Welcome to my lens about depression and alternative treatments...

• If you or a loved one has ever suffered with depression, anxiety or a related condition then I hope you can find some helpful information here.

• Are you in a situation where you provide support for others, then I hope the information on this page can provide some ideas and practical tips.

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This is a work in progress, so drop by often.

Lynne :)

The Magic Pill...

I got started writing this, and realized it is difficult to make this short. I guess the short version could be summed up, to quote a popular TV show, ‘drugs are bad ’…! Now I actually don’t watch that show, or almost any other TV shows for that matter.

(SouthPark is the show, just in case you have no idea what I am talking about)

I have really misapplied the quote, as I believe it is referring to ‘recreational’ drugs, which indeed I also think are bad (oops… there goes a whole bunch of my readers... I hope not ;), I will leave that one for another day, because there are also a lot of ramifications for mental health with ‘recreational’ drugs as well; anyway…. Moving right along.

The main thing is, to keep the main thing, the main thing…

My main issue here is looking at prescribed medications and the potential for increasing health problems rather than solving them. I believe it is the principles that we need to look at.

Now overall I would say that drugs are bad, but despite that, I recognize that they are absolutely necessary for some individuals, in order for them to stay alive.

So it is really a difficult topic to address and keep a balanced perspective; I hope to try to do that as much as possible. I have broken the article up into parts in the hope that it will be a bit easier to read.

I have also included a couple of thought provoking videos that raise some very interesting points of view, in particular relating to anti-depressants.

See Further Down for Continuation - Parts 1 & 2...

The good and the bad...

Working as a Registered Nurse, I have seen first hand the good and the bad side of prescribed medications.

Obviously, I am not in a position to give Medical advice, nor is that my intention, and I want to stress that it is important to always have a Physician or an Alternative Health Practitioner, who knows your own individual circumstances, and who will work with you towards overcoming any health issues.

This is particularly important if you have already been diagnosed with any types of degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, as well as any mental disturbances etc.

Even more relevant if you are taking medications for any of these conditions. If this is the case it is also important to be careful what type of herbal treatments you take, as they can interact with quite a number of prescription drugs.

How drugs work…

The principles of drug therapy lie with, interacting with the body’s chemistry in such a way as to interrupt, instigate or alter a particular biological function. This is done in order to stop or reduce undesirable symptoms that a person might be experiencing in their physical or mental health.

Now on the surface this may seem like a reasonable thing to do, especially if you get the results, right? However, with a bit more thought it is not difficult to see why frequently, this can cause more problems than it solves.

With any chemical intervention there are always side effects, even when there are none evident. You will see some of those listed in the information sheet that comes with the medication (at least this is the case here in Australia; might be different elsewhere). Other side-effects are not really even considered, let alone studied, acknowledged or listed!

A silent killer…

A lot of these side effects can be fairly silent, in that we can remain relatively unaware of them while they go about their destructive work. It’s only later down the track, we may start to experience some other problems, which we don’t necessarily connect with our previous condition - and usually not obviously related.

We then head back to the Doctor who will often prescribe other medication to treat these new symptoms and so the vicious cycle goes on…

In fact, sometimes the negative effect can be something that is not a direct side effect. They just add to the already growing toxic load that our body has to deal with, and so contributes and accelerates the general decline in our overall health and wellbeing.

Drugs, are in fact, poisons which our liver and or kidney’s have to break down in order to try to eradicate them from our system (which is why we have to keep taking them to get the desired effects).

Particularly susceptible is the aging population, as their symptoms are just passed off as the natural course of aging. Also, at high risk are children, who biologically and emotionally are not just
‘mini’ adults!

See Part 2 - Continued further down...

The whole body organism...

Again, I need to give a disclaimer. While I am basically, and probably obviously, anti-prescribed medication there are definitely situations where they are required, and in some instances life saving.

The problem is frequently they are used as a ‘quick solution’ to a particular problem, rather than trying to establish the cause, and to actually fix the problem from where it has started.

As we look at our body as a whole organism, and realize that, while a particular problem may appear to be isolated to a particular body system, the whole body is always involved. While the problem may show up as cardiovascular disease, or diabetes (type II), or depression, there are always contributing and causative factors behind these things showing up.

This is true of any degenerative diseases, even when hereditary factors are involved. As someone once said, heredity may ‘load the gun’ but diet and lifestyle ‘pulls the trigger’.

Ignorance is not really bliss…

The majority of us rather stay ignorant than educate ourselves on how our bodies work, and how we can help them to function better. It is usually only when things start going wrong that a minority will start to question and search for a better understanding and to find alternatives to conventional treatments. Ways that are complementary to the way our biology functions. Sadly it is often the last resort rather than a first option.

I guess this is not a very catchy article, but I hope you are getting the point. So these principles apply to all our health issues, not only our mental health. For the purpose of this lens however, my main focus is depression and the damaging effects prescribed medications can have, particularly when prescribed too quickly or easily.

Danger! Will Robinson… (ok, so I'm old :)

Medications that affect brain function are indeed dangerous, not only for the individual but potentially for society as a whole. If you are taking these medications, I strongly recommend you find some sympathetic Health Professionals; a Doctor and a Natural Health physician, who will work with you to get you off them.

Meanwhile get informed and educated; there are alternatives. If you are not on any medications, and you are not in a critical state, then at least give natural alternatives a try first.

I strongly encourage individuals to take responsibility for their own and their family’s health, it is too important just to be blindly following whatever is dished out by someone else, regardless of their qualifications.

Make sure you have researched things out so you can at least evaluate their recommendations, and seek out any potential negative effects. Always aim to make informed decisions about your own and your family’s health.

Simple Solutions…

That is why I personally aim to stick to simplifying things, the more natural something is the more likely it will work with the body and the physical laws that govern our health.

Correcting Lifestyle and diet; using natural therapies safely; careful choice of nutritional supplements; these are all ways to have a positive impact on our own health, and depression is only one of the conditions that can be greatly improved or even cured using these simple biological principles wisely.

Lynne:)

Our body is such an amazing synergistic organism!

When things get out of balance, it is never just the one body system that is affected.  Depression is no different!

One of the common symptoms of depression, is the effect it can have on sleeping patterns.  For some, they sleep a whole lot more and for others they just cannot get enough sleep. Both problems can be debilitating when trying to function in your everyday life.

Many fall into the medication trap and downward spiral, and this can be even more devistating, even leading to an untimely death.  Heath Ledger, being a very public example, where according to reports given, the prescribed medications were responsible for his accidental death.  Such an avoidable and tragic loss, not only for his family, but for
Society at large.

A lot of us think if it is prescribed then it is ok, but sadly that is not the case, and this is one reason it is so important to become educated about any treatments you are using whether they be mainstream or alternative. 

Now back to the SLEEP issue...

Disruption to our sleeping pattern indicates a disruption to our Circadiun and Circeseptum rhythms (you can go Google those if you want to know more). The short version is that our bodies have inbuilt 'clocks', and work in cycles, daily and weekly cycles.  If our habits are in harmony with these then we are able to best avoid any disruption to these cycles, and sleep disturbances are an indication that these cycles have been affected.

Start with these tips:

• Keep regular habits; going to bed and getting up at the same times (even if you have not slept - and don't sleep more than 8 - 9 hours as there are studies that link oversleeping as a cause of depression)




• Have your bedroom dark, no little clock or computer lights; the darker the better (even with your eyes closed light can be detected by your brain through your eyelids)




• Don't eat for at least 3 hours before bed, and give alcohol and coffee the flick, even if you feel they don't affect you - they DO, even if you are not aware of the effects!




• Learn and practice relaxation techniques , and obviously it is a personal choice, but praying has been shown to be very helpful (accept that you might not sleep and decide to not let that bother you - stress, anxiety and anger only make the problem worse - just relax and accept that even resting will be ok)




• Drink plenty of water during the day - 8 - 10 glasses (sodas, tea, coffee, alcohol etc don't count and are to be avoided - if you don't like water, you really need to learn to like it, and one way that can help, is to squeeze a little fresh lemon juice into it - you can learn if you decide too!)




• Exercise and Sunshine during the day; these definitely help to regulate your brain chemistry and body rhythms.

There are more things you can do but these are a good start.  Remeber that too much sleep is detrimental as well as not enough quality sleep, and sleeping medications do not give you quality sleep, and have some nasty side effects.

It is worth visiting your Alternative Health Practitioner who can suggest some herbal sleepers which can be helpful - although they have a much more gentle effect, so don't expect to 'pass out', as much as you might like too! 

The key to all this is to implement these as lifestyle habits and over time you will notice the results.  It is unlikely that you will get instant gratification, but none the less, the results can be powerful and life changing....  for the better!

Lynne :)

Ok, now don't get me wrong...

Depression is one of the most insidiously, disabling, life destroying experiences that one can go through; and there are so many varied forms and levels of suffering. What I mean is, at last it is not seen as a character flaw to admit that you suffer from depression. It is coming 'out of the closet' so to speak!

This is a good thing, because I am yet to meet someone who has not, either themselves personally or a loved one, been touched by the 'groping tendrils' of depression. So, you are not the only one!

Stigma of Depression...

In the past it has been seen as a stigma to admit to having experienced depression! I suspect there are still a few people who feel this way. I am here to say, it is COOL, it is OK, you are probably way more normal than the guy who has never had to struggle through such issues!!

Again, I don't want to be misunderstood, I am not saying it is something to set as a goal in life... right? No; I AM saying though, if you suffer from depression you are probably NOT weird, you are, in our society pretty darn normal.

Wait up! Don't let being normal fool you... if you are experiencing the symptoms of depression, then you do need help. The good news; that's ok. Being human usually means you need some help sometime! Don't let your own opinions of yourself stop you from seeking the help you need and developing the person that only YOU can be.

The Miracle of YOU...

The thing is, being you is a miracle in itself. Why? Well there is no one else qualified to be you, more than you! There is no one in all the world that has ever lived or who ever will live who will ever be exactly the same as you, or have the potential to do what you can do!

Really... I mean it. You have a purpose that only you can fulfil;chances are if you want to give up, you have not found what that purpose is. All trials and difficulties in life serve to make us better, stronger or more resourceful, to quote a common saying 'it is not the cards we are dealt that decide the outcome, it is what we do with them'!

Ok, so maybe I did mangle that quote a little... But hopefully you get my point.

If you don't believe in yourself, then you need to find out how you can. You CAN do it; many have gone before, with so much piled up against them and overcame their challenges, and there is no shame is seeking help. In fact, I believe that our greatest purpose in life is to help others. It is an extreme privilege to be some sort of positive influence on another human being.

Be strong... Be encouraged... Be grateful... You CAN find joy and purpose in life and beat depression.

Lynne :)

Well here's the thing; it is a funny quirk that sometimes the very people who don't want to be 'normal' resist getting help because they won't be seen to be 'normal'! Go figure...

I'm not meaning to talk in circles here. I just want to make the point that if our daily existence and wellbeing is being threatened by our own state of mind then really we need to find some help. Even if it means letting the cat out of the bag, and someone finds out that we are NOT normal... gasp!

Wait a sec, before you say 'I'm not going to any quack', there are many ways to get help; particularly in this age of cyberspace. I guess I need to really stress if you are having any thoughts of self harm, please seek assistance immediately.

If you are struggling with ongoing sadness and depression, whether there are good reasons or not, simply reaching out can make a world of difference. Some suggestions for seeking help are:

• Go to a trusted Doctor; one who you feel comfortable talking too, if you don't know one, then ask around and search till you find one that you are happy with




• Ask around for some support groups, look in local newspapers and directories, ask your Doctor to recommend any they know about.




• Search online for relevant discussion boards or forums - [I have started a support group on Facebook, if you want to check it out, you are welcome to join]




• Find a Naturopath or Alternative practitioner who can help assess your diet and lifestyle and suggest some alternatives to drug therapy (please find a Doctor who can help you reduce or get off your medication).




• Do you have a friend or relative in whom you can confide?

It takes courage to seek help; this is a sign of strength not weakness. There is help available, just reach out to take it.

Lynne :)

Let's start out by saying,

...this is in no way intended to be used for self diagnosis. It is aimed at education, and if you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing depression, it is important to have your Doctor make a diagnosis. There can often be physical factors that are contributing to any mood disorders.

Depression can indeed be, a very difficult condition to diagnose, and if you find that some of these symptoms that we describe are your experience, then it would definitely be of benefit to visit your GP.

While it is important to go to a Doctor for help, it is also very important that you learn as much as possible about depression and other related conditions, so that you can make informed decisions about recommended treatment.

In the meantime, you can try some of these tips. Keep in mind for change to occur it takes time. These feelings don't just disappear overnight, so don't get discouraged. Instead of looking at these things as a cure, look at them as a way to begin to restore health and balance to your life.

Some brief tips to obtaining this goal include:

• Take some time to write down the things in your life that you would like to change




• Write down the things that you like about your life (if there are none that come to mind, and then do try again to come up with something no matter how small). If you just can't come up with anything then write down some things that you would like to be able to write down if they did exist.




• Make a plan to clear away clutter from your environment (this helps remove clutter from your mind as well).




• Write down what you would like your life to be like.




• Organize your life to have some order and regularity, ensure that you are going to bed and getting up at regular times




• Go out of your way to eat regular, well balanced, healthy meals.




• Drink a good amount of clean water, and if necessary take some good quality, well balanced vitamin and mineral supplement.




• Find a support group in your local area.




• Take up some regular exercise (even brisk walking regularly can do wonders).




• You want to see change as a positive lifestyle choice, rather than a magic pill (I have not found one of those for any health problem yet!).

Feelings associated with depression, feeling unhappy, a deep sadness (even in what should be a happy situation), problems sleeping, eating, thinking or other aspects of day to day living, all these things can come about from a feeling of being out of control of your life.

There are many situations in life that seem to happen out of our control, and when we feel we have lost our autonomy, our ability to choose, it is easy to give into feelings of despair and hopelessness.

Even a small step in the right direction is progress...

Take a look and find areas in your life, where you can start to regain or take control; this alone can actually start to improve your feelings and quality of life.

Now I realize for some these steps will seem just way too much. The thing is to remember if you just can't face it today, try to break it down into smaller steps, and just make yourself do one step at a time.

Always keep in mind that each positive step you take, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction towards creating your new, joyful and happy self.

Lynne :)

The Magic Pill or the Quick Fix...

Society in general has trained us to go for the 'magic pill' or the 'quick fix', and in part this contributes to the tendency to resort to recreational drugs which in turn leads to substance abuse and addiction.

Sadly most 'quick fixes' come with undesirable consequences, which overall tend to make a lot of ailments, including depression and mood disorders, much worse and increase the likelihood of serious injury or death being the end result.

It is common that those experiencing depression will seek some solace or escape into alcohol, cannabis or other drugs. These seem to provide some sort of relief, however, rather than improving the real underlying problem, it just leads to a decline in the overall condition to a point where people just cannot function without using these substances.

Difficulty making positive choices...

Individuals struggling with depression find it extremely difficult to make positive choices in their life; so they condemn themselves to a downward spiral, from which many cannot escape.

It is important to find help and support in these situations and yet it is one of the most difficult things to do. Many are reluctant to be seen as 'mentally ill', and indeed most may not be, at least in the long term sense.

Individuals don't want to be seen as 'attention seeking', and it is really difficult for a person to decide if the feelings they are experiencing are indeed abnormal or not.

The most important thing to remember is to be able to educate yourself as much as possible, so you are able to make informed decisions about your own health.

When you really DO need help...

If you are having any thoughts of self harm, then it is vital to seek professional help; go to your Doctor and explain what you are experiencing. If you do not find it helpful then please go to another Doctor until you find one that will help. You can also try ringing a help line there are a number of different ones.

There are numerous Alternative therapies that have been reported to assist those suffering from depression, and those that will help you the most will depend on those areas of your life that are lacking or deficient in a specific area. Chances are there will be several.

For example, if you have a habit to be up till all hours of the night (early morning), and find you want to sleep all day, spend numerous hours inactive watching television, playing computer games, chatting on the net, or any related activities then here you will see that there is a lack of balance.

In order to restore balance you have to start to make some different choices to start to see changes in your life. Even once you have gotten help from your Doctor, don't underestimate the power of simple changes that can have a big influence on your health and well being.

Don't forget these key factors...

This not only includes things like exercise, sunshine (healthy exposure), regular and healthful diet and drinking water, but can also include relaxation classes, herbal treatments such as St John's Wort.

While your Doctor may prescribe medication, don't make themistake of thinking this is actually a 'cure', it is something that can relieve
symptoms, but all there are always side effects a number of which are not immediately evident.

It is always beneficial to make the necessary lifestyle changes, if you want to see long term results, and if you wish to be able to be drug free (please ensure you work with your Doctor and find one that is willing to help with more than just a prescription).

Lynne:)

P.S. Another word of caution, don't just assume because it is natural it is safe, again educate yourself, and the more natural the source the safer it will be, plus balance is key;

Factors that affect our mood...

As much as our ability to control our thinking and state of mind can affect our mood, another big influence comes from our surroundings. It is probably nothing new to you, that things like music can certainly provoke a response from our emotions.

Obviously, influences from outside can be both positive and negative, so this is where it is important to be in tune with your own body - pardon the pun :)

Music is very subject to individual likes and dislikes, so it is always difficult for another person to make hard and fast rules about what should and should not affect another person in a positive way.

This is also where we need to try to be as objective with ourselves as possible. Clearly over time and exposure to various types of music we can become very accustomed to a particular genre. Familiarity in this case may be mistaken for beneficial.

Effect of music...

Just because we like a particular type of music does not make it beneficial necessarily, and vica versa, studies have shown that certain types of Classical music have given a positive effect, even when the person listening did not like that style of music.

Why would this be the case It seems to have something to do with the effect on our brain wave patterns. A lot more complicated than we have time or need for here, however, if you are struggling with depression or related feelings, then looking at the type of music that you spend time listening to, might be a be an area where you can help yourself.

It might be difficult at first, but see if you can conduct some experiments with yourself, and try listening to some different music and see what you observe.

Keeping a journal...

You might want to keep a journal over a couple of weeks and write down any feelings you experience, either while listening to, or for a time after listening to some particularly positive and uplifting type of music.

Clearly, you would need to pick something that could be interpreted as uplifting to your own spirit, not just something that you relate too, that might just perpetuate the negative feelings that you already have.

I have included two Josh Groban song's below that I personally think are beautiful and uplifting, but of course they may or may not suit your tastes. I do hope you enjoy them, though :)

Lynne