Homeopathic Treatment for Depression

Homeopathic Treatment for Depression
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity. It can
affect a person's thoughts, behavior, motivation, feelings, and
sense of well-being.
Symptoms of Depression

1) You may suffer from sadness, may be due to known or
unknown reason.
2) You face difficulty in thinking and concentration.
3) There can be increase or decrease in appetite and duration
of sleep.
4) You may have feelings of dejection, hopelessness and
sometimes suicidal thoughts. It can either be short term or long
term.
5) The commonest symptom is anhedonia, which refers to loss of
interest or a loss of feeling of pleasure in certain activities that
usually bring joy to people.
6) Older depressed people may have cognitive symptoms of
recent onset, such as forgetfulness, and a more noticeable
slowing of movements.
7) Poor concentration and memory (especially in those with
melancholic or psychotic features), withdrawal from social
situations and activities, reduced sex drive, irritability.
8) Hypersomnia, or oversleeping, can also happen.
9) Insomnia, (also known as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder in
which people have trouble sleeping), is common in depression.
Major Depression
(Major Depressive Disorder - MDD)
Depressed mood is a symptom of some mood disorders such as
major depressive disorder(MDD) or Dysthymia.
Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known simply as
DEPRESSION, is a mental disorder characterized by at least two
weeks of low mood that is present across most situations.
It is often accompanied by low self-esteem, loss of interest in
normally enjoyable activities, low energy, and pain without a
clear cause. People may also occasionally have false beliefs or

see or hear things that others cannot see or hear-
(Hallucinations).
Causes of Depression
The cause is believed to be a combination of Genetic,
Environmental, and Psychological factors.
1) Genetic Hypothesis
The life-time risk for the first degree relatives of bipolar mood
disorder patients is 25%, of recurrent depressive mood disorder
patients is 20% and of normal controls is 7%. The lifetime risk for
children of one parent with mood disorder is 27% and of both
parents is 74%.
2) Psychodynamic and Psychonatal Theory
Freud suggested that the unconscious mind is divided into
multiple parts, including the irrational and impulsive Id (
representation of primal animal desires), the judgmental Super-
ego ( a representation of the rules and norms of society inside
the mind), and the rational Ego (which serves as an attempt to
bridge the other two parts).
According to Object Relation theory, depression is caused by
problems people have in developing representations of healthy
relationships. It has two basic patterns - the anaclitic pattern,
and the introjective pattern. A person suffering with anaclitic
depression experiences intense fears of abandonment and
desperately struggles to maintain direct physical contact with
the need gratifying object.A person with introjective depression
experiences intense fear of losing approval, recognition and
love from desired object.

In depression, loss of a libidinal object, introjection of the lost
object , fixation in the oral sadistic phase of development(biting
), and intense craving for narcissism or self love have been
postulated.
3) Biological Theories
Mood disorders are presently thought to be due to functional
increase or decrease of amines
( dopamine, GABA, acetylcholine or nor-epinephrine).
4) Stress
Too much stress and chronic stress lead to major depression in
susceptible people. Chronic stress leads to increase in stress
hormone- cortisol, reduced serotonin and neurotransmitters in
brain, including dopamine. Stress can result from sudden shocks
in life such as financial loss, grief after death of loved ones or
breakup or suffering from chronic wasting diseases.
5) Cognitive and Behavioral Theories
According to Cognitive behavioral theorists , depression results
from distorted thoughts and judgments. Such patients think
differently , mostly in negative way. They tend to blame
themselves for any negative happening. This increases the risk of
such people will develop depressive symptoms in response to
stressful situations.
Risk Factors of Depression
- A family history of the condition,
- Major life changes,
- Certain medications,
- Chronic health problems (disease lasting for more than three
months) and

- Substance abuse (substance abuse, also known as drug
abuse, is use of a drug in amounts or by methods which are
harmful to the individual or others)
- Childhood abuse, either physical, sexual or psychological, are
all risk factors for depression.
Complications of Depression
If left untreated, depression can get worse and can result in
complications which affects all spheres of life like emotional,
mental, behavioral, and physical.
The complications include:
 panic attacks( palpitations)
 self harm
 seasonal affective disorder(SAD)
 social anxiety or phobia (fear) leading to social isolation
 losing weight or putting on weight excessively
 physical pains and illnesses
 suicidal thoughts and attempts
 substance abuse such as drugs and alcohol
 the immune system can be affected (low immunity)
 prone to heart diseases
DEPRESSIVE MOOD
The typical depressive episode is characterized by following
features (which should last for at least 2 weeks).
*Melancholic Depression
It is characterized by a LOSS of INTEREST or Pleasure in most or all
activities, a GRIEF or loss, a worsening of symptoms in the

morning hours, early-morning waking, psychomotor retardation,
excessive WEIGHT LOSS (not to be confused with anorexia
nervosa), or excessive guilt.
*Depressive Ideation
Sadness of mood is associated with pessimism.
This results in 3 common types of depressive ideas:
a) Hopelessness (no hope in future due to pessimism).
b) Helplessness ( no help is possible).
c) Worthlessness ( feeling of inadequacy and inferiority).
Ideas of worthlessness can lead to guilt feelings, suicidal
thoughts, delusions of nihilism ( e.g. world is coming to an end,
etc).
* Psychomotor Activity
In younger patients ( < 40 years old), retardation is more
common which is characterized by slowed thinking and activity,
decreased energy and monotonous voice and sometimes
patient becomes stupor (nearly unconscious or unable to think
properly). In older patients, agitation is more common with
marked anxiety, restlessness, hand wriggling, unease, picking of
body parts, etc.
* Atypical depression
It is characterized by mood reactivity (paradoxical anhedonia)
and positively significant WEIGHT GAIN or increased appetite
(comfort eating), excessive sleep or sleepiness (hypersomnia), a
sensation of heaviness in limbs known as leaden paralysis, and
significant social impairment as a consequence of
hypersensitivity to perceived interpersonal rejection.
*Bipolar Mood (Affective ) Disorder

This disorder, earlier known as manic depressive psychosis
(MDP), is characterized by recurrent episodes of mania episode
and depression in the same patient at different times.
Bipolar mood disorder is further classified as follows:
1) Bipolar I : This is characterized by episodes of severe mania
and severe depression,
2) Bipolar II : This is characterized by episodes of hypomania and
severe depression.
*Catatonic depression
Catatonic depression is a rare and severe form of major
depression involving disturbances of motor behavior and other
symptoms. Here, the person is MUTE and almost stuporous, and
either remains IMMOBILE or exhibits purposeless or even bizarre
movements. Catatonic symptoms also occur in schizophrenia or
in manic episodes, or may be caused by neuroleptic malignant
syndrome.
*Depression with anxious distress
Depression with anxious distress was added as a means to
emphasize the common co-occurrence between depression or
mania and anxiety, as well as the risk of suicide of depressed
individuals with anxiety. Specifying in such a way can also help
with the prognosis of those diagnosed with a depressive or
bipolar disorder.
*Depression with peri-partum onset
Depression with peri-partum onset refers to the intense,
sustained and sometimes disabling depression experienced by
women after giving birth or while a woman is pregnant. The
classification "postpartum depression," was changed in order to
not to leave off depressed woman during pregnancy.
Depression that occurs as a result of pregnancy is called

Postpartum depression, and is thought to be the result of
hormonal changes associated with pregnancy.
Depression with peripartum onset has an incidence rate of 10–
15% among new mother's onset occur during pregnancy or
within one month of delivery. It has been said that postpartum
depression can last as long as three months.
*Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression in
which depressive episodes come on in the autumn or winter,
and resolve in spring. This type of depression is associated with
seasonal changes in sunlight (decreased sunlight).
The diagnosis is made if at least two episodes have occurred in
colder months with none at other times, over a two-year period
or longer.
*Suicidal Ideas
Suicidal ideas in depression, if expressed, should be taken
seriously.
Risk is much more in presence of following factors:
1) Marked hopelessness.
2) Males : age >40 years, unmarried, divorced or widowed.
3 ) Written or verbal communication of suicidal intent or plan.
4) Early stage of depression.
5) Recovering from depression.
6)Period of 3 months from recovery.
*Secondary Depression
-Depression may also come SECONDARY to a chronic or
terminal medical condition, such as HIV/AIDS or asthma, and
may be labeled as "secondary depression".

*Somatic Symptoms
Multiple somatic symptoms (such as heaviness of head, vague
body aches) are common in elderly depressive patients.
*Recurrent Depressive Disorder
It can be specified into mild, moderate, or-severe without
psychotic symptoms or-severe with psychotic symptoms, or in
remission.
*Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)/DYSTHYMIA
These disorders are persistent mood symptoms which last for
more than 2 years but are not severe. This is also called as
Dysthymia. And if symptoms consist of persistent instability
between mild depression and mild elation, the disorder is called
as Cyclothymia.
*Phobic -anxiety depersonalization syndrome ( PAD syndrome)
This is common in women aged 20-40 years. It is characterized
by diffuse anxiety, multiple phobias like agrophobia (fear of
being in public places where there are a lot of people),
claustrophobia (fear of being in small or enclosed space), panic
attacks, depressive features, etc.
*Double Depression
This is a major depressive episode (usually acute) super imposed
on an underlying dysthymia or neurotic depression (usually
chronic ).
Prognosis of Depression
(Prognosis : An opinion about the likely development of a
disease or an illness)

Good Prognostic Factors:
1) Acute or abrupt onset
2) Typical clinical features.
3) Well adjusted premorbid personality.
4) Good response to treatment.
Poor Prognostic Factors:
1) Co-existent physical disease or alcoholism.
2) Double depression
3) Catastrophic stress or chronic ongoing stress.
4) Unfavorable early environment ( childhood).
MANAGEMENT - In conventional system of medicine (allopathy)
and in Homeopathy
1) Somatic Treatment
Antidepressants are used for management and treatment of
depression. Some of the antidepressants have serious side
effects such as hypertensive crisis and hepatic toxicity.
Common side-effects of antidepressants include dry mouth,
weight gain, dizziness, headaches, and sexual dysfunction.
2) ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)
Formerly called as electric shock therapy, is a treatment in
which seizures are electrically induced in patients to provide
relief from mental disorders.
3) Lithium Medications
It is used for manic episodes as well as for prevention in further
episodes of bipolar mood disorder. Lithium is taken by mouth.
Common side effects include increased urination, shakiness of
the hands, and increased thirst. Serious side effects include
hypothyroidism, diabetes insipidus, and lithium toxicity.

4) Antipsychotics and other mood altering drugs.
Side effects of antipsychotics include sedation, headache,
dizziness, anxiety, diarrhea, tremors , Akathisia — an often
distressing sense of inner restlessness.
5) Psychosurgery
It is called as neurosurgery of mental disorder (NMD).
6)Psychological Treatment
It is indicated in certain cases:
i) As an adjunct to somatic treatment
ii) In mild cases of depression
These methods are:
a) Cognitive therapy
It aims at correcting the depressive negative cognitions(ideas)
like hopelessness, worthlessness, pessimistic ideas,and replacing
them by cognitive and behavioral responses. It is useful in mild
to moderate,non-bipolar depression.
b) Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
It aims at changing the personality itself,rather than just
ameliorating the symptoms. It is useful in depressive or manic
episode.
c) Behavior Therapy
It includes social skills training, teaching problem solving,
assertiveness, self control and decision making. It is useful in mild
cases of depression.
d) Group Psychotherapy
Group Psychotherapy is useful in mild cases of depression.
e) Family Therapy
Apart from educating the family about nature of illness, it aims
for decrease in interpersonal difficulties,stress,etc.

f) Homeopathy
In mild cases of depression, dysthymia and mood disorders,
Homeopathy has a good role to play.
Homeopathy stimulates immunity and helps to cope up with
depression.
Homeopathic counselling works wonders and helps to
overcome grief, shock, anger, mental restlessness,etc.
Homeopathy is a holistic way to strengthen the mind (emotional
and psychological aspect) along-with betterment in physical
symptoms.
In severe cases of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, potential
suicidal risk cases,mania etc, Homeopathy can be used as
complementary treatment along with conventional treatment.
What can Homeopathy do?
How Homeopathy is different in treating depression?
As we know the causation, symptoms and the after effects of
depressive episodes , we now need to find solutions which
would help us to cope up with the present mental condition
and stop or reduce it's further episodes. Eventually previous
healthy mental state has to be restored.
Allopathic treatment uses antidepressants , anti-psychotics,
sedatives, painkillers and other drugs to control or suppress the
symptoms of depression. But we must understand that mere
suppression of depression or mood disorder won't cure it rather it
makes the patient numb like robots with no feelings or emotions.

The Homeopathic approach to mental suffering is different.
Homeopathic medicines don’t suppress the symptoms.
Homeopathic medicines stimulates the immune system and
initiates processes of release of good hormones (like serotonin)
which has been altered or reduced and thus state of sadness
and depression flourished.
According to Homeopathy, a complete case-taking is done ,
noting down all the presenting symptoms of the patient, his
history is taken ( his words are noted and his family is being
asked). Further his desires, aversions, his appetite and thirst, his
hobbies, his inclination towards hot or cold temperature, his
basic nature ( extrovert/shy, fearful/bold, reaction to sadness
and anger, weeping response, consolation factors,
modalities,etc are noted); and most importantly the triggering
factors , after which he suffered from mood disorder or
depression are noted down.
And the cause/triggering factor can be grief due to loss of
loved ones(death of dear ones), separation from spouse (
divorce/death), children bearing loss of parents ( orphans or
children staying with only one parent), sudden financial losses,
loss of power or position, loveless childhood (very strict parents),
breakup( in long committed relationship), sexual abuse ( in
children and females), fear after violent attacks, humiliation in
public or being deceived/ cheated in relationship or by fraud. It
can also happen when the expectations gets broken down by
the ones on whom they had strong emotional faith ( trust
broken).
Now totality of symptoms is made and the peculiar, uncommon
symptoms are taken into the account. Finally by such
individualization of the patient , Homeopathic similimum is found

out. This is constitutional medicine which will help the patient to
cope up and bring him into state of realization to come into
terms with his depression and help him to recover early. In some
cases along with the constitutional remedy, therapeutic
medicine can be given to ameliorate ( not suppress) the severe
symptoms .
If the person is coping then there is little or no need to intervene.
But if they aren’t getting better with time rather going into deep
stages of depression, then individualistic Homeopathic
constitutional medicine can be helpful.
Homeopathic Medicines for Depression
Coming to terms with life without your loved one and coping
with the impact of their death will still take time, care and
attention. Grief can manifest as sadness, irritability, anxiety or
disturbed sleep. Emotional trauma can be the consequence
from sudden events leaving lasting distress or fear.
The best way to deal with grief is to come to terms with this
massive change in life ( chronic grief - natrums).
Loss of loved one or any sudden financial loss can lead to
shock. Shock has elements of fear, agitation and even
panic. (aconite)
Then comes a time of tremendous emotion and mood changes
that can be dramatic, swinging wildly from deep depression to
hysterical laughing within minutes. (Ignatia)

Anger will emerge to a greater or lesser extent depending on
both the character of the individual and their prior feelings
towards the deceased(magnesiums).
There can be deep sense of loss - a “forsaken feeling”. They
don’t just feel alone, they feel as if they’ve been left
alone.(pulsatilla, natrums ).
There is a long list of Homeopathic medicines for Depression.
Let us study few important Homeopathic medicines for
depression in detail.
1) IGNATIA AMARA
The complaints arise after shocks, grief, disappointment,felt
unloved during childhood. Ignatia amara is homeopathic
medicine for depression when the person affected suffers from
Changeable moods and broods silently. They are
melancholic,sad,tearful(uncontrollable weeping) with unfillable
emptiness felt in stomach and sensation of lump in the throat.
Sighing and sobbing is commonly present.
Ignatia is well indicated in person who get emotional and sad
after breakup or loss of loved ones.
Ignatia patient will sob hysterically at first,in a kind of shock
reaction, followed by weeks of emotional volatility ,in which
outbursts of sobbing and anger alternate with periods of silent
(but very painful) grieving. They will isolate themselves when hurt
and they avoid conversations (Not communicative).
2) NATRUM MURIATICUM

They have mental symptoms after ill effects of grief, fright,
anger, separation from loved one, etc. Natrum mur is
homeopathic medicine for people who are depressed,
particularly in chronic diseases. Consolation aggravates and the
person wants to be alone to cry. Tears with laughter(causeless
weeping).
They have tormenting thoughts ( deeply depressed natrum
patient is striked by painful memories which had been
suppressed for years- they agonise (worry and think for long
time) over them, relive the trauma again and again, unable to
stop the replays in mind). Suicidal thoughts are also common in
deep depression cases.
They become irritable and depressed as a result of suppressing
sadness. Natrum mur is well indicated in depression that results
from psychological defence mechanisms which stirs up the
latent emotions ( like guilt,fear, sense of worthlessness) into full
awareness.There is fear of loss of loved one, social disapproval,
fear in crowd and claustrophobia.
3) AURUM METALLICUM
There is loveless childhood (strict parents expecting child to
excel in school), ailments from criticism, shutting down of
emotions, grief, disappointed love, lack of self worth.
Aurum metallicum is homeopathic medicine for depression in
people who have forsaken feelings (lonely feeling)and
frequently blames himself when things go wrong. They have
feeling of self-condemnation and utter worthlessness. They have
great deal of anger as a result of neglect that he experienced
as a child and get angry on least contradiction. After episodes
of anger explosion they feel very guilty for temper outbursts.

There is fear of death and Anthropophobia (fear of people).
Mental derangement with constant rapid questioning without
waiting for reply. Cannot do things fast enough. Aurum
personalities are oversensitiveness to noise, excitement,
confusion.There is involuntary weeping and obsessive worrying
which exaggerates to pessimism (negativity about everything).
Aurums depression is full of intensity, a torture that results in
increasingly insistent suicidal thoughts and talks about
committing suicide.
4) KALIUM PHOSPHORICUM
Kali phos is homeopathic medicine for depressed people who
are haunted by and longing for remembering past events, They
suffer from anxiety,sleeping difficulties, nervousness,shyness,
lethargy, starts easily, irritable and have great despondency
about business. They are disinclined to converse. Some cases
show indifference, can be cruel to spouse and baby.
They have fear that something bad will happen, bad news,
disease, agoraphobia, when alone. Kali phos patients suffer
from MENTAL EXHAUSTION - Brain-fag, hysteria, night terrors,
somnambulance, Loss of memory, slightest labor seems a heavy
task,difficult concentration and are forgetful for names and
words.
5) SEPIA OFFICINALIS
Sepia is homeopathic medicine for depression in people
marked by indifference to everything. They become indifferent
to loved ones and averse to occupation, to family. Sepia
patients gets irritable and easily offended.

They dreads to be alone, very sad and Weeps when telling
symptoms(involuntary weeping).They suffer from slowness of
mind. There is fear of insanity (going mad), restless anxiety,can
get so hopeless and considers of suicide.
6) ARSENIC ALBUM
Arsenic album is homeopathic medicine for depression along
with great anxiety and restlessness. They have fear of illness,
cancer or death, of being left alone. Great fear,with cold
sweat. So hopeless that they think it useless to take medicine or
visit doctor. Suicidal thoughts are present. Hallucinations of smell
and sight.
Arsenic patients are confused, Miserly, malicious, selfish, lacks
courage, insecure. They may even be frightened about robbers
breaking into the house. Fear of dying, poverty, their health,
and dislike being alone. To compensate for their fears they can
become very controlling of their environment, trying to keep it in
order ( fastidious).
7) ACONITUM NAPELLUS
Aconite is wonderful homeopathic medicine for depression
after sudden fright and ailments from strong emotions. If there is
fear of death with restlessness and anxiety, it works well.
There is palpitations and constant worry. This is the “Arnica of the
Emotions”.
8) STRAMONIUM
Stramonium is homeopathic medicine for depression when the
patient is fearful of the violent events( threatened violence or

robbery). They become so anxious that they do not leave the
house due to fear and may have difficulty sleeping due to
nightmares.
9) STAPHYSAGRIA
Staphysagria is homeopathic medicine for depression
after deep anger and indignation(shock) or humiliation. They
will either suppress their feeling( keep it inside and feel the hurt)
or express it or respond very angrily to perceived insults.
Staphysagria works well in cases of sexual assault or for mothers
who have had a difficult delivery and had to endure an C-
section.
10) PULSATILLA
Pulsatilla is homeopathic medicine for depression when there is
forsaken feeling (lonely feeling). Seen in children who suffer the
feeling of abandonment and become clingy and tearful
easily. They want their mother’s attention at all times. This state
can be brought on by the absence of a parent due to divorce,
or when the child first starts going to school or loveless childhood
( due to strict parents demanding child to excel in school).
Pulsatilla females feel unloved and are tearful with changeable
moods.
Note : These are the indicated medicines and should be taken
after the advice of qualified Homeopathic Doctor. A
constitutional medicine is prescribed according to case history
and individualization of patient.

Why Choose Homeopathy Online for Treatment of Depression?
With Homeopathy Online, during your first online consultation,
case history is taken which includes your present main
complaint, duration of the symptoms, family history, mental
symptoms, any treatment if you have undergone before. Also,
we take into account the overall picture of patient – the
emotional makeup and general health, the type of illness and
specific “modalities” that make the symptoms better or worse.
In this way we individualize one patient from another, hence the
medicine is then prescribed.
After the consultation, finally we provide you the required steps
which you need to take to get rid of the problem from its root
cause :
1. The medicine prescription, if medicines are required to be
taken
2. Diet Chart
3. Exercise
4. Weekly or Monthly follow up, depending upon the severity
of problem
To get the Homeopathic treatment for depression, visit at
Homeopathy Online.

Homeopathic Treatment for Depression

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