Depression is classified as a mood disorder. While it is common and normal for individuals to experience the emotions of depression throughout life, clinical depression is described as constant and intense feelings of sadness, loss and anger that affect the individual's life on a daily, long term basis.

 

Signs and symptoms associated with depression include:

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• Emotions of sadness, emptiness, tearfulness and hopelessness

• Irritability and frustration 

• Angry outbursts 

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities such that used to bring joy

• Insomnia or oversleeping

• Loss of motivation 

• Fatigue and lack of energy 

• Weight loss or weight gain (due to loss of appetite or overeating)

• Anxiety, restlessness and agitation

• Brain fog, trouble concentrating, thinking and poor memory recall 

• Frequent thoughts of suicide

• Unexplained back pain and headaches

 

Depression can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and wellbeing. There are usually a multitude of contributing factors that lead to the development of depression, which may need to be investigated. Depending on the individual, it is recommended that holistic treatment of depression is a collaboration with other health care professionals to achieve the best results.

 

Naturopathic considerations and investigations

 

• Investigating nutrient and mineral deficiencies. Many nutrients are crucial for the development of ‘happy hormones’ (neurotransmitters)

• investigate other conditions which may impact neurotransmitter production, such as pyroluria.

• Investigate gut function (including leaky gut and imbalance of microbes), 90% of serotonin (happy hormone) is produced in the gut. Pathogenic organisms may also impact mood

• Assess hormonal imbalances such as oestrogen, progesterone, thyroid and cortisol which directly impact mood 

• Assess genetic mutations/predispositions such as MTHFR

• Consider stressors that may be contributing to depression such as exercise, inflammatory diets, work/life balance.

• Investigating your home, workplace and possibly means of travel to assess for possible mould exposure,indoor air quality/pollutants, electromagnetic fields and radiation and other toxicants

• Assessing (and supporting) liver function and detoxification pathways