Depression is a condition that is characterized by a sense of 'feeling low' with reduced concentration, reduced energy and reduced ability to enjoy daily activities for at least two weeks. In simple terms, if a person feels low off and on and the symptoms can change within hours or one or two days, then the diagnosis of depression as an illness is inappropriate.
If depression becomes worse there can be a loss of appetite (in some cases an increase) with consequent loss in weight (or gain), bowel and bladder disturbances including constipation and loss of sexual drive or libido. If the condition become severe, a person may become suicidal with a sense of hopelessness.
In psychiatry, there is an acceptance of an underlying family or genetic element in the causation of this condition. It means that if a parent or a grandparent have or had depression then the condition can occur in younger generations. In psychology, it is believed that an individual suffering with depression learns habits or gets 'conditioned' to think and behave like a depressed person. Treatment in the two approaches differs. Psychiatry focusses on the 'chemical imbalance' hypothesis of depression and so relies on medications for treatment. Psychological intervention involves changing the habits of thinking and behaving in a particular - depressed- way. Current western prevalent mode of psychotherapy focusses more on CBT or cognitive behaviour therapy, though other kinds of psychotherapy modalities are available that could be equally effective.
My own experiences of treatment of such condition is with and without medication. In many cases, I have had to help a person come off medication gradually, which can be done under supervision along with psychotherapy. The way I work with my clients is with imagery and meditation or simple breathing exercises.
In eastern parts of the world, the symptoms of depression are more physical than psychological. A person may not be able to express themselves verbally because of family pressures and demands of the culture. So the symptoms appear as pains and aches in various parts of the body. They may also appear as anxieties and fears. Though grief is different from depression, in my experience, too many losses of family members, friends or relations can cause the condition of depression even many years later after the events.
In my view, meditation can be successfully used (when done regularly) to treat depression under the supervision of a professional who has experience in dealing with such cases.
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Averil.You have made some very good points. There are many angles to a story. You can see the story from only one angle or from more than one angles. Another approach to treat depression is with vitamin B3 and amino acid tryptophan. Among herbs, St. John's wort is well known. My own experience in treating depression is with imagery and meditation. As a person relaxes, the events and persons that are in the past, become alive in the memory. The treatment of depression in such cases lies in 'processing' the emotions that arise as a result. The first such case I saw many years ago was that of a lady who had been recommended to go on antidepressant medication. In her history, five deaths over previous six years had contributed to her depressed state. Doing grief work was enough for her. She did not look back or needed medication ever again.
I agree that anti-depressant medications play a major role in treating clients with depression. But I think there are numerous alternative ways we can do to help clients overcome depression. All of us can have the chance to develop depression. It’s a matter of how we cope up the stresses in our life. I too had a depression before that cause me to feel very down. When I go through the Yuen method practice, I come upon memories of my thoughts and feelings that I experienced during the day but there are something hidden within my body that I can’t explain. When Paul (YM practitioner) corrected the negative energy that I have, I see a new light that help me process my memories. And my experience with a Yuen method is that it helps me to take away my depression and anxiety especially when I am filled with being negative. This is really amazing!Here are some video resources with learning tips that demonstrate the benefits of energy medicine, http://www.chineseenergetics.com/Energy-Medicine/