Depression

What is a depressive disorder? Depressive disorders have been with man since the beginning of recorded history. In the 1950s and 60s, depression was divided into two types, endogenous and neurotic.

Endogenous means that the depression comes from within the body, perhaps of genetic origin, or comes out of nowhere. Neurotic or reactive depression has a clear environmental precipitating factor, such as the death of a spouse, or other significant loss, such as the loss of a job. In the 1970s and 80s, the focus of attention shifted from the cause of depression to its effects on the afflicted people. That is to say, whatever the cause in a particular case, what are the symptoms and impaired functions that experts can agree make up a depressive disorder?

Although there is some argument even today (as in all branches of medicines), most experts agree that: A depressive disorder is a syndrome (group of symptoms) that reflects a sad mood exceeding normal sadness or grief. More specifically, the sadness of depression is characterized by a greater intensity and duration and by more severe symptoms and functional disabilities than is normal. Depression symptoms are characterized not only by negative thoughts, moods, and behaviours, but also by specific changes in bodily functions (for example, irregular eating, sleeping, crying spells, and decreased libido).

The functional changes of clinical depression are often called neuro-vegetative signs. This means that the nervous system changes in the brain cause many physical that result in diminished activity and participation. Certain people with depressive disorder, especially bipolar depression (manic depression), seem to have an inherited vulnerability to this condition.

The first step to obtaining appropriate treatment is a complete physical and psychological evaluation to determine whether the person may have a depressive illness, and if so, what type. Certain medications, as well as some medical conditions, can cause symptoms of depression. Therefore, the examining physician should rule out (exclude) these possibilities through an interview, physical examination, and laboratory tests. A thorough diagnostic evaluation includes a complete history of the patient's symptoms: 1. When did the symptoms start? 2. How long have they lasted? 3. How severe are they? 4. Have the symptoms occurred before, and, if so, were they treated and what treatment was received? The doctor should ask about alcohol and drug use, and whether the patient has had thoughts about death or suicide. Further, the history should include questions about whether other family members have had a depressive illness, and if treated, what treatments they received and which were effective. A diagnostic evaluation also includes a mental status examination to determine if the patient's speech, thought pattern, or memory has been affected, as often happens in the case of a depressive or manic-depressive illness. As of today, there is no laboratory test, blood test, or x-ray that can diagnose a mental disorder. Even the powerful CT, MRI, SPECT, and PET scans, which can help diagnose other neurological disorders, such as stroke or brain tumours, cannot detect the subtle and complex brain changes in psychiatric illness.

What about self-help? Depressive disorders make those afflicted feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual situation. It should be remembered that negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime, the following are helpful guidelines and advice for the depressed individual: Do not set difficult goals for yourself or take on a great deal of responsibility. Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can when you can. Do not expect too much from yourself too soon, as this will only increase feelings of failure. Try to be with other people, which is usually better than being alone. Participate in activities that may make you feel better. You might try exercising mildly, going to a movie or a ball game, or participating in religious or social activities. Don't rush or overdo it. Don't get upset if your mood is not greatly improved right away. Feeling better takes time. Do not make major life decisions, such as changing jobs or getting married or divorced without consulting others who know you well.

These people often can have a more objective view of your situation. In any case, it is advisable to postpone important decisions until your depression has lifted. Do not expect to "snap out" of your depression. People rarely do. Help yourself as much as you can, and do not blame yourself for not being up to par. Remember, do not accept your negative thinking. It is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment. How can someone help a person who is depressed? Family and friends can help! Since depression can make the affected person feel exhausted and helpless, he or she will want and probably need help from others.

Aromatherapy treatments can sometimes assist the depressed person in a variety of ways. However it is recommended that professional advice is sought from a qualified therapist as to which are the best oils can treatment to have.

Massage can sometimes be valuable for the person who is depressed and also relaxing baths using essential oils can be beneficial. Here are a few ways in which essential oils can be used in the area of depression:

For relaxing the person when they are restless, irritable or cannot sleep: Chamomile Roman, Clary Sage, Lavender, Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang essential oils For helping to lift the mood without sedating.

Sandalwood Essential Oil- Amyris Balsamifera (10ml)

Sandalwood is one of the best essential oils to use in the treatment of chronic bronchitis. It is a good oil to use for oily skins and acne and is often liked by teenage boys as it has a masculine scent as well as helping to sooth itches and rashes.

£5.60

Chamomile Roman 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile

A wonderful oil which has so many valuable properties Chamomile would be a great one to always keep in and can be used in skin care, musuclar aches and pains and digestive problems.

£5.00

Chamomile Roman Pure Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile (10ml)

Chamomile is a great oil to use for nervous disorders. It is soothing and calming and can help where a person is irritable or nervous. It can also help with insomnia.

£14.50

Clary Sage Essential Oil - Salvia Sclarea (10ml)

Clary Sage is wonderful as it blends so well with other oils and has a wide variety of uses. Try it for high blood pressure, aches & pains, skin care, asthma and emotional tension as well as stress related conditions.

£6.00

Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula Abrialis (10ml)

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£3.30

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil - Cananga Adorata (10ml)

Ylang Ylang has a calming and relaxing effect which can be used to break the circle of sexual inadequacy and is closely assoicated with this area. Useful for oily and dry skins and a tonic for the hair. It is good for over rapid heartbeat or breathing and can help with shock.

£5.60