Depression, anxiety, phobias and mental health appear almost daily in the media and it seems that depression is fast becoming one of the biggest problems that society experiences. These conditions increasingly affect people living in the modern world and research has led to estimates that at least 17% of the adult population has had, or will have, an episode of depression of sufficient clinical severity to warrant treatment. A 1973 National Institute of Mental Health special report on Depressive Disorders indicated that depression accounts for 75% of all psychiatric hospitalizations and that during any given year 15% of all adults between the ages of 18 and 74 may experience significant depressive symptoms. Current studies indicate that the lifetime risk of depression in an adult population could be as high as 30%.
Along with the rising incidence of depression, there has been an explosion in the use of prescription drugs to treat the condition, but recent reports have called into question whether these are effective or simply create more problems for the patient. Consequently, there is a growing interest in finding a new approach for the treatment of these conditions. Having trained in clinical psychology and psychotherapy, I am able to incorporate many of the accepted practices. However, the more I worked with individuals and groups, I found that by integrating the Eastern-inspired approaches I learned in India, I was able to achieve much more effective and long-lasting results in a shorter period of time.
understand depression
In psychiatry, depression is known as a mood disorder. Mood disorders have been known to man since ancient times; the Old Testament describes King Saul suffering from severe depressive episodes. However, the term encompasses a broad spectrum of emotions ranging from deep depression to limitless euphoria and mania, so understanding the behavior of people suffering from depression can be quite challenging.
Everyone experiences a range of emotions and they are generally a healthy part of life and feeling appropriate emotions contributes positively to our well-being. However, emotions are of two main types; firstly, affective emotions, in other words, a short-lived emotional response to an event, and secondly, mood, which is a long-lasting and pervasive emotional response that colors all psychic life.
More than 90% of depressed people experience prolonged moods of sadness, low spirits, or a feeling that they don’t care anymore. However, to classify someone as having a major depressive episode, doctors look for five or more of the following symptoms that have been present during the previous two weeks. There must also be a noticeable change in previous functioning, with at least one of the symptoms being a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure.
Symptoms:
1. Depressed mood most of the day.
2. Markedly decreased interest or pleasure in all, or nearly all, activities for most of the day.
3. Significant weight loss when not dieting, or weight gain, e.g. A change of more than 5% of body weight in a month. Or a decrease or increase in appetite almost every day.
4. Insomnia (lack of sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleep) almost every day.
5. Agitation or psychomotor retardation almost every day.
6. Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
8. Decreased ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness
9. Recurring thoughts of death
No single causal factor has been identified for why people become depressed. Research points to many factors that appear to contribute to its development, including genetics, biochemical changes, and personality theories. Several research papers have reported findings suggesting that relatives of patients with major depressive disorders have a higher prevalence of depression than people in the general population. Other research has focused on the biochemical correlates of depression and has studied the role of chemicals that transmit nerve impulses from one neuron to another in the brain. While several depression-related theories have been developed regarding personality types.
My experience as a Physician has led me to see each client as an individual whose requirements require personalized attention. The human being is a complex creation whose health and well-being depends on a balance in all dimensions of his life, from physical health to behavioral, energetic and even environmental aspects.
depression treatment
Conventional Western medicine generally treats depression using medication, for example. Tricyclic and heterocyclic antidepressants and the new SSRT drugs. The psychological therapies commonly used for the treatment of depression are individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Eastern psychotherapy integrates Eastern methods, such as meditation, yoga, pranic or energy healing, mantra and sound healing, with elements of traditional Western-developed psychotherapy. When treating depression and other mental health conditions, it is vital to look for causal factors and explore problems using Ayurvedic principles and acknowledging the spiritual component. Sometimes it may also be appropriate to study the birth chart of the person being treated to seek a better understanding of the influences affecting the individual and gem therapy may be recommended, which is a commonly accepted practice in many parts of Asia.
The treatment of conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety is undoubtedly enhanced by the use of complementary techniques. The value of seeking help from professionals who have worked with both approaches is that they can select the appropriate treatment option for each individual. Orthodox techniques often effectively treat the symptoms, however Eastern practices may be more helpful with the underlying causes. A therapist who understands each individual’s personal needs is better able to provide an empowering approach to their illness. For some the focus may be on traditional Western methods, but for others accelerated positive results can be achieved by combining the best of East and West in an integrated treatment program.
With an integrated approach to depression, most people can benefit in 3-4 sessions, sometimes even less, depending on the nature of their condition. With any therapeutic approach, it is important to ensure that clients do not develop a dependence on the treatment or only enjoy a temporary respite because underlying causes have not been addressed.
CASE STUDY
Miss K, a 35-year-old woman who did not respond to conventional treatment. A holistic approach included energy and environmental assessments, as well as her medical training. She had a five-year history of depression that had been particularly severe in the previous six months. She was using antidepressants and had been through several counseling sessions that she didn’t like.
The energy level evaluation revealed some blockages in the heart and solar plexus chakras. The atmosphere at home was dark and gloomy, with black and gray being his main choice of colors; there was no flow of energy.
They recommended that she try a combination of energy therapies including Reiki and music/mantra treatment along with some suggestions for changes in the home environment. She also used an herbal remedy (St. John’s Wort), massage and acupuncture and embarked on six sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy. Her program lasted six months, but she responded very well and she has been free of depression for over a year, she reports that she feels good overall, she is taking an active interest in her life and her personal development.
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November 2008