Introduction

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the community. Most people experience depression at some stage in their lives. The degree of depression can vary from mild and temporary, to chronic, long term and severe. It is important that depression is recognised and managed accordingly with an open approach. People with depression who are not seeking appropriate treatments or help may suffer from its ill consequences.

What is depression?

Depression is an emotional condition which the sufferer experiences low self-esteem, lack of confidence, lack of motivation and self-apathy.

Other accompanying signs and symptoms include stress, anxiety, agitation, nervousness and fatigue. He/she often has a pessimistic view of life. In severe cases, the individuals may become suicidal or has had thoughts of suicide.

Causes of Depression

There are many factors which associate with the cause of depression. These include:
Stress
Anxiety
Fatigue
Tension
Financial Status
Relationship
Family
Work
Family history

Conventional Views of Depression

For a long time, conventional view to the cause of depression has been associated with chemical imbalances in the brain, primarily serotonin and noradrenaline. Serotonin and noradrenaline are chemicals produced which act as communicating messengers between nerve cells. Serotonin in particular, has been related to our mood such as happiness.

Conventional Treatment of Depression

Conventional treatments for depression include medications such as anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications and psychological counseling. Often these medications work by manipulating the secretion and the break downs of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain. So,me of these medications require a period of weeks to start working. Common side effects include tremor, hear palpitation, anxiety, indigestion as well as sexual dysfunction.

Depression: Chinese Medicine Perspective

From clinical practice, depression appeared to be inseparable from conditions such as stress, anxiety and fatigue. Very often, depression is an advancement from poor management of severe, stress and anxiety. Thus, to manage depression effectively, it is important to address stress and anxiety concurrently.

From an integrative Chinese medicine perspective, depression is the result of cumulative, imbalanced, stagnated and negative emotional flow. People who are suffering from depression often have a history of emotional fluctuations, emotional and physical tensions, irritabilities, nervousness as well as having an easily stressed-out personalities.

Wonder Medicine for Depression

Chinese medicine and acupuncture provide effective treatments for depression though the following mechanisms:
Reducing emotional and physical tensions in the body
Reducing both physiological and emotional anxiety
Reducing anxiety induced binge eating and food craving
Inducing deep relaxations in the body
Reducing the levels of stress related hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body
Improving physical and emotional wellbeing
Calming the body and the mind.

Self Help Tips

Regulating stress levels
Regulating emotional flow
Reducing caffeine intake
Establishing a healthy, regular lifestyle
Encouraging regular and non-strenuous exercises
Encouraging fun, social and outdoor activities
Encouraging Tai Chi and Yoga practices.

References

Longman concise medical dictionary, 1994

Chinese-English Manual of Common-Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ou Ming, 1995