Depression is a condition that causes prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness in individuals. Experiencing sadness or feeling low is a common response following a difficult loss or experience. But how can you understand whether those are symptoms of depression?
Symptoms of depression
Here are some physical symptoms that help you know whether you have depression:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Digestive issues like lack of appetite, indigestion
- Abnormalities in the head, neck, and above regions include:
- Aches and pains
- Noise in the ears
- Uncomfortable dreams
- The feeling of a void in the head
- Restless eyes
- Abnormal facial expressions
- Increased/decreased or irregular sleep
- Increase respiration /chest tightness
If these symptoms persist for longer than 2 weeks, it may indicate a severe form of depression. These symptoms may also indicate the presence of other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Is there any cure for depression in Ayurveda?
If you are moving around this question, then the good news is depression is not considered a MAJOR disease in Ayurveda and is treatable!
The treatment of depression in Ayurveda includes the following:
- Yoga and meditation
Overcoming depression requires balancing the Doshas. Consider incorporating daily meditation and yogic breathing practices into your routine to promote a sense of calm and balance for your Vata.
- Medicines, diet and routines
Yoga and meditation are the two main effective methods to treat depression while balancing the mind and emotions. Some postures like shoulder stand, fish pose and seated twist help stimulate blood vessels and rejuvenate the expressions. A regular diet, including fruits and vegetables, while checking it on a routine basis is vital to get effective results because it plays a key role in medication to cure the disease.
- Detoxification
Detoxification is designed to assist your body in regaining health. Each individual has a unique combination of Doshas determined by their genetic makeup and personality and can impact their well-being in various ways. Seeking the guidance of an Ayurvedic doctor can help assess your unique body type (Prakriti) and offer remedies for it.
The cardinal symptom of depression is the feeling of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness. In our daily lives, with life chasing us literally, it is normal to feel that way. However, if this feeling continues for over 14 days, do not stop yourself from seeking help. Luckily, it is very much treatable without much difficulty.