Chronic Depression affects millions of people, 10 to 20 percent of the world's total population. Many seek help from psychiatrists, psychologists, and medical doctors. The medical community at large is just now learning how to manage it without prescription drugs, and just now learning to admit that there isn't a magic pill for everyone. Sometimes the "cure" is more harmful than the affliction.

It is proven that women suffer from depression twice as much as men do, at about a two to one ratio. Manic depression occurs equally between the sexes. And surprisingly, nearly 50 percent of those who suffer from depression got it through heredity. Sometimes depression is triggered by season, known as seasonal affective disorder.

Many in the transgender community suffer from chronic depression. Some would go so far to say that the two go hand in hand. I disagree with that completely. While it may occur per capita more often than in the population at large, that is due largely to the unwillingness of many health professionals to deal with the affects of added hormones on the emotions and mind of the individual, as well as their inability to help on the personal level.

This is a very treatable condition, without having to resort to discontinuing hormonal therapies and without having to resort to Prozac or mental institutions.

I would suggest as a first step in management that you employ some of the suggestions in my previous article, "Stress and Emotions - Keeping it all Under Control". The premise for treating minor emotional troubles and chronic ones is basically the same, underneath. Meditation and relaxation techniques, aromatherapy, and exercise are important tools in dealing with depression.

Secondly, don't feel like you can, or have to, deal with serious depression on your own. There are health professionals and clergy out there who can help with an open mind and heart. You may have to do some digging and weeding, but you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to give it your best shot. Sometimes it makes all the difference in the world to have a supportive neutral person to buoy you when you need it the most. Don't hide from the individual - be sure to tell them exactly what and who you are, what medications and therapies you are currently on, etc. Your good health and happy life depend on it. You should also have a medical workup done by a medical professional. It may well be that your hormonal therapy needs to be adjusted to give you relief from the depression, as sometimes an improper dosage of estrogens can trigger depression. Also be aware that many prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can create or aggravate depression, so have those checked by a pharmacist as well.

Third, take stock of your diet. Too much caffeine or too much sugar can create a depression, or worsen the chronic phase, when you come down off of that sugar or coffee high. And stay away from alcohol! Alcohol is a depressant. Add the two and you have a nuclear bomb inside. Aspartame (Nutrasweet) has also been identified as worsening, and possibly causing, bouts of depression and other neurological problems. Eat a healthy diet, and you will find that handling depression is somewhat easier. Recently it has been proven that allergies to certain foods may cause or aggravate conditions such as chronic depression. See an allergist to determine if this may be the actual root of your problem. Low levels of calcium, B6, and B complex have been linked to depression, as a shortage of any one of these, or all, severely affects the nerves. Those taking hormone therapies often have a shortage of B complex vitamins and calcium in their daily diet.

Exercise regularly and get outside in the sunshine. Exercise helps the body to eliminate toxins, and the adrenaline you get from even mild exercise can lessen the severity of an attack of depression. Sunlight warms the body and the soul. Your body can't make use of vitamin D without it, and a deficiency of this vitamin has been linked to some forms of depression. If you are taking something that keeps you out of the direct sun, sit or do mild exercise in a shaded area outside for a few minutes each day. You will notice the difference. Inside, try using full-spectrum lighting to help synthesize vitamin D and uplift your spirits. It has been proven to help, especially for those diagnosed with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

There are herbal therapies that can help you manage chronic depression. Again, these are meant to be aids, not crutches. Don't try to use them in place of prescribed drugs without careful adjusting. In other words, don't throw away your Prozac today to start taking an herbal therapy tomorrow. That is too big a shock to your system. Wean yourself gradually from one to the other. Do so under the guidance of a health professional, and it will be easier for you. Some people are not suited to herbal treatment, depending on the severity and causes, so be prepared to go back to the synthetics if necessary. It may not be desirable to you, but, it is more important that your depression be properly managed. And there is a possibility that you can combine herbal and synthetic therapies in this case, or that as the depression is brought under control you can then switch to herbal therapies. It depends on each individual's particular body and medical history. Most people, however, find that they do better on the herbal therapy, once it has built up enough to do its job.

I am sure most of you have heard by now all the praise being sung about St. Johnswort (also written as St. John's Wort) as a treatment for depression. While it is extremely effective in this illness, I prefer a combination of herbs that can help one another to boost the body, helping it deal with the various factors within that can trigger a bout of depression. The below regimen is meant as a guideline only. You will need to seek a health professional to determine proper dosages for your particular weight and age, and that professional can help adjust dosages of the individual herbs as needed for your particular circumstance.

The regimen is as follows:

You can take this combination for up to one month, after which time you should cut back to three or four days per week, and then down from there, as your emotional stability improves.

While taking this combination, be cautious about going out into the direct sun for prolonged periods of time. St. Johnswort has caused photosensitivity in some individuals, especially those with fair skin. To be safe, cover up, and use sunscreen. Don't damage your pretty feminine complexion!

If at any time the depression worsens, or you experience adverse side affects, you should discontinue use and immediately seek professional help.

Blessings and Good Health!

Rev. Dr. EarthAngel
The Herbal Encyclopedia  ·  Natural Wellness Center
Benevolent Member of The Sissify Staff
earthangel@sissify.com

Copyright 1998-200 by Rev. Dr. EarthAngel, ND, DD · All rights reserved

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