Article by Prof. Dr. Shivenarain Gutpa, M.D., and HP Oliver Becker
Depression
Depression in general Depression is referred to as Viṣāda or Avasāda in Ayurveda. It is described as a state in which someone develops a strong expectation of failure in the face of tasks to be accomplished and feels helpless to deal with it. The state is characterized by withdrawal, sadness, lack of drive, lack of interest and despair. Depression in various forms, from mild to severe, is a very common mental problem in modern times.
Causes Heredity seems to play some role in causing depression, as depression is clustered in certain families. Depression can also be caused by specific family circumstances. People with certain personality traits, a mental dominance of rajas and tamas and a physical dominance of Vāta, are more prone to develop depression. In addition, difficult life events, losses, changes, ongoing stress, or vāta-provoking situations can cause depression. A lack of social support contributes to the development of depression. Serious medical problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, hormonal disorders (esp. in perimenopausal or due to hypothyroidism), chronic renal failure, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease can also cause depression.
Clinical manifestations of depression A person with a depressed mood lasting more than two weeks and who has at least half of the following symptoms is suffering from depression:
- Sadness
- crying spells
- loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
- significant increase or decrease in appetite
- significant weight loss or gain
- inability to sleep or excessive sleep
- agitation or irritability
- fatigue or loss of energy
- feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Winter depression or the winter blues is a seasonal affective disorder (also SAD from Seasonal Affective Disorder; seasonal dependent depression) in which people who have normal health most of the year experience depressive symptoms during the winter season. It is more common in regions and at times when there is a lot of darkness due to cloudy weather or lack of sunshine. This shows the importance of the sun in our lives. Modern lifestyle and increasing breakdown of family system form major contributing factors. People who live alone or in isolation are more likely to suffer from this problem. According to Ayurveda, the above weather conditions promote Vāta provocation, which forms a significant component in this condition.
Symptoms of winter depression include difficulty in waking up in the morning, tendency to sleep excessively and eat excessively leading to obesity as well as lack of energy, pessimism, depression, difficulty in concentrating, withdrawal from friends, family and social activities.
Therapy
Self-care Identify activities that make you feel better, focus on them, and continually involve yourself in them. Don't isolate yourself, even if you feel the need to do so.
Engage in activities even when you don't feel like it. Try to maintain a positive outlook. Analyze your capabilities with realistic enthusiasm and set your goals accordingly without any concern for success or failure. Your efforts will never be in vain as it is a universal law. Reassure yourself that even boring things will pass. Develop patience in the process (please wait!). Socialize and discuss your problems and feelings with friends and family members. Organize small weekend parties and actively participate in those should you be invited. Take a few days off without disrupting your weekly routine. Make sure you have enough light in your home.
Practice Yogāsana, Prāṇāyāma and meditation (perhaps with friends) regularly. Make sure you eat a sensible and tasty diet according to Ayurvedic rules. This should especially include foods that lower Vāta and promote Sattva. Allow yourself sufficient rest and relaxation and ensure a regular sleeping pattern. In your leisure time, watch light and entertaining films that emphasize the positivity of life.
Clinical therapy Of great importance is the analysis of the etiology and origin of the disease, as well as psychological care to develop a positive attitude towards situations and oneself, cultivate positive memory contents and detach from past traumatic memories. As a therapist, you will guide the patient to meditate. If the patient is already taking modern medications, continue them. If the patient is suitable, perform a classical Ayurvedic Śodhana (purification) followed by bastis (enemas) with Nārāyaṇa-taila. Other recommendations are Śirodhārā (forehead oil pouring) with Nārāyaṇa-taila, Nasya (nasocranial therapy) with Brāhmī ghṛtam. Suitable medicinal plants for internal intake are a powder combination of Aśvagandhā (3-6g) and Kapikacchu (3g) 2x daily with warm milk and Jaṭāmānsī (2-3g) 2x with warm milk. Support and assurance from family, friends and relatives are also necessary measures.
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