In today’s fast past society symptoms such as nervousness, anxiety and depression are becoming more regular in occurance and often overcoming these feelings is quite difficult and a long term challange. There are many types of stressors in life, some of these are emotional stress, mental stress, chemical stressors (environmental pollution), nutritional stressors (deficiencies), physical stress and psyco-spiritual stress.
Every individual will deal with stressful situations differently as we are all have unique constitutions. Learning to manage stress is an important part of improving mental health and in combating symptoms of nervous distress such as depression. Our ability to cope and respond to different situations depends on a few factors, these are learned behaviours, our chemical make up, past history, recent illnesses and psycholgical balance.
In response to stress our bodies must speed up mentally, physically and emotionally to keep up. These adaptive changes impact on our health by causing oxidative stress, rapid changes in adrenal function, alterations in digestive function, nervous system anticipation and spiritual and emotional acceptance of the changing habits of society. Supporting these different contributing factors is important when devising any plan to reduce depression.
Managing depression
- One common nutrient deficiency seen when the nerves are strung out is the family of B Vitamins, specifically B5 (to minimise the exhaustion of cortisol as it is a precursor to its production) and B6.
- Magnesium is a vital nutrient for feeding the nerves and muscles and is depleted easily during times of stress.
- Australian Bush flower remedies may help to take the edge off anxiety and promote a sense of wellbeing. Black Eyed Susan, Bauhinia, Crowea, Dog Rose, Gymea Lily, Jacaranda, Paw Paw,and Southern Cross.
- Bach Flower Rescue Remedy may help to ease the burden of stress and tension caused by emotional trauma.
- The herbs St Johns Wort, Withania, Licorice, Siberian Ginseng, Magnolia, Zizyphus, Passionflower, Oats, Chamomile give strength, grit and integrity to the nerves while calming the stress responses. Consider taking the Fusion Health Stress and Anxiety supplement which contains some of these herbs as it may be effective for you in reducing stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) which irritate the nerve ending and contribute to feelings of tension and stress while calming the stress responses.
- Consider doing a liver detoxification in the near future as there is a direct relationship between the health of the liver and the attitude of the mind. In Chinese medicine the liver houses the emotion anger, so by improving the way the liver removes wastes and toxins from the body will also impact the outlook of the emotions.
- Improve your daily lifestyle by doing the things that make you feel contented and remember that happiness is your responsibility. Depression can only be relieved if you take the baby steps towards improving your attitude. Reduce stress levels by making the changes necessary to improve your personal happiness (improve relationships, family life, decrease workload, see a counsellor, begin a hobby or sport).
- Begin an exercise regime. Insufficient exercise has been directly associated with depression in many studies, this is because inactive people produce less endorphins (happy hormones i.e. serotonin) in the brain.
- Be gentle on yourself and don’t place high expectations on yourself.