This document summarizes a presentation on homeopathic approaches to treating depression and anxiety. It discusses defining and causes of depression and anxiety, common symptoms, and compares homeopathy to conventional treatments like antidepressants. Homeopathy aims to treat the whole person by bringing them into balance with individualized remedies. The presentation cites research showing homeopathy can effectively treat depression and anxiety without side effects.

1. The Homeopathic Approach to Depression and Anxiety Northfield Community Ed and Rec. November 11,2010 Sujata Owens, Homeopathic Master Clinician

2. Depression

3. Defining Depression Depression is a medical illness that involves mind and body. Depression affects how you feel, think and behave. Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Depression may make you feel as if life isn't worth living. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities.

4. What is depression? Dr. James Gordon, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist holds a view that depression isn't really a disease, but a life out of balance. The dominant issue in depression is stress. Dr. Gordon's solution: A mix of meditation, dance therapy, deep breathing, exercise, herbs, nutritional supplements and self-help strategies.

5. What are the symptoms? Feelings of sadness or unhappiness Irritability or frustration, even over small matters Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities Reduced sex drive Insomnia or excessive sleeping Changes in appetite —decreased appetite and weight loss or it may cause increase appetite and cravings resulting in weight gain Agitation or restlessness—examples include: pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still

6. What are the symptoms? Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements Indecisiveness, distractibility and decreased concentration Fatigue, tiredness and loss of energy — even small tasks may seem to require a lot of effort Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself when things aren't going right Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide Crying spells for no apparent reason Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

7. Causes of Depression Biological Differences People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help pinpoint causes. Neurotransmitters These naturally occurring brain chemicals linked to mood are thought to play a direct role in depression. Hormones Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Hormone changes can result from thyroid problems, menopause and a number of other conditions.

8. Causes of Depression Inherited Traits Depression is more common in people whose biological family members also have the condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing depression. Life Events Death, loss of a loved one, financial problems and high stress events can trigger depression in some people. Early Childhood Trauma Traumatic events during childhood, such as abuse or loss of a parent, may cause permanent changes in the brain that make you more susceptible to depression.

9. Anxiety

10. What is Anxiety? Anxiety is a normal part of life. Anxiety can be useful when it alerts us to danger. Anxiety that is persistent can interfere with daily activities such as work, school or sleep. This type of anxiety can disrupt relationships and enjoyment of life. Over time, persistent anxiety can lead to health concerns and other problems.

11. What are the symptoms? Fatigue Irritability Trouble sleeping Constant worrying or obsession about small or large concerns Restlessness and feeling keyed-up or on edge Difficulty concentrating or your mind "going blank" Muscle tension or muscle aches Trembling, feeling twitchy or being easily startled Sweating, nausea or diarrhea Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat

12. What are the symptoms? Performance at school, work or sporting events Being on time (punctuality) Earthquakes, tornadoes, nuclear war or other catastrophic events Overly anxious to fit in Be a perfectionist Lack confidence Redo tasks because they aren't perfect the first time Strive for approval Require a lot of reassurance about performance

13. Anxiety Disorders In some cases, anxiety is a diagnosable mental health condition that requires treatment. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent worry about major or minor concerns. Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — have more specific triggers and symptoms. In some cases, anxiety is caused by a medical condition that needs treatment. Counseling, lifestyle changes and individualized homeopathic remedy can help anxiety disorders.

14. Generalized Anxiety If you have ongoing anxiety that interferes with day-to-day activities and relationships and makes it hard to enjoy life, you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It is possible to develop GAD as a child or as an adult. Generalized Anxiety Disorder has similar symptoms as Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and other types of anxiety, but they're all different conditions. Living with GAD can be a long-term challenge. In many cases, it occurs along with other anxiety or mood disorders.

15. More about GAD Begins at an early age, and the signs and symptoms may develop more slowly than in other anxiety disorders. Many people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder can't recall when they last felt relaxed or at ease. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment. With treatment, you may not feel anxious all of the time. But you will always be susceptible to becoming anxious, especially when life becomes stressful. Generalized Anxiety Disorder usually occurs along with other mental health conditions, such as other anxiety disorders, substance abuse problems and mood disorders. It commonly co-occurs with major depression.

16. As with many mental health conditions, what causes Generalized Anxiety Disorder isn't fully understood. It involves naturally-occurring brain chemicals or neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. It's likely that the condition has several causes that may include genetics, environment and stress. Causes of GAD

17. Depression and Anxiety

18. Depression and Anxiety Anxiety and depression may occur together but certainly not always. Anxiety may manifest itself in a multitude of ways including fear, helplessness, a feeling of panic, feeling that something bad may happen, as well as possible physical symptoms. We wouldn't be human if we didn't experience anxiety.

19. “Taking a fresh look at alternative medicine” Mayo Clinic has been weaving mind-body therapies into all fields of medicine, including psychiatry, for several years. “The U of M Psychiatry Dept which has long -focused on the biology of brain diseases, is taking a fresh look at alternative medicine.” Dr. Charles Schultz "If it leads to a better outcome, then I think it's our obligation to look at it," Schultz said.

20. “Natural therapies help treat depression and anxiety” At one time, psychiatrists might have cringed at the thought of using alternative medicine instead of "real" treatments for mental health care. But a growing number of doctors are adding herbs, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements and meditation to their arsenal of psychiatric drugs, as evidence mounts that natural therapies can help. Even stalwarts of the medical establishment, from the U of M to Allina hospitals & clinics, are exploring ways to use mind-body therapies to treat depression and anxiety.

21. Homeopathy Economic Effective Scientific Systematic …and Homeopathy is a natural approach to healthy body and mind. 21

22. The Homeopathic Approach Treat the person and depression and anxiety will self correct itself. Homeopaths are able to treat Depression and Anxiety effectively by bringing the individual into balance. Homeopaths treat the specific pattern of symptoms which an individual presents. Only the individually-prepared, homeopathic remedy that matches the unique symptoms will bring the person into balance.

23. Homeopathy Offers Help Homeopathic treatment is natural, legal and effective. Homeopathic remedies are inexpensive. The significant cost of homeopathic treatment is office visits. Once the person has responded well to the homeopathic remedy, appointments are infrequent. Homeopathy treats the whole person. Not only do the depression and anxiety symptoms improve, so do most or all of the other physical, mental and emotional complaints of the person.

24. Benefits of Homeopathy Homeopathic remedies are free of any side effects. We use natural and micro doses of medicinal substances. Benefits can be experienced for months or years rather than hours. Treats each person as an individual. Heals physical as well as mental and emotional symptoms. Homeopathy is affordable. The average cost at VFC for first year has been $1250 - $2500. This includes cost of homeopathic remedies: very cost effective in the long run. 24

25. Homeopathy Benefits 25

26. Homeopathy Benefits Homeopathy offers the best any preventative medicine has to offer: Strengthens immune system which leads to ability to ward off illnesses easily. Prevents illness naturally, gently and rapidly.

27. Homeopathy Benefits Offers a method of achieving and maintaining vibrant health Improves one’s sense of well being Helps reach one’s full healthy potential Removes physical signs and symptoms of illness

28. Why do signs and symptoms show up when we are at dis-ease? Physical as well as mental and emotional signs and symptoms of disease, specific to each person, are recognized as attempts on the part of the body to heal itself. Signs and symptoms manifest themselves because the body has been unable to restore balance from its inner resources and needs help. 28

29. Can I give the remedythat helped me to my neighbor? The answer is a big no! The homeopathic approach recognizes the unique way each person reacts to illness Physical as well as mental and emotional signs and symptoms of disease specific to each person is the unique signature of each person. The unique signature of the remedy is what leads to correct homeopathic solution for the individual. The remedy will not be helpful for anyone else. 29

30. Homeopathic consultation involves an interview in which the data of physical, mental and emotional symptoms along with medical history is collected. This data is then analyzed and evaluated to understand the essence of the imbalanced state of the individual. This process leads the homeopath to find the specific remedy for the individual. Understanding individuals through comprehensive consultations 30

31. Homeopathy works by enhancing body’s wisdom to heal itself Homeopathy has a unique way of influencing the imbalanced energy field known as vital force through homeopathic medicines. The process of dynamization of natural substances enhances their therapeutic qualities, preserves their essence, and converts them into homeopathic medicines. 31

32. How does homeopathy work? Homeopathy works by enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Action of individual specific homeopathic remedy leads to gentle stimulation and restoration of imbalanced “vital force” to balance. This in turn leads to disappearance of signs and symptoms. 32

33. Sources of Homeopathic Remedies Homeopathic remedies come from a wide variety of sources such as plants, minerals and animals. There are over 2500 homeopathic remedies regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are required to meet the standards of Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. 33

34. Two examples of plant sources Hyoscymus niger, Plant family Solanaceae Crocus sativa, Plant family Liliflorae 34

35. Two examples of mineral sources Adamas, common name: Diamond Aurum metallicum, common name: Gold 35

36. Two examples of animal sources Lac loxodonta, common name: Elephant’s milk Naja tripudans, common name: Cobra snake 36

37. Homeopathic Medicines 37

38. This vial contains pills of Silicea 200 C, a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathic Medicine 38

39. Working with body’s wisdom to restore state of health Homeopathy with the aid of individual-specific homeopathic remedy works to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself. A single, carefully chosen homeopathic remedy offers the help needed to restore a state of balance, health and well-being. 39

40. Research in Homeopathy Quadruple - Blind, The Lancet, April 22, 1989, p. 914.4, Complete Text98.2% met admission criteria. Recovery rates - 17.1% in the active group & 10.3% in the placebo group 61 % expressed favorable judgments about the active treatment. 40

41. Research Ferley, J.P., A Controlled Evaluation of Homeopathic Preparation in the Treatment of Influenza-like Syndromes, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 1989, 27, pp. 329 - 335.237 cases received the test drug and 241 were assigned to placebo. The proportion of cases who recovered within 48 hours of treatment was greater among the active drug group than among the placebo group (17.1 % against 10.3%) 41

42. Reilly, D.T., Is Homeopathy a Placebo Response? Controlled Trail of Homeopathic Potency, with Pollen in Hay fever as a Model, The Lancet, October 18, 1986, pp. 881 - 886. The homeopathically treated patients showed a significant reduction in patients and doctor assessed symptom scores. The significance of this response was increased when results were corrected for pollen count and the response was associated with a halving of the need for antihistamines. An initial aggravation of symptoms was noted more often in patients receiving the potency and was followed by an improvement in that group. No evidence emerged to support the idea that placebo action fully explains the clinical responses to homeopathic drugs. Research 42

43. Research Kleijnen, J., Clinical Trials of Homeopathy, British Medical Journal, 1991, 302, 216-23. The results showed a positive trend regardless of the quality of the trial or the variety of homeopathy used. Overall, of the 105 trials with interpretable results, 81 trials indicated positive results whereas in 24 trials no positive effects of homeopathy were found. 43

44. Due to homeopathy’s success, it is widely practiced all around the world. It is 2nd most commonly used medicine in the world. Mahatma Gandhi, an ardent follower of homeopathy said, “Homeopathy effectively helps a larger percentage of people than any other science, and is beyond doubt the safest and most economical form of health care.” Worldwide healthcare choice: Homeopathy 44

45. Fun, interactive and playful: Homeopathic Interviews The homeopathic interview is a perfect opportunity to talk about video games, interests, hobbies, sports and grand passions. Homeopathic interviews are fun, interactive and playful! Homeopathic visits are infrequent once a month or less. Homeopathic interviews can be conducted by phone, Skype video calls with assistance from emails! 45

46. The Last ResortAntidepressants “I do not say never take antidepressants. What I say is, antidepressants are a last resort, not a first choice. It may turn out that it's far less expensive, economically as well as humanly, to help people help themselves.” Dr. James Gordon, Harvard Psychiatrist

47. Antidepressants Antidepressants cause depletion of neurotransmitters. That is why going off can be difficult. One approach is to use neurotransmitter precursor supplements (5HTP and Tyrosine in correct proportion and with the necessary Co-factors) to load up with the neurotransmitters under proper supervision and care from experienced expert.

48. NeuroResarch Approach Amino acid supplementation: Few colleagues of mine claim that the most effective approaches to treating depression are amino acid supplementation according to the protocol developed by Dr. Hinzand homeopathy. Its no secret, NeuroResearch Clinics uses the nutrients 5-HTP, tyrosine, levodopa, and cysteine to treat depression in medical patients to get the results.

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50. www.vitalforceconsulting.com Vital Force Consulting has provided 20+ years of natural and effective classical homeopathic services.

51. The benefits of choosing me as your homeopath! Over 25 years of clinical experience in India and USA. Unique perspective in understanding both modern medicine and homeopathy because of my training in Homeopathic Medical school in India. Commitment to partnership towards achieving healthy mind and body. Outstanding results in a rapid and gentle manner. 51

52. Take charge of your health by choosing homeopathy for your health care needs. Let me show you how this affordable, effective and legal approach to healthy body and mind can meet your family’s health care needs and change your life. You can email your questions: vfc@vitalforceconsulting.com www.vitalforceconsulting.com 52