Managing Depression and which path to take

For someone with depression it can feel like a constant feeling of sadness and a complete lack of interest in the things you once enjoyed. You may feel a sense of hopelessness or like life isn’t worth living. Depression is more than just a feeling of sadness, it takes a toll on the person mentally and physically. Some other symptoms of depression are a feeling of emptiness, irritability and anger, lack of sleep, anxiety, trouble concentrating and even thoughts of harming oneself. There are many other symptoms that can appear with depression as well. These symptoms of depression can often disrupt the person’s life such as their work or school performance. They may find themselves feeling miserable and unhappy without an exact reason why. They may begin to isolate themselves and withdraw from all social or family activities. 

Most often a person with depression will be prescribed a medication. There are many types of medication that are suppose to be targeted towards the type of depression you have. This would be diagnosed after a doctor visit, consisting of several types of lab tests, a physical exam and a psychiatric evaluation. There are many side effects with medication’s and other risks involved. You may have to try several in order to find one that works for you. 

You may also undergo psychotherapy where you will discuss your feeling with a mental health professional. In some cases, you will be admitted to a hospital for monitoring if you are unable to care for yourself. In more extreme cases a form of brain stimulation therapy may be used. An ECT or TMS where they literally send magnetic pulses or electric currents directly to the brain. 

So let’s look at another approach and view point of depression from a Chinese medicine point of view.

One thing that is clear is that the Chinese population do not turn to drugs right away or at all for depression. They instead receive acupuncture treatments and take herbs instead of drugs. In Chinese medicine depression is caused by a blockage or imbalance in one or more internal organs, and the energy pathways that are involved with the organ. It can start in one organ where the chi is stagnating and can then spread to other organs if not treated. Acupuncture has been very effective in treating depression and statistically just as effective as antidepressants. Acupuncture has been shown to change levels of neurotransmitters which effect the persons’ mental state. The use of herbs has been around for 600 years to treat depression. Similar to western medicine you would meet with a practitioner who would evaluate you and determine what kind of imbalance you were having, but in this case you would be prescribed an herbal remedy instead of a drug! The practitioner will also discuss your diet with you and recommend what foods you should eat and avoid as part of the treatment. 

Another great form of therapy for depression is massage. Massage has been used for more than 3,000 years in China. Massage release hormones in your body creating an emotional connection, a calm mind and can improve your mood. Massage may not cure depression but it will certainly help with some of the physical pains that come along with depression, such as back pain, and joint pain. It can also help with sleeping problems. Massage will help to strengthen your mind body connection. It also will increase your energy and reduce the stress hormone called cortisol. When cortisol is reduced your body has the ability to fight off pain, anxiety and sadness better. Massage is a great way to create a safe and nurturing space for someone to feel calm and cared for. It creates a stronger sense of self worth and confidence. 

Depression can be treated in many different ways and with many combinations of treatments. There is no single pill that will cure everything. A person must do what they feel is right for them. The important thing is to treat depression in a way that works for you, exploring all options until the right treatment is found. 

 Sources:

Article- depression from the mayo clinic website

TCM information page on depression

Massage therapy for depression fromHealthline.com

How massage helps with anxiety and depression from www.prevention.com