What is depression and why are so many people hooked on to prescription drugs to find relief?

There are many degrees of depression from feeling mildly fed up to clinical depression, but what is is the difference?  One type is known as exogenous which means problems arising from outside the self, that could be marriage break down, loss of job, or bereavement.  In other words a situation that requires to be dealt with, and that hopefully with the passage of time the situation will resolve itself or one learns to come to terms with the loss or change of circumstances. Endrogenious on the other hand is brought about by changes within the body.

A common cause of action to combat depression is the prescription of anti depressants like Prozac. At this time, there is significant media attention focused upon the ‘extravagant’ use of anti depressants, the fact that they are often no better than a placebo and at worst they can produce harmful side effects. This has led to a review as to the use and prescribing of the anti depressants.

It would be disingenuous to suggest that it is universally felt that the drugs are of no value and many people have benefited and have been able to get on with their lives. However, the medical establishment seem to feel that only in severe cases should anti-depression drugs be given.  Attention is therefore being shifted to alternatives such as counseling. The latest is cognitive behvioural therapy, involving sessions with a counsellor to help patients work through negative thoughts, thus encouraging positive thoughts.

Another way of doing this is with to use Bach Flower Remedies.  They are made by using the vibration essence of the flower petals, using spring water and then preserved with a little brandy.  They are more similar to the philosophy of Homoeopathy than herbal tinctures.  There are absolutely no side effects in their use, and can be taken until the negative emotion that is causing the depression has subsided. For example if something occurs that causes great anger so that you feel helpless to do anything, or you receive a shock, there are drops to help you deal with these emotions.  The Bach website details more about the different flowers and their purported remedies to help you self diagnose. Dr. Bach intended that these were available to help people help themselves. Obviously the drops won’t change the situation, but they will change your perception of it and therefore help you deal with it.

The best known of the remedies is the Rescue Remedy. This little bottle is a collection of five remedies and are particularly useful as the first aid for the emotions. When accidents strike, or unexpected circumstance rise an panic and shock set in, the Rescue Remedy will be of use.

St Johns Wort, a herb that has long been used to help mild to medium depression and indeed in trials has deem shown to work better than the drug equivalent. This can be purchased without prescription in a health food shop. There are few side effects but any herb should be used with care and always follow the guide lines given.