Today, we are going to discuss another one mental health issue through which almost everyone is passing nowadays i.e. depression. If we have a look at the data provided by WHO, more than 264 million people in the world are facing the same problem. As this disease condition is related to our mind and the way of treating this condition is making an individual mentally strong so let's try to understand what depression is, its causes and effects and how we can counteract depression.
INTRODUCTION
In our daily life, everybody is facing some kind of issues in his or her life but some people take it lightly, some can overcome and some are unable to face it and they go into a state of mind that is called depression. Depression is not just a word but it has a hidden meaning in itself. It is a state of extreme sorrow that may be for a stipulated period or may stand for a long time.
Incidence ratio – The study reveals that the problem is not bounded to any particular age group. Its incidence ratio is quite high in youngsters that too particularly in females than males. Even this problem can be seen in children too, which sometimes results in the suicidal attempts.
AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF DEPRESSION
As per Ayurveda, Depression is considered as Manoavsaad, where Vata dosha along with Tamas and Rajas doshas got aggravated and depletes the Kapha dosha hence is responsible for wavy mind, fluctuating thoughts, mood swing, etc. This is a Mano Vikar where we need to pay full attention to resolve it otherwise it will give rise to Sharirik Roga's.
WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?
This disease is not related to the similar cause in everybody, sometimes a minor thing can become the major cause for somebody depending upon how they react to that condition. Here are some of the general causes seen related to the particular sexes and age groups are:-
In females the common causes are -
- Marriage
- Family tensions
- Rearing of children
- Over thinking
- Personality issues
- Jealous or comparison factor also leads to depression
In males the common causes are -
- Fear of losing the Job
- Over burden of work at office
- Pressure to fulfill the needs of family
- Social status
In children the common causes are -
- Examinations
- High expectations of parents
- Competition in every field
- School, family and social environment
Some Common causes in all -
- Relationships
- Financial crisis
- Death of any family member
- Low esteem
- Serious ailment
- Name and fame
- Chasing success
- Unable to fulfill the expectations
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
The various signs and symptoms of this disease are as follows:
- Feeling of loneliness
- Mood swings
- Lack of interest in daily activities
- Poor concentration
- Anger, fear and grief
- Inability to take decisions
- Stress and tensions
- Anxiety
- Crying without any reason
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Variation in body weight
- Irregular bowel movement
- Females may get difficulties in their menses.
- Disturbance in sleep or lack of sleep
- Feeling of suffocation
- Fluctuations in thoughts
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Irritability
COMPLICATIONS
If depression is unable to manage on time then it will hamper the normal activities of the person either socially or mentally. Person may develop problems related various systems of the body like reproductive system, cardiovascular system, etc. And in worst conditions it may give rise to suicidal tendencies.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR DEPRESSION BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda, a leading ayurvedic brand which is providing support to patients through their experience by treating such conditions with the help of their knowledge, correct combination of medicines and pure herbal formulations which are developed by the experts. In this condition Planet Ayurveda offers its Depression Care Pack. It includes the following medicines:
- Medhya Churna
- Gotu kola Capsules
- Memory Support
- Stress Support
Depression Care Pack
1. Medhya Churna
This herbal formulation is prepared from the herbs such as Vacha (Acorus calamus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), etc. All are considered as Medhya rasayanas which helps to improve intellectual power and mental health of an individual. This powder is beneficial to use in such conditions which makes it difficult to lead a normal healthy life like stress, fear and depression.
Dosage: 1/4 teaspoon once daily with 1 spoon of Cow Ghee (Clarified Butter).
2. Gotu kola Capsules
An efficient medicine which is prepared from the pure and standardized extract of herb Gotu kola (Centella asiatica). This herb maintains the level of hormones balanced which is basically required in this condition. Usually it helps to boost up the serotonin level which makes the individual happy and elevates the mood. This capsule is widely used to manage the problems related to the nervous system.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water, after meals.
3. Memory Support
These capsules are composed of the standardized extracts of the herbs Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), etc. All these are brain nourishing tonics which help to make clarity in decision making, boost the memory power, and make you strong mentally to tackle the situations. It helps to relax your mind in all the difficult situations.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.
4. Stress Support
The name of the capsule defines its action in the management of this disease. Stress support capsules are prepared from the herbs like – Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Tagar (Valeriana wallichi) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It will reduce the level of stress and pressure in the head. It also relieves headache and improves sleep. These herbs help to subside the aggravated Vata dosha in the body.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water, after meals.
SPECIAL SUPPORT IN DEPRESSION – YOGA, ASANAS AND MEDITATION
Yoga is not a new term in the field of treatment but it is being practised from the ancient times by Sages. It is proved to be the best way in the treatment of various ailments along with depression too. Yoga not only keeps our body fit and healthy but also makes the mind free from burden by increasing the flow of blood circulation in our body. The exercises and Asanas which are practiced in Yoga help to strengthen the Body and mind which results in overcoming depression. There are so many asanas which reduces stress of mind, keeps the mind cool and makes life full of joy. Practicing Yoga is a way of living life in a new manner. Along with Yogas and Asanas meditation in a regular manner has played a key role in the stress management. As meditation is directly linked to the chakras so it teaches us how to keep a control over our thoughts and emotions.
COUNSELLING
Counseling and Medication are the ways by which depression can be cured. In counseling the various aspects of a human or patient's life are studied such as their personal life, relationship with family and friends, past or worst experiences, etc. After knowing these causes the patient is provided with the counseling by the experts some therapies are also a part of counseling such as art therapy, peer therapy and so on. Counseling may help to make a positive mindset which not only helps to conquer depression but also ease the way of life. Just remember one thing in life - "Nobody is exactly like you but you can give a good direction to your life with valuable thoughts.
TIPS
- Choose the positive environment.
- Indulge yourself in the hobbies.
- Make healthy relationships which will add up the joy of your life.
- Maintain a healthy routine and take a balanced diet.
CONCLUSION
So, here we have discussed about the disease in detail. This is actually not a disease which is incurable but also we cannot ignore it. Thus, we tried to provide some remedies like herbs which will help to nourish the mind, increase the thinking capacity of a person and intellectual power along with some other supportive remedies like Yoga, Counseling, etc. which shows its tremendous results in this disease.
"We have to understand one thing in our life that every problem comes with its solution. So, we have to work on the solution rather than affecting our peace of mind by worrying about the problem."
