THE BIG D

We all experience depression from time to time and in different degrees.
We have all heard that many famous and accomplished persons experienced deep and prolonged depression. Depression is not a sign of weakness.
One of the first principles of psychology that I learned as a college freshman in 1960 was "depression" is 'anger turned inward', that is anger directed toward ones self. Almost 50 years later I still contemplate that simple truth.

Early in my practice I had a patient confined to a wheelchair as a result of a work accident. Peter was a large-framed man who had had a career as a professional athlete. Subsequently as a fire fighter he suffered terrible injuries that resulted in the wheelchair. He may have experienced brain injury as he spoke with a slur. One day he was wheeled in for treatment of musculo-skeletal complaints. I greeted him with a smile and asked How are you?
He answered "mizzzerable." He felt useless and depressed. I shared that I had just finished a book by one of the Meninger brothers, well known Drs. specializing in mental - emotional disorders. I quoted the book which stated very simply that the easiest and best "cure" for depression was to do something for somebody else.
I never saw Peter again. He was unfortunately unable to address what today would be called his "issues."

What were some of the things Peter could have done for himself? Following are some ideas: physical - Peter gets credit for this one because he was seeking care for the bodily pain he felt. Physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, yoga are examples of valid avenues. nutritional - amino acids which are the building blocks for proteins are essential. Supplements of B6 and B12 (sublingual is best) are crucial especially for the aging population. SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is available over- the- counter and has been successfully used by Europeans for decades. exercise - even stretching assists in producing endorphins which are the hormones that make us feel good.
breathing - as discussed in an earlier blog on this site is something we all forget to do properly.
stimulate olfactory senses - scents, fragrances, foods activate portions of the brain that enhance the joy in our lives.
visual senses - colors . When I think about it now flowers incorporate the last two (olfactory and visual) concepts and it's easy to see why flowers would be universally used as gifts for healing and mood enhancement. Lastly laughter (is this the last laugh?) we know can actually boost the immune system for healing and balance in our lives.