Depression
Emotions are fundamental aspects of human experience, yet when they consistently interfere with daily life and relationships, it may indicate the presence of a mental health condition. While occasional feelings of sadness are normal, persistent low moods might signify depression, a complex group of brain disorders with diverse origins and intricate neurobiology.
Depression's development involves a combination of environmental, psychological, genetic, and biological factors. Recent research has highlighted its association with neurotransmitter imbalances, disrupted inflammatory pathways, disturbances in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis, increased oxidative and nitrosative stress, neuroprogression, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Depression manifests as a state of decreased mood and diminished interest in activities, impacting thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and physical well-being. While symptoms may vary among individuals, certain common indicators exist. It's crucial to recognize that while these symptoms may resemble typical lows in life, the presence, intensity, and duration of multiple symptoms suggest a higher likelihood of depression.
When symptoms become overwhelming and hinder daily functioning, seeking assistance becomes imperative. Indicators include feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, disinterest in usual activities, alterations in sleep patterns, irritability or anger, fatigue, self-criticism, risky behaviors, difficulty in concentrating, and unexplained physical discomfort. Depression's causes and risk factors encompass various elements such as social isolation, recent stressful events, family history, relationship issues, financial stress, childhood trauma, substance abuse, and employment status. Women are disproportionately affected by depression, partly due to hormonal influences, particularly evident in conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression.
Women often exhibit distinct symptoms such as heightened guilt, excessive sleep, overeating, weight gain, and are more susceptible to seasonal affective disorder, typically emerging in autumn or winter.
In Ayurveda, depression is understood as Vishada, where individuals with weakened mental resilience (Sattva) due to habitual exposure to various factors experience disturbances in the natural physical humors (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and psychic humors (Rajas and Tamas), impacting both physical and mental aspects. Fear is identified as a significant cause of depression, which, if untreated, can lead to various other ailments. Ayurveda approaches depression holistically, considering its root causes and effects on both body and mind. According to Acharya Charaka, treating mental disorders involves balancing the psychological doshas (Tamas and Rajas) through spiritual practices, scriptural knowledge, patience, memory, and meditation, thus emphasizing psychotherapy as a means to overcome Vishada. Ayurvedic management of depression focuses on a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Non-pharmacological approaches include spiritual therapy, avoiding triggers, practicing yoga, and meditation, while pharmacological treatments encompass internal medications, cleansing therapies, and rejuvenating therapies