Embrace your depression… Did I really just hear my kinesiologist say that? Why would I want to embrace depression?
I had never really thought of myself as depressed or was it that I never wanted to admit that I suffered depression? I know within my Doctors file there in black and white are the words … Post Natal Depression… Even then I was in denial, I made any excuse I could, lets face it I was a new mum with four then five children … if anything I was sleep deprived but certainly not depressed… that was what I told myself.
What I didn’t realize then, was not facing my depression and pushing it further into my mind and body was holding me back from living the life I desired, basically I was stuck. It has been through kinesiology that I’ve finally faced and actually accepted my depression as part of who I am. It’s not bad or embarrassing, it is just who I am. Kinesiology has not only helped me identify and accept responsibility for my feelings, it has also helped me remove the barriers that were preventing me from moving forward within my life.
“Depression is the outcome of stagnation. It represents a lack of expression of the inner self.”
Depression – (Disorders of mood)
Depression is a mood disorder and it is quite natural for males and females to experience some sort of depression in their lives depending on their circumstances at the time.
Included within mood disorders are, major depression and bipolar (manic depressive) disorders. Mood disorders are disorders of emotion (mania and depression) as opposed to disturbances of thought. They are relatively common although at the same time under diagnosed and undertreated illnesses. “Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide”. (Pathophysiology Concepts of Altered Health States, 8th Edition, Carol Mattson Porth, Glenn Matfin).
People can experience different types of depression:
Major depression is characterized by, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, despair, and hopelessness, changes in sleep and appetite, reduced concentration, diminished will to enjoy life, and possible suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar depression is characterized by, interchanging periods of depression and mania, during the manic periods there is a reduced need for food and sleep, the individual has racing thoughts, is irritable, and is highly distracted.
Dysthymia Includes the same symptoms of major depression although in a lesser form. Because of the chronic nature of this disorder, it can make it difficult for an individual to recognize the symptoms as part of an illness. An individual suffering dysthymia are at risk of suffering major depression.
Post Natal Depression Following childbirth, possibly due to hormonal changes. It affects approximately 13% of all new mothers and is one of the most common complications of childbirth.
Seasonal affective Disorder Affects 5% of the population, it is believed that a lack of sunlight and daylight is a major contributing factor.
Genetic factors show to play a key role in the development of mood disorders. Other causes of depression can be attributed to, biochemical, psychological, physical, social triggers, medical conditions, such as, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, nervous disorders, cancer, metabolic disturbances, endocrine disorders, and cardiovascular disorders. Also some prescription drugs, have been know to play a role in depression. Long, term addictions such as alcohol and substance abuse as well as gambling can also contribute to the cause of depression.
Some of the Signs and Symptoms of Depression
The characteristics of someone suffering major depression are, sad, depressed mood, an inability to experience pleasure, constant feeling of worthlessness, hopelessness, excessive guilt, decreased concentration, psychomotor agitation or reduction, insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleep), decreased libido, low energy or fatigue, change in weight and or appetite, from not wanting to eat or over eating, and thoughts of death or suicidal tendencies.
Depression can affect any one of us at any time in our lives. It is an illness that impacts on the whole body.
Depression is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. It is a medical condition and with the correct treatment can be managed and its symptoms alleviated, allowing you to live the life you desire.
There is so much acceptance and awareness about depression today that you don’t need to suffer alone.
What to do now…
- Visit your family Doctor or local GP. Depending on the level of your depression you may need a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Many GP’s also have a good understanding of natural and or alternative therapies enabling them to help formulate the best possible treatment program for you.
- Kinesiology and Mind Body Medicine is a holistic all natural approach in the treatment of depression. We also look at diet, exercise and lifestyle. With kinesiology we explore the main influences contributing to your depression. Addressing and subsequently clearing these issues frees up the mind and body to move forward allowing you to let go of what no longer serves you.
Restore Life’s Natural Balance
If you’d like more information on how kinesiology & Mind Body Medicine can help with depression, please contact me today on 0408 410 438 or info@deborahsweeneykinesiology.com.au
Helpful Links:
www.purelifepsychology.com.au
www.beyondblue.org.au
www.druginfo.nsw.gov.au
www.suicide.com.au