The Homeopathic Approach to Depression

and AnxietyNorthfield Community Ed and Rec.

November 11,2010Sujata Owens, Homeopathic Master Clinician

Depression

Defining Depression

Depression is a medical illness that involves mind and body. Depression affects how you feel, think and behave.

Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

Depression may make you feel as if life isn't worth living. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities.

What is depression?

Dr. James Gordon, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist holds a view that depression isn't really a disease, but a life out of balance.

The dominant issue in depression is stress.

Dr. Gordon's solution: A mix of meditation, dance therapy, deep breathing, exercise, herbs, nutritional supplements and self-help strategies.

What are the symptoms?

Feelings of sadness or unhappinessIrritability or frustration, even over small

mattersLoss of interest or pleasure in normal

activitiesReduced sex driveInsomnia or excessive sleepingChanges in appetite —decreased appetite and

weight loss or it may cause increase appetite and cravings resulting in weight gain

Agitation or restlessness—examples include: pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still

What are the symptoms?

Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements Indecisiveness, distractibility and decreased

concentrationFatigue, tiredness and loss of energy — even small

tasks may seem to require a lot of effortFeelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past

failures or blaming yourself when things aren't going right

Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicideCrying spells for no apparent reasonUnexplained physical problems, such as back pain or

headaches

Causes of Depression

Biological Differences People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help pinpoint causes.

Neurotransmitters These naturally occurring brain chemicals linked to mood are thought to play a direct role in depression.

Hormones Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Hormone changes can result from thyroid problems, menopause and a number of other conditions.

Causes of Depression

Inherited Traits Depression is more common in people whose biological family members also have the condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing depression.

Life Events Death, loss of a loved one, financial problems and high stress events can trigger depression in some people.

Early Childhood Trauma Traumatic events during childhood, such as abuse or loss of a parent, may cause permanent changes in the brain that make you more susceptible to depression.

Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal part of life. Anxiety can be useful when it alerts us to

danger. Anxiety that is persistent can interfere

with daily activities such as work, school or sleep.

This type of anxiety can disrupt relationships and enjoyment of life.

Over time, persistent anxiety can lead to health concerns and other problems.

What are the symptoms?

FatigueIrritabilityTrouble sleepingConstant worrying or obsession about small or

large concernsRestlessness and feeling keyed-up or on edgeDifficulty concentrating or your mind "going

blank"Muscle tension or muscle achesTrembling, feeling twitchy or being easily startled Sweating, nausea or diarrheaShortness of breath or rapid heartbeat

What are the symptoms?

Performance at school, work or sporting eventsBeing on time (punctuality)Earthquakes, tornadoes, nuclear war or other

catastrophic eventsOverly anxious to fit in Be a perfectionistLack confidenceRedo tasks because they aren't perfect the first

timeStrive for approvalRequire a lot of reassurance about

performance

Anxiety Disorders

In some cases, anxiety is a diagnosable mental health condition that requires treatment.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent worry about major or minor concerns.

Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — have more specific triggers and symptoms. In some cases, anxiety is caused by a medical condition that needs treatment.

Counseling, lifestyle changes and individualized homeopathic remedy can help anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety

If you have ongoing anxiety that interferes with day-to-day activities and relationships and makes it hard to enjoy life, you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

It is possible to develop GAD as a child or as an adult.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder has similar symptoms as Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and other types of anxiety, but they're all different conditions.

Living with GAD can be a long-term challenge. In many cases, it occurs along with other anxiety or mood disorders.

More about GAD

Begins at an early age, and the signs and symptoms may develop more slowly than in other anxiety disorders. Many people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder can't recall when they last felt relaxed or at ease.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment.

With treatment, you may not feel anxious all of the time. But you will always be susceptible to becoming anxious, especially when life becomes stressful.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder usually occurs along with other mental health conditions, such as other anxiety disorders, substance abuse problems and mood disorders. It commonly co-occurs with major depression.

Causes of GAD

As with many mental health conditions, what causes Generalized Anxiety Disorder isn't fully understood.

It involves naturally-occurring brain chemicals or neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

It's likely that the condition has several causes that may include genetics, environment and stress.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and Anxiety

Anxiety and depression may occur together but certainly not always.

Anxiety may manifest itself in a multitude of ways including fear, helplessness, a feeling of panic, feeling that something bad may happen, as well as possible physical symptoms.

We wouldn't be human if we didn't experience anxiety.

“Taking a fresh look at alternative medicine”

Mayo Clinic has been weaving mind-body therapies into all fields of medicine, including psychiatry, for several years.

“The U of M Psychiatry Dept which has long -focused on the biology of brain diseases, is taking a fresh look at alternative medicine.” Dr. Charles Schultz

"If it leads to a better outcome, then I think it's our obligation to look at it," Schultz said.

“Natural therapies help treat depression and anxiety”

At one time, psychiatrists might have cringed at the thought of using alternative medicine instead of "real" treatments for mental health care.

But a growing number of doctors are adding herbs, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements and meditation to their arsenal of psychiatric drugs, as evidence mounts that natural therapies can help.

Even stalwarts of the medical establishment, from the U of M to Allina hospitals & clinics, are exploring ways to use mind-body therapies to treat depression and anxiety.

Homeopathy

EconomicEffectiveScientificSystematic

…and Homeopathy is a natural approach to healthy body and mind.

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The Homeopathic Approach Treat the person and depression and anxiety will

self correct itself.

Homeopaths are able to treat Depression and Anxiety effectively by bringing the individual into balance.

Homeopaths treat the specific pattern of symptoms which an individual presents.

Only the individually-prepared, homeopathic remedy that matches the unique symptoms will bring the person into balance.

Homeopathy Offers Help

Homeopathic treatment is natural, legal and effective.

Homeopathic remedies are inexpensive. The significant cost of homeopathic

treatment is office visits. Once the person has responded well to the homeopathic remedy, appointments are infrequent.

Homeopathy treats the whole person. Not only do the depression and anxiety symptoms improve, so do most or all of the other physical, mental and emotional complaints of the person.

Benefits of Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are free of any side effects.

We use natural and micro doses of medicinal substances.

Benefits can be experienced for months or years rather than hours.

Treats each person as an individual.

Heals physical as well as mental and emotional symptoms.

Homeopathy is affordable. The average cost at VFC for first year has been $1250 - $2500.

This includes cost of homeopathic remedies: very cost effective in the long run.

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Homeopathy Benefits25

Homeopathy Benefits

Homeopathy offers the best any preventative medicine has to offer:

Strengthens immune system which leads to ability to ward off illnesses

easily.Prevents illness naturally, gently and rapidly.

Homeopathy Benefits

1. Offers a method of achieving and maintaining vibrant health

2. Improves one’s sense of well being

3. Helps reach one’s full healthy potential

4. Removes physical signs and symptoms of illness

Why do signs and symptoms show up when we are at dis-ease?

Physical as well as mental and emotional signs and symptoms of disease, specific to each person, are recognized as attempts on the part of the body to heal itself.

Signs and symptoms manifest themselves because the body has been unable to restore balance from its inner resources and needs help.

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Can I give the remedythat helped me to my neighbor?

The answer is a big no! The homeopathic approach

recognizes the unique way each person reacts to illness

Physical as well as mental and emotional signs and symptoms of disease specific to each person is the unique signature of each person.

The unique signature of the remedy is what leads to correct homeopathic solution for the individual. The remedy will not be helpful for anyone else.

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Understanding individuals through comprehensive consultations

Homeopathic consultation involves an interview in which the data of physical, mental and emotional symptoms along with medical history is collected.

This data is then analyzed and evaluated to understand the essence of the imbalanced state of the individual.

This process leads the homeopath to find the specific remedy for the individual.

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Homeopathy works by enhancing body’s wisdom to heal itself

Homeopathy has a unique way of influencing the imbalanced energy field known as vital force through homeopathic medicines.

The process of dynamization of natural substances enhances their therapeutic qualities, preserves their essence, and converts them into homeopathic medicines.

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How does homeopathy work?

Homeopathy works by enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Action of individual specific homeopathic remedy leads to gentle stimulation and restoration of imbalanced “vital force” to balance.

This in turn leads to disappearance of signs and symptoms.

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Sources of Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic remedies come from a wide variety of sources such as plants, minerals and animals.

There are over 2500 homeopathic remedies regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are required to meet the standards of Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States.

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Two examples of plant sources

Hyoscymus niger, Plant family SolanaceaeCrocus sativa, Plant family Liliflorae

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Two examples of mineral sources

Adamas, common name: DiamondAurum metallicum, common name: Gold

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Two examples of animal sources

Lac loxodonta, common name: Elephant’s milk

Naja tripudans, common name: Cobra snake

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Homeopathic Medicines37

Homeopathic Medicine

This vial contains pills of Silicea 200 C, a homeopathic remedy.

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Working with body’s wisdom to restore state of health

Homeopathy with the aid of individual-specific homeopathic remedy works to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

A single, carefully chosen homeopathic remedy offers the help needed to restore a state of balance, health and well-being.

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Research in Homeopathy

Quadruple - Blind, The Lancet, April 22, 1989, p. 914.4, Complete Text98.2% met admission criteria.

Recovery rates - 17.1% in the active group & 10.3% in the placebo group

61 % expressed favorable judgments about the active treatment.

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Research

Ferley, J.P., A Controlled Evaluation of Homeopathic Preparation in the Treatment of Influenza-like Syndromes, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 1989, 27, pp. 329 - 335.237 cases received the test drug and 241 were assigned to placebo.

The proportion of cases who recovered within 48 hours of treatment was greater among the active drug group than among the placebo group (17.1 % against 10.3%)

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Research

Reilly, D.T., Is Homeopathy a Placebo Response? Controlled Trail of Homeopathic Potency, with Pollen in Hay fever as a Model, The Lancet, October 18, 1986, pp. 881 - 886.

The homeopathically treated patients showed a significant reduction in patients and doctor assessed symptom scores.

The significance of this response was increased when results were corrected for pollen count and the response was associated with a halving of the need for antihistamines.

An initial aggravation of symptoms was noted more often in patients receiving the potency and was followed by an improvement in that group. No evidence emerged to support the idea that placebo action fully explains the clinical responses to homeopathic drugs.

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Research

Kleijnen, J., Clinical Trials of Homeopathy, British Medical Journal, 1991, 302, 216-23.

The results showed a positive trend regardless of the quality of the trial or the variety of homeopathy used.

Overall, of the 105 trials with interpretable results, 81 trials indicated positive results whereas in 24 trials no positive effects of homeopathy were found.

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Worldwide healthcare choice: Homeopathy

Due to homeopathy’s success, it is widely practiced all around the world.

It is 2nd most commonly used medicine in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi, an ardent follower of homeopathy said, “Homeopathy effectively helps a larger percentage of people than any other science, and is beyond doubt the safest and most economical form of health care.”

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Fun, interactive and playful: Homeopathic Interviews

The homeopathic interview is a perfect opportunity to talk about video games, interests, hobbies, sports and grand passions.

Homeopathic interviews are fun, interactive and playful!

Homeopathic visits are infrequent once a month or less.

Homeopathic interviews can be conducted by phone, Skype video calls with assistance from emails!

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The Last ResortAntidepressants

“I do not say never take antidepressants. What I say is, antidepressants are a last resort, not a first choice. It may turn out that it's far less expensive, economically as well as humanly, to help people help themselves.”

Dr. James Gordon, Harvard Psychiatrist

Antidepressants

Antidepressants cause depletion of neurotransmitters. That is why going off can be difficult. 

One approach is to use neurotransmitter precursor supplements (5HTP and Tyrosine in correct proportion and with the necessary Co-factors) to load up with the neurotransmitters under proper supervision and care from experienced expert.

NeuroResarch Approach

Amino acid supplementation: Few colleagues of mine claim that the most effective approaches to treating depression are amino acid supplementation according to the protocol developed by Dr. Hinz and homeopathy.

Its no secret, NeuroResearch Clinics uses the nutrients 5-HTP, tyrosine, levodopa, and cysteine to treat depression in medical patients to get the results.

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www.vitalforceconsulting.com

Vital Force Consulting has provided 20+ years of natural and effective classical homeopathic services.

The benefits of choosing me as your homeopath!

Over 25 years of clinical experience in India and USA.

Unique perspective in understanding both modern medicine and homeopathy because of my training in Homeopathic Medical school in India.

Commitment to partnership towards achieving healthy mind and body.

Outstanding results in a rapid and gentle manner.

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www.vitalforceconsulting.com

Take charge of your health by choosing homeopathy for your health care needs.

Let me show you how this affordable, effective and legal approach to healthy body and mind can meet your family’s health care needs and change your life.

You can email your questions: vfc@vitalforceconsulting.com

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