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Depression is the most common of all
emotional disorders. This may vary from a feeling of
slight sadness to utter misery and dejection. It stems
from a variety of physical and psychological symptoms
which together constitute a syndrome.
Depression is the most unpleasant experience a person can
go through. It is far more difficult to cope with than
physical ailments. The growing complexities of modern
life and resultant crises, as well as mental stress and
strain in day-to-day life usually lead to this disorder.
Suicide is the major risk in depression.Symptoms
It is not
always easy to diagnose depression clinically. The most
striking symptoms of depression are feelings of an acute
sense of loss an inexplicable sadness, loss of energy and
loss of interest. The patient usually feels tired and
lacks interest in the world around him. Sleep disturbance
is frequent. Usually, the patient wakes up depressed at 4
or 5 in the morning and is unable to go back to sleep.
Other disturbed sleep patterns are, difficulty in falling
asleep, nightmares and repeated waking from midnight
onwards.
The patient often suffers from guilt, oppressive feelings
and self-absorption. Other symptoms of depression are :
loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation,
irritability, impotence or frigidity, constipation, aches
and pains all over the body, lack of concentration, and
lack of power of decision. Some persons may lose interest
in eating and suffer from rapid loss of weight while
others may resort to frequent eating and as a result gain
in weight.
Cases of severe depression may be characterised by low
body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and
shivering. The external manifestations represent a cry
for help from the tormented mind of the depressed
persons. The severely depressed patients feels worthless
and is finally convinced that he himself is responsible
for his undoing and his present state of hopeless
despair.
Causes
Depleted
functioning of the adrenal glands is one of the main
causes of mental depression. Irregular diet habits cause
digestive problems and lead to the assimilation of fats.
An excess of carbohydrates like cereals, white sugar,
coffee, tea, chocolates and comparatively less quantities
of vegetables and fruits in the diet may result in
indigestion. Due to indigestion gases are produced in the
digestive tract, causing compression over the diaphragm
in the region of the heart and lungs. This in turn,
reduces the supply of oxygen to the tissues which raises
the carbon dioxide level, causing general depression. The
excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs also leads to
faulty assimilation of vitamins and minerals of the body
and ultimately causes depression. The use of aspirin
leads to deficiencies of vitamin C and antacids can cause
deficiencies of calcium and vitamin B. Diabetes, low
blood sugar (hypoglycemia ) and weakness of the liver,
resulting from the use of refined or processed foods,
fried foods and an excessive intake of fats may also lead
to depression.
Dietetic
Treatment
The modern
medical system treats depression with anti-depression
drugs which provide temporary relief but have harmful
side-effects and do not remove the causes or prevent its
recurrence. The harmful side-effects include gross liver
damage, hypersensitivity, insomnia, hallucinations, a
confused state, convulsions and a fall in blood pressure.
In nature cure, emphasis is placed on diet which has a
profound effect on the mental health of a person. Even a
single nutritional deficiency can cause depression in
susceptible people. Dr. Priscilla, associate clinical
professor at the University of California, prescribes
nutritional therapy to build up brain chemicals, such as
serotonin and norepinephrine, that affect one’s
moods and are often lacking in depressed people. She
recommends eating foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole
grains, green vegetables, eggs and fish.
The diet of persons suffering from depression should
completely exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and
cola, all white flour products, sugar, food colourings,
chemical additives, white rice and strong condiments. The
diet should be restricted to three meals. Fruits can be
taken in the morning for breakfast with milk and a
handful of nuts and seeds. Lunch may consist of steamed
vegetables, whole wheat chappatis and a glass of
butter-milk. For dinner, green vegetable salad and all
available sprouts such as alfalfa seeds, mung, cottage
cheese or a glass of butter-milk would be ideal.
The depressive mood can be overcome by activity. Those
who are depressive will forget their misery by doing
something. Exercise also plays an important role in the
treatment of depression. It not only takes the body
physically and mentally fit but also provides recreation
and mental relaxation. It also gives a feeling of
accomplishment and thus reduces the sense of
helplessness. The patient must also learn the art of
scientific relaxation and meditation which will go a long
way in curing depression.
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