The Dirty "D" Word

Although many people suffer with depression, it is not a topic of great discussion, even between friends. Depression effects women twice as much as men and approximately a reported 10% of the American population suffers from this issue, while countless go unreported. There is a stigma with that "D" word, which is why no one wants to admit they struggle with it. For American women, we are pressured to appear that we have it all together and we can handle anything, we are "super women". It effects women mostly between the ages of 45- 65. For males, the stigma of depression could make them appear weak and emotional.I can recall experiencing forms of depression throughout different periods of my life. My first recollection was in my teen years which I attribute to the developing hormones in my body and my lack of ability to communicate my feelings. There were other seasons of depression in my life that were usually the product of my circumstances, such as my mother's death, being unemployed and martial stress. Surprisingly, I did not suffer from postpartum depression like many women during their childbearing years. In actuality, my husband says I was the most even-kill temperament while pregnant and following the birth of our two children. I believe it had to do with the increased testosterone in my body since I had boys. It somehow leveled my hormones during that time. It wasn't until I hit 40 that depression crept in seemingly for no reason and wouldn't leave. It lingered as though I was "Schleprock" from the Flintstones with a rain cloud overhead.Why am I Depressed?There are several elements that can trigger depression. Depression is characterized into three categories of cause; circumstantial, physiological or psychological. Depression caused by our circumstances are usually the easiest to change and sometimes begins as grieving that we need to process. Physiological reasons include how your physical body is responding. For those of us in our 40's and 50's, this would definitely include the fluctuation of our hormones and the imbalance between estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It could also include how your body reacts to environmental exposure or changes. For example, some individuals are affected by the lack of sunlight during the winter months called SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder. When I lived in the northern part of the US where it was cold, dark and dreary for several months, I suffered from SAD. Now that I live in the south, I do not find myself affected and have implemented a high dosage of Vitamin D to combat depression as well.Another element that we don't often consider as a root of depression could be food allergies or sensitivities. For example, I personally noticed in myself that if I drank coffee for an extended period of time, it created this cyclical dependency which in turn actually makes me depressed. Since I have a history of adrenal fatigue, too much coffee (caffeine) would exhaust my adrenal glands through the continual production of adrenaline from the caffeine. The adrenal hormones are involved in our mental stage and cognitive functions which can alter your mood.The psychological causes of depression may require thorough counseling and potentially medication, especially if feelings of worthlessness and suicide crept into your thoughts continually. I personally don't utilize pharmaceutical drugs for treating depression but instead utilize herbs and other therapies for depression that affect the mind and emotions. However, in extreme causes, temporary medications may certainly be necessary.To treat depression, you must evaluate and determine the cause. First determine if it is a temporary situational cause, or is it emotional/mental or do you think there is something in your physical body causing the depression. Once you have determined what is triggering your depression, then the work of correcting it can begin. If you are not sure what is causing the depression then finding and visiting a doctor that practices functional medicine may be a good place to start. The doctor will run a full panel of blood work, check hormone levels and do an exhaustive history and notate current symptoms. Having yourself allergy tested may also provide answers.Remember, if you are grieving over a loss, whether it's a lost loved one, loss of a job, loss of a marriage or other relationship, you must allow yourself time to grieve. This is an important process that can not be skipped over. If your depression is emotional or caused by circumstances, counseling or support groups can provide an outlet to express one's feelings, talking to someone or offer support and encouragement specific to your circumstance.How to Eliminate Depression1) Find nonjudgemental support and seek counseling if needed.2) Take care of yourself physically by eliminating some key triggers such as, sugar, caffeine, allergens, level out your hormones and get treated for low thyroid if applicable.3) Exercise! Exercise will produce a "happy" hormone called serotonin. Plus, the payoff of exercise is increased self-confidence, potential weight loss and a general feeling better about one's self.4) Reduce stress. Learn to deal with circumstances that are beyond your control by utilizing stress management. Whether that is through yoga, meditation, prayer, breathing techniques or counseling. Unresolved stress and anger turned inward becomes depression. So avoid suppressing your feelings as well and find an outlet to release or express these emotions.Most of us when we get depressed, we withdraw and don't reach out to family or friends who could help and don't even know we need help. Please know, there are answers and help available. Life can be manageable once a determination of what is causing your depression is discovered. You may even find yourself happy and enjoying life, as I currently do after years of suffering from deep, unexplained, gloomy, sadness called depression. Does it come back from time to time? Of course, but now I can pinpoint what may be causing it or my trigger and course correct immediately through my personal proven tactics. The bottom line with depression is to not be silent about your suffering. Seek support.