When it’s more than just sadness

For the last few decades, there has been a growing expectation that we ought to feel happy all the time, that this should be normal. Mental health experts question this assumption, making a distinction between experiences that are “hedonic” (pleasurable, or superficially happy) and those that are “eudaimonic” (meaningful). They also tell us that negative emotions like anxiety, fear, guilt, anger and even sadness can actually be constructive—if they are channeled well[i]. But what if sadness dips into depression?

Could it be depression?

Depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for people aged 15 to 45 years old. It affects 20 million American adults, women more often than men.

There are two main types of clinical depression: persistent depressive disorder and major depression. Persistent depressive disorder tends to be longer-lasting (two years or more) but somewhat milder than major depression and interferes less with daily functioning. Both are characterized by sadness, inability to concentrate, irritability, lack of enjoyment of activities that were previously enjoyable, a hopeless feeling, low self-esteem and thoughts of suicide. All of this can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as decreased energy and fatigue, changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, excessive sleep or insomnia, back pain or headaches.

Four other types of depression are relatively common. Postpartum depression can occur after giving birth and is accompanied by difficulty bonding with the baby and even occasional urges to harm the baby.

As the name implies, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) occurs only during one season, which is  the winter months.

Grief is a normal response to loss, which we all experience, but if it deepens and is longlasting then it needs to be addressed.

 Finally, depression can alternate with its opposite of a manic state. Previously called manic-depression, this is now referred to as bipolar disorder.

If someone is struggling to cope with daily life or is experiencing persistent thoughts of suicide, a diagnosis should be sought. Depression is usually diagnosed by a primary care provider, psychiatrist or psychologist. This takes place through a conversation, but it can also involve blood tests and completion of a questionnaire. Almost half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with some form of anxiety.

Causes of depression

Specific causes of depression are unknown, but it’s thought that in some cases it results from a  biochemical imbalance and might also be related to genes. 

Insufficient light exposure is the main cause of SAD, which often responds well to “light box” treatment.

Situational depression is associated with a traumatic experience that leaves lasting symptoms.

Finally, depression can be caused by hormonal disruption such as pregnancy and delivery of a baby after which the hormones don’t re-balance. But it can also be triggered by other hormonal changes such as menopause or even the onset of menstruation. Obviously, these are exclusive to women.

How is depression typically treated?

Treatment of depression often includes psychotherapy and/or prescription drugs. Psychotherapy is time-limited, typically lasting around 16 weeks. (Of course, ability to pay or lack of insurance coverage might shorten this course). It’s offered by a range of mental health care providers including therapists, counselors and social workers. There are many therapeutic approaches to depression, so those who suffer from it are often referred for a specific type of therapy. There are many potential benefits to therapy, including gaining a better understanding of what caused the depression, and learning coping skills and problem-solving techniques.

A range of prescription drug classes are used to treat depression, each of which includes numerous individual drugs. It’s advised that anti-depressants should be taken for at least six months, and should not be stopped until there have been no symptoms for at least six months. However, reducing or eliminating anti-depressants must be done very gradually and can be challenging[ii].

For those who don’t respond to other treatments or are suicidal, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a final option. However, it requires general anesthesia and also entails other risks.

An integrative approach to depression

Homeopathic care is an option for those with depression that is not life-threatening who prefer to avoid pharmaceuticals or have experienced unwanted side effects from them. It also complements therapy well: homeopathic remedies can trigger a physiological shift, helping to “unstick” patterns of thought and emotions, while therapy can bring needed understanding and increased self-awareness and coping skills.

We begin with a conversation to explore the history and possible initial triggers of the depression, the daily or seasonal pattern, as well as the “modalities”, or things in the environment or that you can do that seem to make it worse or better. All of these factors point to a single homeopathic medicine that matches the specific pattern of the depression.

In the case of depression caused by hormonal disruption, the homeopathic remedy would like be one that targets the endocrine system.

Other remedies are especially useful for depression associated with protracted grief.

The aim of homeopathy is significant reduction or resolution. In general, the longer depression has lasted, the longer the course of homeopathic care.

Call for a free 15-minute consultation or schedule one on the online scheduler to learn more about how homeopathy can help you with your depression.

[i] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/supersurvivors/202006/two-reasons-it-s-not-good-be-happy-all-the-time

[ii] H Kovich A Dejong (2015) “Common Questions About the Pharmacologic Management of Depression in Adults” American Family Physician 92(2):94-100