Depression

Realizing that most of my class work is coming to an end and there's not as much new material presented, I thought it would be best fit to redirect the focus of my blog.  I will still try to post things I find and hear in class or in any outside settings. And I will still try to post articles that come my way. I am also open for any suggestions.  However, I am soon to be entering my clinical portions of school and thought it would be more insightful to you and more valid for me to share certain conditions that real people are dealing with.  I will try sharing common conditions, telling what the condition is, how it presents and most importantly what I would do or what can be done to help treat these conditions.  I think and hope it can help many who suffer on a daily basis with no options provided.  I will start with Depression.

Depression is more than just sadness.  It's more than just grieving or sorrow.  Depression is a chronic state of mind that effects the nervous system, physiology and the physical condition.  It is often triggered by a tragic event in one's life either a death in the family or going through a divorce, but it doesn't always have to.  It can be as simple as having a chronic illness or dealing with a stressful environment.  About 10-20% of patients treated in a medical office suffer from depression is more common in women.  The statistics vary, however, anti-depressant drugs are the most common prescribed drugs on America - costing $44 Billion annually.

Depression is a very serious condition.  It can be accompanied by a chronic illness which perpetuates the situation and can lead to even more serious conditions such as Bipolar disorder, Mood disorder, and even suicide. But why has it become more prevalent? Is there more tragedy in today's world? Even though we are in a never ending stressful society, there is a larger problem in the mix.  Depression is misunderstood, misdiagnosed and more importantly mistreated.  The anti-depressant market is a business. One should not be on the medication any longer than six months, and yet most if not every person I've talked to has been on it for five, ten, fifteen years.  Medical treatments are only adding to the cycle.

Just a side note.  I would like to share how depression begins its cycle.  It starts off with a Stresser, whether its a tragic event or something smaller like moving to a new area.  Stress signals to the amygdala in the brain.  The amygdala releases CRH.  CRH activates the sympathetic nervous system which releases gluccocorticoids. That's all natural.  However, if the stress is chronic the gluccocorticoids stimulates the amygdala which again releases more CRH and so the cycle begins. During this cycle, there are two hormones in the brain that are depleted. Those are Dopamine and Serotonin. These two hormones are key in depression and many other mental disorders.  Dopamine in this case helps one see the future or to see themselves going ahead in life.  Serotonin gives us that "happy" feeling.  It's obvious that when these two hormones are depleted - Depression kicks in (Not feeling "happy" with no hope for the future).  These people appear "sad", or "low", or "just not right".  But honestly, people will try to hide it the best they can and it can be hard to detect.  Ask about or observe sleeping disturbances, appetite changes, energy levels, or a random lost of interests that they previously enjoyed.  Possibly take notice of change in relationships, of any chronic illnesses, any tragic events in life, or any talks of hurting or killing themselves. It's important to listen and take action.  One thing about depression is the feeling of being ALONE.  They can be surrounded by thousands and yet they still feel lonely.  They feel like no one understands them and no one cares.  Its a vicious cycle.

Here I would like to provide some treatment options.  These are mostly things that I have learned about that I would implement in my own practice.  I will try to explain each treatment how it can help in the condition.

1. Get Adjusted - Depression may not seem like it would be in the scope of chiropractic care, but it is Vital for treating depression.  I know that most of my treatment plans may include an adjustment, but I plan on giving valid explanations on why it should be done.  An adjustment in this condition will have two main effected.  First, proper and healthy brain function depends on sensory input and 90% of our sensory comes from joint proprioception.  Adjusting the fixated joints will reconnect sensory input in the brain.  Second, a specific adjustment of the spine can help re-establish parasympathetic dominance, relieving the mind and body from the conditional stress.
2. Exercise - This is the #1 way to increase Serotonin levels in the brain.  There is no other substitute. But one must understand that Depression didn't just happen in days - it took months.  And so a light jog now and again won't cut it.  It requires committed and determined effort of at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and more activity during the day.
3. Yoga - Yoga has been proven over time to heal the body, and it all has to do with its stress relief capabilities.  There is a specific kind called Hatha that focuses on deep breathing exercises.  Deep breathing exercises help relax the mind and body.  Also to avoid constant stress, please refer to my post Don't Stress It
4. Counseling - This has to do more than just talking it out.  With Depression, there is a feeling of emptiness and loneliness.  Seeking counseling helps provide someone they may be able to trust and not feel so "alone"
5. Nutritional Support - 

• Omega-3 (EPA or DHA) - helps with mental function
• 5-HTP - increases serotonin levels
• Magnesium - increases cellular activity and serotonin function
• Valerian root - used for relaxation and a sleep aid
• PQQ - this may be a last effort supplement, but has shown to increase dopamine levels

I hop this helps.  I would like to continue to share more conditions that are common.  I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions to see if this is headed in the right direction. Thanks