DEPRESSION

DEPRESSION

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in person place or things. In today’s fast moving technology dependent life, Certain professions like  IT, Banking , Finance We encounter more stressful situations resulting in increased incidence of psychiatric disorders , depression etc.

Causes

·       Abuse- Past, physical, sexual or emotional abuse can increase the Vulnerability to clinical depression later in life.

·       Drugs- Various drugs like accutane  (used to treat acne) , the anti viral drug interferon –corticosteroids, narcotic and psycho tropic substances.

·       Death & Loss – Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one may increase the risk of depression.

·       Genetics- Family history of depression may increase the risk.

·       Major events- Like starting a new job, graduating or getting married can also lead to depression.

·       Serious illness, Social isolation, Work stress, Stressful interpersonal relations, financial losses etc are some conditions where the patient is not able to cope up with , which may start or aggravate depression.

Symptoms

·       Loss of interest in daily activities

·       Loss of Appetite and change in weight

·       Anger or irritability

·       Reckless behavior , Sleep changes

·       Feeling of helplessness & hopelessness

·       Concentration problems

Associated problems

·       Anemia

·       Hair fall

·       Anxiety

·       Body pain

·       Headache

Investigations

·       Physical examination

·       Counseling & clinical assessment By directly talking to patient

Ayurveda treatment for depression

Ayurveda mentions depression as vishada which means reduced Satvik (Positive) Energy and aggravation of Tamsik (Negative)  & Rajsvik energies. weakened ojas ( essence of all dhatus) often contributes to depression. Pran vayu is responsible for proper functioning of mind.

Herbs used in treatment of depression

·       Ashwagandha (Withania sominphera)

·       Brahmni (Baccopa moneri)

·       Turmeric ( Curcuma longa)

·       Jatamansi (Nardostachys Jatamansi)

·       Triphala (Amblaki –Emblica officinalis , Haritaki- Terminalia chebula , Baheda- Terminalia bellerica )

Panchkarma treatment for Depression

·       Shirodhara

·       Ksheerdhara

·       Abhyangam

·       Pizchil (sarwang dhara)

·       Nasyam

·       Head massage

·       Steam

Precautions

Do’s

·       Patient should avoid being alone , stressful situations, skiping meals. Food is said to be a good anti depressant.

·       Keep yourself involves in activities that give you pleasure

·       Regular physical exercise, walk, going to gym etc will help to meet new friends which in turn help remove loneliness and depression.

·       Green leafy vegetables & fresh fruits – Broccoli , Cabbage, radish, carrot, nuts, pineapple, pomegranate. Keep the general health of the patient in good condition as well as help control the psychiatric condition also.

·       Some spices like cinnamon , turmeric, cumin, green tea.

·       Increased intake of water, liquids,  fruit juice , herbal tea etc.