Depression is the most common of all emotional disorders. This may vary from a feeling of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection. It stems from a variety of physical and psychological symptoms which together constitute a syndrome.

Depression is the most unpleasant experience a person can go through. It is far more difficult to cope with than physical ailments. The growing complexities of modern life and resultant crises, as well as mental stress and strain in day-to-day life usually lead to this disorder. Suicide is the major risk in depression.

Symptoms

It is not always easy to diagnose depression clinically. The most striking symptoms of depression are feelings of an acute sense of loss an inexplicable sadness, loss of energy and loss of interest. The patient usually feels tired and lacks interest in the world around him. Sleep disturbance is frequent. Usually, the patient wakes up depressed at 4 or 5 in the morning and is unable to go back to sleep. Other disturbed sleep patterns are, difficulty in falling asleep, nightmares and repeated waking from midnight onwards.

The patient often suffers from guilt, oppressive feelings and self-absorption. Other symptoms of depression are : loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability, impotence or frigidity, constipation, aches and pains all over the body, lack of concentration, and lack of power of decision. Some persons may lose interest in eating and suffer from rapid loss of weight while others may resort to frequent eating and as a result gain in weight.

Cases of severe depression may be characterised by low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering. The external manifestations represent a cry for help from the tormented mind of the depressed persons. The severely depressed patients feels worthless and is finally convinced that he himself is responsible for his undoing and his present state of hopeless despair.

Causes

Depleted functioning of the adrenal glands is one of the main causes of mental depression. Irregular diet habits cause digestive problems and lead to the assimilation of fats. An excess of carbohydrates like cereals, white sugar, coffee, tea, chocolates and comparatively less quantities of vegetables and fruits in the diet may result in indigestion. Due to indigestion gases are produced in the digestive tract, causing compression over the diaphragm in the region of the heart and lungs. This in turn, reduces the supply of oxygen to the tissues which raises the carbon dioxide level, causing general depression. The excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs also leads to faulty assimilation of vitamins and minerals of the body and ultimately causes depression. The use of aspirin leads to deficiencies of vitamin C and antacids can cause deficiencies of calcium and vitamin B. Diabetes, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia ) and weakness of the liver, resulting from the use of refined or processed foods, fried foods and an excessive intake of fats may also lead to depression.

Dietary Treatment

The modern medical system treats depression with anti-depression drugs which provide temporary relief but have harmful side-effects and do not remove the causes or prevent its recurrence. The harmful side-effects include gross liver damage, hypersensitivity, insomnia, hallucinations, a confused state, convulsions and a fall in blood pressure.

In nature cure, emphasis is placed on diet which has a profound effect on the mental health of a person. Even a single nutritional deficiency can cause depression in susceptible people. Dr. Priscilla, associate clinical professor at the University of California, prescribes nutritional therapy to build up brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that affect one’s moods and are often lacking in depressed people. She recommends eating foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains, green vegetables, eggs and fish.

The diet of persons suffering from depression should completely exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and cola, all white flour products, sugar, food colourings, chemical additives, white rice and strong condiments. The diet should be restricted to three meals. Fruits can be taken in the morning for breakfast with milk and a handful of nuts and seeds. Lunch may consist of steamed vegetables, whole wheat chappatis and a glass of butter-milk. For dinner, green vegetable salad and all available sprouts such as alfalfa seeds, mung, cottage cheese or a glass of butter-milk would be ideal.

The depressive mood can be overcome by activity. Those who are depressive will forget their misery by doing something. Exercise also plays an important role in the treatment of depression. It not only takes the body physically and mentally fit but also provides recreation and mental relaxation. It also gives a feeling of accomplishment and thus reduces the sense of helplessness. The patient must also learn the art of scientific relaxation and meditation which will go a long way in curing depression.