The Drug-Free Approach to Treating Depression

by Rebecca Liston, H.D., DSHomMed

When the clocks go back, and the days get shorter, the darkness seems to settle over us like a blanket. For some of us, that blanket of darkness simply means more time in front of the television or more time in front of the fire with a good book. For others of us, the darkness seems to permeate our very being…and depression sets in. 

As human beings, we expect to go through changes in mood – we have a range of normal emotions that we pass through every single day. You might be sad one day, or feeling “blue,” but depression is different. It affects people for longer periods of time and is often described as pervasive feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair. Those feelings are often accompanied by changes in appetite, fatigue, sugar or carbohydrate cravings, irritability, sudden loss of enjoyment in activities, difficulties sleeping, difficulties getting out of bed in the morning, headaches, or stomach aches. Some people will also experience feelings of anxiety – restlessness, apprehension, and panic – in conjunction with their symptoms of depression.

All people, young and old, male and female, have the potential of developing depression although statistics suggest that women are more susceptible. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges that face people with depression revolves around seeking help. First of all, people generally feel uncomfortable discussing their emotions. Secondly, people who are depressed often feel hopeless and have difficulty asking for help. And finally, people don’t often know where to get the help they need.

In my practice, I would estimate that 80% of my clients report either a personal or family history of depression. In fact, it is one of the leading reasons that people seek homeopathic care. Here are some of the main reasons people choose homeopathic care to treat their depression:

1. Homeopaths take the time to get to know you and to understand your symptoms and how they are affecting your life. The initial visit with a homeopath is two hours long, and regular, routine follow up appointments are part of your treatment plan.

2. Homeopaths work with you to establish your goals for your health and help you to create a strategy to achieve those goals all within a supportive, caring environment.

3. Homeopathic medicines are chosen specifically for you. No two people are the same and homeopaths understand that. They treat each person as the unique individual that they are.

4. Homeopathic medicines are all created from natural sources and maintain their natural integrity. They are not synthesized, radiated, or chemically altered in any way.

5. Homeopathic medicines are not drugs. They are not addictive, and you will not be required to take them “for life.” The idea is that you will take the medicine only as long as is needed for you to heal, and then you will stop.

6. There are no negative side effects associated with taking homeopathic medicines.

7. Homeopathic medicines are safe for everyone – even pregnant or breast-feeding women, children, and animals.

8. Homeopathic treatment is relatively inexpensive. The cost of pharmaceuticals far surpasses that of homeopathic medicines.

9. And the most important reason people choose homeopathic medicine to treat their depression is simple: IT WORKS!

If you or someone you know suffers with depression, I encourage you to call me for more information about the homeopathic approach. I am here to help…naturally!