Everything You Need to Know About Depression

Depression is a widespread mood disorder that impacts countless individuals. While symptoms may be fleeting, depression can sometimes persist for years, deeply affecting one’s quality of life. Like anxiety, depression arises from various underlying causes and presents with diverse symptoms. It is vital to seek professional assistance if depression becomes chronic or severe.

What is depression?

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. It extends far beyond fleeting sadness or low mood, manifesting as a persistent state of despair, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.

Clients of Radiant Flow have reported physical symptoms such as heaviness or tightness in the chest, piercing chest sensations, and even physical weakness.

Depression disrupts daily life and strains relationships, making it essential to identify its signs early and seek appropriate support.

Who can get depression?

Depression spares no one. It can strike anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or background. As one of the most prevalent mental health disorders globally, it affects millions.

While depression can occur in anyone, certain factors heighten the risk, including a family history of the condition, traumatic experiences, chronic medical issues, and prolonged stress. However, it is crucial to recognise that even those without these risk factors may still develop depression.

Women receive depression diagnoses more frequently than men, likely due to societal and cultural stigmas that discourage men from seeking help for emotional struggles.

What are the types of depression?

Depression is not a one-size-fits-all condition. There are several types of depressive disorders, each with unique characteristics:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): The most common form, characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, low self-worth and other emotional and physical symptoms for at least two weeks.
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression where symptoms are less severe than MDD but last for at least two years.
  • Bipolar Disorder: This involves alternating periods of depression and mania (extreme highs). It was formerly known as manic depression.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually during winter when daylight is limited.
  • Postpartum Depression: A severe, long-lasting form of depression experienced by some women after giving birth. Also known as the “baby blues”, it manifests as a feeling of sadness and emptiness.
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with symptoms of irritability, depression, and anxiety in the weeks leading up to menstruation.

Many depressive disorders exist and new ones continue to emerge. However, it’s crucial not to become overly focused on diagnosing and categorising your particular type of depression. What truly matters is recognising that you may have depression by identifying whether you exhibit common symptoms associated with the condition.

What are the common symptoms of depression?

The symptoms of depression vary widely but often include:

  • Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
  • Fatigue or decreased energy
  • Significant changes in appetite or weight
  • Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
  • Restlessness or irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

These symptoms may appear differently in different people. For instance, men may display anger or irritability, while women may experience feelings of guilt or sadness more intensely.

The symptoms additionally overlap with other conditions which makes it challenging to put a finger on what health issue you’re afflicted with.

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How to diagnose or test for depression?

Depression manifests through a range of symptoms, so no single test can definitively diagnose it. Instead, diagnosing depression requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

This process may include the following:

  • Clinical Interview: The doctor or therapist will inquire about your symptoms (eg. thoughts, emotions, appetite), medical history, and any family history of mental health issues.
  • Physical Examination: To rule out other medical conditions that might cause depressive symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies.
  • Psychological Assessment: This may involve completing questionnaires or rating scales to measure the severity of depressive symptoms.

Depression cannot be diagnosed through a blood test or imaging scan, making an accurate assessment of mental health history and current symptoms crucial.

It’s important to note that hypnotherapists do not diagnose depression; instead, they focus on identifying symptoms to uncover the root cause. At Radiant Flow, hypnotherapists use techniques like inner child therapy to pinpoint the triggering event and neutralise the associated emotions. As a result, the symptoms recede alongside the underlying cause.

What causes depression?

The exact cause of depression remains unclear, but it is generally believed to result from a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Clinical observations at Radiant Flow suggest that, on a physiological level, toxins and pathogens are primary contributors to depression, while mental trauma plays a significant role on the psychological front:

  • Toxic Heavy Metals: A brain free from obstruction operates efficiently, serving as a superhighway for electrical signals. However, when toxic heavy metals accumulate in the brain, they disrupt these signals, leading to a range of unexplained symptoms. Modern medical tools often fail to detect these subclinical levels of metals in the body.
  • Pathogens: Low-grade viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr, can thrive on these toxic metals, releasing neurotoxic waste that floods the brain. This waste interferes with neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, contributing to depression.
  • Stressful Life Events: Traumatic experiences, such as the loss of a loved one, job loss, or divorce, can trigger depression by depleting neurotransmitters. This can cause depression that lingers long after the traumatic event has passed.

These secondary causes either stem from or exacerbate the primary factors outlined earlier:

  • Hereditary Factors: A family history of depression increases the risk of developing the condition, but this is not due to genetics as commonly believed. Instead, what is passed down are the toxins and pathogens from your parents, inherited from their parents, and so forth.
  • Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, play a role in mood regulation and can contribute to depression. These imbalances often arise from one of the primary causes, namely psychological trauma and heavy loads of toxic heavy metals and pathogens.
  • Hormonal Changes: Shifts in hormones, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger depression. Similarly, pregnancy and menstruation are other periods in a woman’s life when hormonal changes may lead to depression.
  • Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, are associated with higher rates of depression, often due to the increased burden of toxic metals and pathogens in the body.

What are the natural treatments for depression?

Professional treatment may be necessary depending on the root cause of the depression. Natural drug-free approaches are always best for alleviating symptoms of depression because they do no harm.

The commonly discussed methods for treating depression are:

  • Exercise: Regular physical activity can boost mood by increasing endorphin levels.
  • Sleep: Prioritising restful sleep and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can improve mood and energy levels.
  • Social Support: Connecting with loved ones and participating in social activities can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
  • Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can help manage depressive symptoms.

Here are some less conventional methods that have proven effective for Radiant Flow’s clients:

  • Nutrition Therapy: Given the brain’s central role in depression, proper nourishment is essential. Nutrition therapy focuses on healing the brain by removing toxic metals and eliminating harmful viruses.
  • Supplements: Targeted supplements consisting of concentrated doses of herbs, minerals, and vitamins designed to expel harmful pathogens and support the body’s recovery from illness.
  • Hypnotherapy: For those with a clear history of mental trauma, hypnotherapy can provide swift relief. This technique delves into the subconscious mind to revisit the trauma, neutralising the associated negative emotions.
  • EFT Tapping: By tapping on specific meridian points while recalling distressing thoughts, emotions, and events, one can neutralise their effects, helping to overcome depression.
  • Reiki Healing: Human beings consist of physical, mental, and energetic layers. Reiki, like qigong and taiji, channels energy into the body’s energy field to correct imbalances, aiding in the healing process.
  • Sound Healing and Sound Bath: With the body consisting of 70% water, sound vibrations can have a subtle yet tangible impact. Whether through a one-on-one sound healing session or a group sound bath, practitioners use sound bowls to produce vibrations that restore harmony and balance to the body, much like Reiki but using sound as the medium.

It’s important to recognise that depression often stems from a complex mix of root causes. To effectively address depressive symptoms, multiple healing methods should be applied together.

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Natasha had been battling with lifelong depression and anxiety, feeling it as a constant tightness in her chest. Conventional therapy didn’t work for her. Hypnotherapy helped her unearth deep-seated issues as she confronted head-on inner traumas and healed from her past trauma. It has since transformed her life, freeing her from the crippling anxiety, and bringing into her life newfound clarity and hope.

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Depression case studies at Radiant Flow

Case 1: Ensnared in negativity

Ling had endured verbal abuse at her previous job, and despite moving on to a healthier environment, she remained ensnared in a cycle of negative thoughts and emotions, triggered even by minor incidents. The burden of her depression began to impair her work performance. Through hypnosis, we explored her past and discovered that Ling had suffered both physical and verbal abuse during her childhood. Her father’s violent outbursts erupted whenever she voiced something he disapproved of, culminating in a particularly brutal incident where he shattered her cherished violin when she failed to demonstrate sufficient progress. From that moment, Ling carried a deep-seated self-loathing.

Remarkably, just one week after the initial session, Ling experienced significant improvements. The dark cloud of negativity lifted; she no longer succumbed to bouts of “stress crying,” and a decade-long neck pain disappeared. She also reported enjoying the “best sleep in years”.

Case 2: Uncontrollable screaming

Sharifah experienced debilitating anxiety attacks that would cause her to scream uncontrollably when triggered. Through therapy, we discovered that her overbearing and controlling mother was the underlying cause of her struggles. Sharifah’s mother consistently imposed her own preferences and decisions, leaving Sharifah with limited choices in life.

Sharifah noticed a remarkable reduction in the frequency and intensity of her anxiety attacks after one session. Her severe depression and sadness significantly decreased from 9/10 to 2/10. The once overwhelming thoughts of suicide completely vanished. Moreover, the emotional baggage she had been carrying and weighing her down, was finally released.

Case 3: Post-natal depression

After the birth of her child, Samantha fell into deep depression. Strangely, her thoughts became consumed by a pair of twins she had encountered nearby. The inability to see them only deepened her sadness. This obsession drove her to repeatedly visit the spot where she first met the twins, even attempting to see them at their school. The yearning to catch a glimpse of them grew into a desperate need for solace.

By thoroughly revisiting the entire episode through hypnotherapy, coupled with creative visualisation techniques, Samantha found resolution for her depression, releasing her emotional attachment to the twins in a cathartic moment.

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How to cope with depression?

Healing from depression may take a while, so it’s good to learn how to cope with it using a multi-faceted approach. Strategies include:

  • Seeking Professional Help: Hypnotherapy, nutrition therapy, and meditation remain the most effective treatments in our experience.
  • Building a Support System: Friends, family, and support groups can provide encouragement and understanding.
  • Setting Small Goals: Breaking down tasks into manageable steps can prevent feelings of overwhelm.
  • Practising Self-Care: Engaging in activities that bring joy or relaxation can help maintain a positive outlook.
  • Limiting Stress: Identifying and managing sources of stress is essential to recovery. This may include switching jobs and outsourcing various chores and activities in your life.

What can happen if depression is left untreated?

Untreated depression can lead to severe consequences, including:

  • Worsening Mental Health: Depression can intensify over time, leading to severe symptoms like suicidal thoughts.
  • Physical Health Decline: Chronic depression increases the risk of developing physical health issues, such as heart disease.
  • Impaired Relationships: Depression strains relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
  • Decreased Productivity: The inability to focus and complete tasks can negatively impact work or school performance.
  • Substance Abuse: Many people with untreated depression turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Depression and addictions

Depression and addiction frequently coexist, each exacerbating the other. Individuals may turn to substances like alcohol or drugs for temporary relief from depressive symptoms. In a bid to counteract low energy, they might also rely on caffeine and other stimulants.

Yet, this often creates a cycle of dependency that deepens depression, as it fails to address the root causes. Effective treatment must tackle both conditions simultaneously, typically through a combination of therapy and nutritional support.

Recognising depression is the crucial first step in seeking help, whether for oneself or a loved one. With appropriate treatment and support, individuals can manage depression and lead fulfilling lives. Ignoring the signs, however, can result in severe and lasting consequences, making early intervention essential.

Can foods help with depression?

Food plays a pivotal role in our overall health, impacting every facet of our well-being. With around 35 tons of food passing through our digestive systems over a lifetime, it is unrealistic to believe that our diet does not influence our mental and physical health.

Think of your brain as an intricate network of information highways. When toxins and metals obstruct these pathways, they hinder the flow of thought signals, resulting in symptoms such as OCD, anxiety, and depression. The build-up of toxic byproducts from pathogens further aggravates the issue, damaging the nervous system and leading to organ dysfunction that can manifest as anxiety.

Our customised nutrition protocols aim to cleanse the body of these harmful substances while supplying essential nutrients to soothe and repair the nervous system.

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Young Scott recovers from ADHD symptoms with nutrition therapy. His father Jon shares his incredible recovery journey with us, how they saw results within a week, and how Scott transformed into a calm and composed boy over the months. While his conditions aren’t directly related to depression, it shows how nutrition can heal brain-related conditions.

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Helping children and teens with depression

Therapy for children demands thoughtful adaptation. Unlike adults who generally seek therapy voluntarily, children are often reluctantly brought in by their parents, and this can impede progress.

Therapies requiring active participation, such as hypnotherapy, EFT tapping, nutrition therapy, and meditation, may present challenges for children. In contrast, more passive methods like reiki healing and sound healing can be more effective for younger individuals. Nevertheless, with sufficient motivation, even interactive therapies can achieve notable results.

It may be more efficacious to begin with passive therapies and gradually introduce more active methods. A suggested sequence for trying these therapies is: reiki healing, sound healing, nutrition therapy, hypnotherapy, EFT tapping, and finally, meditation.

Parting Words: Can depression be cured?

Depression is treatable and often surmountable. Many people, including clients of Radiant Flow, achieve full recovery with appropriate treatment. The challenge in healing depression lies in its potential roots in both the mind and body, making the actual cause difficult to pinpoint.

Even with an accurate diagnosis, the condition may resist complete resolution if the underlying factors are deeply entrenched. For instance, if toxic metals have been accumulating in the brain since birth in a 50-year-old, it might require years of consistent cleansing to remove them entirely.

Ongoing management, including therapy and lifestyle changes, can help individuals manage symptoms while working towards full recovery.

At Radiant Flow, we maintain that if depression is not congenital, there is a high likelihood of complete recovery. Both the body and mind are amazing at healing, so the right methods, bolstered by patience and determination, can bring an end to your depression.

Photo credits: Fernando

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