Depression was my constant companion for most of my life. It began in the eighth grade and continued on until I began treating it holistically at the age of 44. I suffered many, many dark days and on heavy psychotropic medications for over 14 years. I was told by seven psychiatrists that I would need medications for the rest of my life. You can read my story here for more detail. Finally I discovered the works of Carl Pfeiffer and Abram Hoffer, who were curing mental illness with nutrients instead of drugs.
“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
~ Thomas Edison
10 Common Causes of Depression
1/ Past trauma
According to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation – Childhood trauma, such as sexual or physical abuse, domestic violence, neglect or parental loss, can have long-lasting consequences. Researchers are exploring the effects of early trauma on the stress-response systems that influence vulnerability to later depression.
I found a good therapist and joined a support group for victims of abuse. Dealing with trauma is a process that can be painful and time consuming but very liberating.
2/ Toxic Relationships
Toxic Relationships that are characterized by: insecurity, abuse of power and control, demandingness, selfishness, insecurity, self-centeredness, criticism, negativity, dishonesty, distrust, demeaning comments and attitudes, and jealousy. In fact, unhealthy relationships can turn into exactly that—a toxic internal environment that can lead to depression, anxiety, and even medical problems.
I had to eliminate a few toxic relationships. Do your relationships leave you feeling energized and happy or depleted and depressed? Get rid of all of those “frenemies”. Surround yourself with love and support.
3/ Workplace Stress
Do you enjoy your work? Does it energize or deplete you? Helping others overcome Lyme Disease and chronic illness is my fourth career and I love it! Find your passion and do what gives you joy and satisfaction. A drug might take the edge off symptoms, but you will still have the daily workplace stress if you choose to stay. When nothing changes, nothing changes.
4/ Grieving
Grieving is a natural response to the death of a loved one or any other type of loss. It has a life of its own, and when given its due attention, it will enable us to come to terms with our losses. It is important to feel the feelings and process the grief so you can move on in your life. A pill is not going to bring back your loved one or the things you have lost.
5/ Abusing drugs and alcohol
Substance abusers have an increased risk of developing depression. The solution is to stop abusing drugs and alcohol so the body can recover from the toxicity that these cause. It was important for me to learn to live clean and sober. I now rely on 12 step groups, a wonderful therapist, loving family members and wonderful friends for support. Antidepressants are not a substitute for healthy living; they only make this problem worse.
6/Financial stress
I was in a terrible financial mess many years ago. The solution was to stop spending more than I earned. We got rid of all debt and began living a simpler debt free lifestyle. It is so wonderful to live within my means and have the ability to easily pay my monthly bills. No more sleepless nights about finances.
7/ Digestive disorders
Research has shown that the gut microbiota influences brain chemistry and behavior. For example, people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the associated cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation, commonly suffer from depression and anxiety as well. This study details the link between gut microbiota and depression.
I had gut problems from a very early age. Antidepressants only prolonged and increased my suffering. The solution was to finally heal my gut. For more detail read this article.
8/ Medications
Antidepressants can cause an increased level of depression and create a state of chronic depression known as tardive dysphoria. There is a good article here from Psychology Today.
Some antidepressants also bring an increased risk of suicidal ideation. This was my experience, and I battled this during my last three years of antidepressant use. This level of suffering is what actually forced me to look at alternatives when I finally discovered that these drugs were making the depression worse.
9/Nutritional deficiencies
Deficiencies in omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin d, b complex, iron, folate, amino acids, iodine, zinc and selenium can all produce depression.
These were corrected with a nutrient dense paleo diet, whole food supplementation and sunbathing. I used hair tissue mineral analysis to discover which minerals I needed to focus on and supplement.
10/ High levels of mercury in your system
Mercury toxicity has been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, lowered immune function, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, memory loss, chronic headaches, neurological symptoms, joint pain, candida, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to name a few.
I got all of my amalgam fillings removed. You can read more about it here.
It is important to find the cause of the depression so that a solution can be implemented.
Taking drugs to solve problems just doesn’t make sense. If you are in a a crisis that is a different situation altogether. Sometimes a short course of a medication may be necessary and lifesaving. Talk therapy is often what is needed the most – to help us discover what is contributing to the depression. Seek out a good counselor or psychologist and a naturopathic doctor for a holistic treatment plan. Sister Mary McGuire, a psychologist, has helped me more than any other. We met regularly for over 3 years. These sessions were painful and powerful. I received such an incredible gift of deep and liberating healing. I carry her love and wisdom with me each and every day.
I am happy to report that I have been off all drugs and antidepressants since October 2007. I have not had a recurrence of depression, mania, anxiety or panic attacks since making the above changes. A nutrient-dense diet, nutritional supplementation, detoxification and lifestyle choices really do affect mental health.
If you are interested in booking a consult, please go to this page for nutritional therapy and hair analysis.
Best of Health!
Brenda
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