Tuesday, July 25, 2006
iN THE MAiL: DEPRESSION
dear dr. zhang.
i'm a pretty lucky person, have a stable job, a family that loves me, and am fairly healthy (except that I'm a little bit overweight). i don't want to self diagnose myself as a depressed person or state to anyone that i have depression. but as i'm still single and not getting any younger, i am becoming more and more sad and insecure about myself. I try to lift up my spirits by treating myself to some cravings or going shopping but they are only temporary relieves. i don't believe in going to a psychiatrist about my 'depression' and was thinking about trying out something natural. i've always been interested in alternative/holistic methods of healing and wanted to know what you might have to say about my little problem. i feel silly admitting this to my family or colleagues who consider me a very happy person. i want to deal with this my own way. Looking forward to hearing your suggestions.
thank you
D.M. Fresno, Ca.
Dear D.M.
Depression, sadness and emotional distress may be triggered by temporary causes, such as a relationship breakup, a lost job, stress by moving to a new city, the death of someone near and dear, physical illness, or it can be hereditary.
Depression is an extremely common phenomenon in modern societies. According to statistics provided by the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 20 million adults in the
If a depression is related to temporary causes, usually it is a short-term one. Hereditary depression, however, can be chronic and more difficult to deal with. Scientific data indicates that people suffering from depression have imbalances of natural substances (known as neurotransmitters) that allow brain cells to communicate with one another. Some scientists think that low levels of one these neurotransmitters (serotonin) in the brain may contribute to the well-known symptoms of depression.
However, in traditional Chinese medicine, depression is a symptom of Qi (Chi, our bodies’ vital energy, or life force) stagnation. Stresses and life-changing related pressure can suppress the body's Qi and stop the vital energy flow, which explains why depression patients often feel headaches, body pains (especially heaviness in the chest), emotional distress and fatigue.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help you deal with depression and emotional distress. Some studies have shown that exercise like walking and running, or yoga is very beneficial to depression patients. A good healthy diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, vegetables and fruits will reduce your cravings for sweets. Cutting down on your red meat (especially fatty meats) consumption will also help alleviate depression. Building and sustaining healthy relationships with your family and friends is of great importance.
As for herbal therapy, I can tell you that Chinese herbs are very effective in combating mild depression and sadness. I have designed a special Mood & Fatigue Formula to help my patients cope with depression symptoms and it has proven effective in a number of cases. This formula will help your body regain its balance and open up the energy flow, the Qi.
Yours and Dedicated to Your Health,
Dr. Zhang
