Depression

There seem to be as many types of depression as there are causes for it.   After noticing that certain factors brought on depression in me, I was determined to find out what I could do about it.


I had an episode a couple weeks ago that lasted the whole day.  I was crying for no reason and very irritable.  I felt like there was a constant dark cloud over me, just like those depression commercials.  I could feel the tension in my body and spirit.  I was constantly praying the whole day.  I just wanted it to go away.


I talked to one of the pastor's wives on the phone about it.  She said that it's normal, and that a lot of people get depressed.  She also said not to fight it, but just let it run its course.  I thought that was interesting.  I was trying to fight it.  I didn't want to feel that way.  But that was just it.  It was a feeling, and it didn't seem like I could change the way I felt.  I felt hopeless, even though I knew I had hope.


I knew God's truth and held on to His promises.  I didn't have any unconfessed sin in my life.  There was no tragedy or problem in my life that would have caused me to feel so distraught. And yet, I felt distraught.


And so, my research began.  


I've been pregnant four times, get my period and ovulate on a regular basis and I'm presently nursing.  So I know my hormones can get out of wack. That's a factor.  


I also noticed that when the sun hadn't been out for a long period, I felt really gloomy.  That's another factor.


I can't account for all the other times I've felt depressed as it doesn't happen very often,maybe once every 3 months.  But as far as this last episode is concerned, it seemed to be a combination of the sun not being out for about four days, and good old PMS.



So I think I have what is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, complete with its appropriate acronym - SAD. :)  When the sun is not out for a number of days, and the hormones line themselves up just right, I get SAD.


There were three supplements that claimed to help: vitamin D3, vitamin B12 and omega 3.  I asked a homeopathic doctor what he thought would be my best bet.  He said the vitamin D3 would help for the sun-related issue.  The B12 would be good simply for energy and motivation.  The omega 3 was good for me, period.  However, he said to try to get it in its purest form, because the more processed the omega 3 supplement is, the less effective it can be.


So...... I've been taking vitamin D3 (5,000 UI) once a day after breakfast and vitamin B12 (500mcg) once a day after lunch.  I haven't done the omega 3 for now.  It's pretty pricey to get the good kind.  So far, so good for me.  I've felt more energy, and the depressed feeling hasn't come back.  Of course for me, time will tell.  I don't actually get depressed that often, so we'll just have to wait a few months to see what happens. :)


Other practical factors that can help curtail depression are exercise, drinking adequate amounts of water and eating healthy foods.  I do take a regular multivitamin food supplement already, and exercise 3 to 4 times a week on the treadmill for 30 minutes.  I could definitely do better when it comes to drinking water and eating healthy.  Christmas this year has produced quite a bit of chocolate in our household. :)


Well, there you have it.  Hope this information proves useful to you or someone you know.