Lifting the Cloud of Depression

I don’t know about you, but lately it seems that everywhere I turn I’m hearing about more and more people being diagnosed with depression. Worse still, their doctor’s solution is to prescribe them addictive antidepressants! It is reported that a staggering 1 out of 10 adults in the US suffer from depression.

Some people are more prone to depression than others, it is often said it’s in their make up but new research may offer a different reason – maybe it is
that these individuals are deficient in vitamin D. If you are thinking this sounds ludicrous, let me continue.

Vitamin D has a huge link to depression

Studies have found that people with low levels of Vitamin D had an 85% increased risk of depression as well as other mental health problems. There have also been positive findings reporting vitamin D supplementation can lead to improved mood.

In 6 studies focused on depression in women, 4 of the studies showed a connection between low vitamin D levels and mood disorders such as, seasonal affective disorder, premenstrual syndrome and major depressive disorder.

Serotonin – the happy hormone

Other researchers have discovered that an imbalance of serotonin can lead to mental health problems. Vitamin D has been found to increase the level of serotonin in the brain with one study finding that in summer months, sun exposure increased brain serotonin levels twice as much as in winter months.

Serotonin makes us happy, relaxed and confident and is well documented for being a natural anti-depressant. Taking all this information into account then, is it not possible that there is a connection here? Could such a simple adjustment lift the fog?

What I’ve learned as a reiki therapist

The number of reiki clients I’ve treated with depression over the past year has grown considerably. Maybe this shows that people are waking up and realizing that there is another option to drugging themselves with pills and surviving a lifetime of false happiness that will never bring them true joy. A recent client explained she didn’t want to follow in her sister’s footsteps and take ‘happy’ pills from the doctor, as she knew it would only mask her sadness, not remove it. For every person who looks for another alternative, I jump for joy, as my passion is bringing people back to life! Now this might sound extreme but so many people are existing rather than living. In my 10 year’s experience as a reiki healer and inspirational teacher, I’ve seen far too many examples of this.

Anti-depressants are an addictive toxic mix that are handed out like sweets!

What angers me most, is when I hear of clients who have discussed alternative treatments with their doctor and get the response ‘that won’t work’. The joke is, that the last few cases I’ve been told about, doctors have encourage anti-depressants for reasons of – splitting up with a girlfriend, the death of a dog and the worst of the lot, not being able to focus and get university work done! Obviously all these things are difficult and can cause great upset but are we not supposed to feel anymore? Are we not supposed to get emotional, grieve or lose our way at times? When I hear these stories I think the world has gone mad! People give so much or their power and common sense away to a person in a white coat with the title of Dr. If they really questioned what they were told and started to think for themselves, they would realize how ridiculous it all sounds.

The ones that got away

The saving grace is, these individuals that came to me as clients had questioned what they had been told by their doctors. After hearing about the horrendous side effects these happy pills can produce, and the length of time they would need to take them for, they decided there must be another way! There is always another way. I work with these clients to help them release their emotions and their confusion, I empower them to take charge of their lives, to trust themselves and follow their inner guidance. As well as reiki, I use techniques such as Neuro Linguistc Programming (NLP) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). It never ceases to amaze me how much can be achieved in one session. I have worked with people with mild depression, right through to those contemplating or have attempted suicide. Nothing fazes me anymore, these people have just gone off track and my role is to help them get back on the rails. They just need someone to care, someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on and someone to recognize their worth. There is always another way, please remember this before trying to suppress your feelings and your pain with a poisonous concoction that can never ever really help you or heal you.

A simple prevention to depression

So if it is that the people prone to depression are merely suffering from a lack of vitamin D in their bodies, then this is even better news. With Vitamin D behind them, maybe their problems won’t be so overwhelming, maybe the things in life that are sent to try us will be dealt with by acknowledging them and releasing their emotional charge. What a nicer way to life rather than trying to run away and hide!

My plan

In the future, along with giving any clients suffering from depression, the energy healing and comfort they need, I’ll also be sending them on his way with the instructions “Get out in the sunshine, breathe and let go, check your vitamin D levels and keep them topped up”. Maybe this will finally lift the fog away and keep the light shining!

Sources:
1.Murphy PK, Wagner CL. (2008) Vitamin D and mood disorders among women: an integrative review. J Midwifery Womens Health. 53(5):440-6.

2.Lambert GW, Reid C, Kaye DM, Jennings GL, Esler MD. Effect of sunlight and season on serotonin turnover in the brain. Lancet. 2002 Dec 7;360(9348):1840-2.

Remember to always consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before embarking on any treatment, it’s your health and it’s IMPORTANT. www.naturalcures.com/disclaimer

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Michaela McGowan (16 Posts)

Michaela McGowan works for the NaturalCures.com team as a writer. She has an immense passion for healing and alternative therapies. Trained as a Reiki Master and Self-Esteem Coach with over ten years experience, she loves working with individuals to help them thrive and live a more happier and healthier life. Michaela spent the first part of her career as a Primary School Teacher and now specialises in children’s well being. She set up her business ‘Healing For Children’ in 2008 where she offers healing therapies for parents and children, along with workshops and reiki teaching.