12 Tips for Managing Depression ... Naturally

Begin and End Your Day with Prayer

Whether you suffer from chronic low grade depression (dysthymia), seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or have a clinical diagnosis of uni-polar or bipolar disorder (manic depression), you should know that you are not alone in your struggle to manage and cope with this “whole-body” dis-ease.

Statistically, millions of people suffer from depression, a disease that is twice as common in women as men.

Though the causes are not fully understood, Phyllis A Balch and James F. Balch, the co-authors of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, note that depression may be triggered by several factors, including, but not limited to:

·         tension

·         stress

·         a traumatic life event

·         chemical imbalances in the brain

·         thyroid disorders

·         nutritional deficiencies

·         poor diet

·         the consumption of sugar

·         mononucleosis

·         lack of exercise

·         endometriosis

·         any serious physical disorder

·         allergies, including food allergies

·         hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Heredity also plays a significant role in the manifestation of this dis-ease, with 50% of people who suffer from recurrent bouts of depression having originated from one or both parents who have also done battle with this persistent illness.

“Whatever the factors that trigger it, depression begins with a disturbance in the part of the brain that governs moods,’’ the Balchs write. “ Most people can handle everyday stresses; their bodies readjust to these pressures. When stress is too great for a person and his or her adjustment mechanism is unresponsive, depression may be triggered.”

Of the triggers listed above, I can tell you that I have personally had to deal with at least nine of those triggers at some stage in my life, with the major ones for me being sugar consumption, lack of exercise, endometriosis and poor diet, to name a few.

Managing depression is not an easy task for most of us, just because the very nature of the illness makes us lose interest in things, and we do not have the energy or inclination to do what’s needed to take proactive steps to manage the symptoms.

“People with depression typically withdraw and hide from society. Symptoms include chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, headaches, backaches, digestive disorders, restlessness, irritability, quickness to anger, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies, and feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy,” the Balchs' say.

“Many think of death or consider suicide. Things appear bleak and time seems to pass slowly. A person with depression may be chronically angry and irritable, sad or despairing, or display little or no emotion at all. Some try to ‘sleep off’ depression, or do nothing but sit or lie around.”

In their Prescription book, the Balchs offer lots of good information on the effects of foods, herbs and drugs on depression, so you may want to check this book out of your local library or buy a copy for your personal library as I have done. Below I’ve listed some of the things that I have used to manage bouts of dysthymia and depression, just as recommended in this comprehensive book of natural remedies.

In addition, I added one other ingredient that I believe is essential to successfully managing your depression.

But first let me give you a quote, and then you can try to guess which one of these remedies is not mentioned in the book by the Balchs.

Here’s the quotation:

“All true healing comes from God! … God is the great compassionate Physician who alone has the power to give true healing. All creatures are dependent upon God, however great may seem their knowledge, power and independence.”

            Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks

On the next page are  your 12 tips for managing depression.