Articles Published
DEPRESSION - DRUG-FREE HELP?
St. Charles Herald-Guide on February 23, 2002
With the advent of
antidepressant medications, the public has become more aware of this disease.
Many initiatives including the National Depression Screening Day were implemented to
increase awareness and treatment of depression. The pharmaceutical industry
has promoted their medications extensively to treat depression in newspapers,
magazines, best-selling books, television talk shows and commercials. It
is estimated that over 8 million people are using antidepressants.
Our society has become accustomed to looking for the
"magic bullet" to solve our problems. Many individuals would like
to simply take a "pill" to fix their depression. Psychologists
complain that the drugs do not address the underlying emotional causes of depression
and are more expensive than psychotherapy.
Depression is a long lasting state of unhappiness,
sadness or hopelessness. It is usually accompanied by loss of interest
in activities and a negative outlook for the future. Some symptoms may
include increased or decreased appetite, weight gain or loss, increased or
decreased sleep, irritability, lack of concentration, lowered self-esteem,
fatigue or loss of energy, overactive or underactive lifestyles, feelings of
guilt, and thoughts about death, dying, or suicide.
Depression is one of the most devastating and
common disorders that disrupts relationships and daily lives. Studies
indicate that 5 to 10 percent of Americans are affected by major depression
each year. The effects of depression on the quality of our lives and
our daily functions are second only to coronary artery disease and are one
of the leading causes of disability. Despite the fact that depression
is very common, many receive no treatment. Depressed individuals are in
denial and shameful of their problem. Depression clearly affects women
more than men. Women are more likely to develop substance abuse disorders
after becoming depressed, but men are more likely to deny their symptoms.
There are many causes of depression.
There is no doubt that heredity plays a role. Early traumatic life
experiences, such as the loss of a parent through death or divorce can lead
to depression later in life. Disappointments, illnesses and other
disruptive events can also lead to depression. Depression is usually
a manifestation of one or more unresolved emotional issues.
So what are the alternatives?
For the past 20 years, new holistic revolutionary
work has been developed called most commonly "energy psychology".
One of the most popular techniques being utilized is simply to tap with the
fingertips on specific acupuncture points on the body in specific combinations.
Dr. Roger Callahan, the developer of Thought Field Therapy, has been
using these drug-free techniques for over 20 years. He has successfully
treated thousands of individuals with a 95% success rate.
Practitioners using these systems address the
underlying emotions and issues causing the depression. By utilizing
these proven techniques and adjusting the body's energy system, dramatic
results can occur. There are reports of depression being eliminated
within a few minutes of tapping. More complicated depression can
involve several issues, such as fear, anger, guilt or shame. This
form of depression can usually be readily relieved when performed by a
skilled practitioner capable of locating the core emotional issues.
Clients are also given techniques to assist when troubling emotions or
issues return.
Dr. Callahan
has trained thousands of doctors, psychologists, social workers and lay
people to perform his techniques. Many have modified his initial
work and created their own systems, including myself. The
success stories with the "tapping" routines are very
impressive. This work is being used extensively around the
world, although it is not well known in our local area yet.
Some depressed people have problems with
substances that they ingest which affect their energy systems.
These energy toxins can include perfume, herbs, wheat, corn, refined sugar,
coffee, tea, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, dairy and pepper. The
elimination of these substances can produce impressive results for those
affected by these toxins. Why not try eliminating some of these
from your life and see what happens?
Some people also use therapeutic grade essential oils to help their emotions.
The People's Desk Reference for
Essential Oils, compiled by
Essential Science Publishing, describes the use of many essential oils.
Joy is an essential oil blend that contains rose, bergamot, mandarin,
ylang ylang, lemon, geranium, jasmine, palmarosa, roman chamomile and
rosewood. The book states "Joy is an exotic blend that produces
a magnetic frequency to enhance the frequency of self-love and bring joy
to the heart. It inspires romance and may help overcome grief and
depression". It can be used as a perfume or cologne and applied
over the heart, thymus, temples and wrists. Does your perfume or
cologne assist in your well being or is it an energy toxin?
Exercise is another natural treatment for
depression. There are many studies revealing that aerobic activity
can reduce tension, anger and fatigue. Exercise can also lift a
person's spirit. The physical activity can be very beneficial
for the depressed. What's the cost for trying this alternative?
So if you are depressed, what will
you utilize to help with depression? Drugs or a drug-free alternative,
it's your choice.
John Detillier, Jr. is a personal Consultant in Destrehan.
You can reach him by calling (985) 764-0160 or e-mailing john@clllc.com.
His website www.clllc.com contains testimonials and copies of
previous articles.
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON OBTAINING THERAPEUTIC GRADE
OILS FROM YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS
For more information on Thought Field Therapy, visit their website at
www.tftrx.com.
For more information on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), visit their
website at
www.emofree.com.
Also, another wonderful site with
a lot of helpful information on health tips is Dr. Mercola's site.
He is a firm believer in the tapping and recommends EFT for his
clients for many of their issues in life. His website is
www.mercola.com.
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