. You can make an enquiry here or an appointment here.
We are situated just outside Maleny in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland - just an hour's drive north of Brisbane. Its a beautiful place to visit and learn how you can regain peak health and vitality - naturally.
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middlepath.com.au> Middle Path> Clinic Services> DepressionReferences
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