April 08

THE LITTLE MASSAGE CLINIC

I am enjoying the first flush of bluebells that adorn our woods this time of year.

It seems pure indulgence when you walk through hazy blue Tehidy, Idless or Illogan woods….oh we are so spoilt for choice…..just the tonic when you're spirits are low…..and many of us are it would seem.

According to statistics, 1 in 5 of us will suffer with depression at some point in our lives.

Pull yourself together!

Anyone who has been afflicted with depression will know that it's not as simple as all that. It consumes every fibre of your being affecting you physically, mentally & emotionally.

You are probably aware of the tabloid frenzy stating antidepressants do not work lately. Some of you may know that this is old news in the world of natural medicine. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) alone, e.g. Prozac, Paxil, Seroxat, Citalopram are worth £6.6 billion.

They are prescribed when health experts consider your depression is due to a serotonin imbalance in your brain. This theory has never been proven. In fact the Irish health authorities banned one drug company from marketing their drug based on the “brain imbalance theory”.

No wonder then, that cleverly marketed antidepressants are not all they are cracked up to be. Two major review studies have revealed that SSRIs are no more effective than another type of antidepressant, TCAs (Tricyclics).

These TCAs were shown to be only 29% effective. They have also been overprescribed & caused side effects so intolerable patients gave them up to put up with the depression rather than lose their appetite or libido, or suffer with constipation, dehydration or confusion.

The SSRIs also come with a list of side effects, suicidal tendencies, insomnia, loss of libido, confusion, fuzziness, dizziness, inability to concentrate, memory loss, inadequacy, feeling numb, overeating, gastric disturbance, drowsiness, weakness, mania, violent behaviour.

In addition some antidepressants say you cannot drink, you cannot drive while on the medication, so taking away more pleasure or freedom which can make you more depressed….unless of course you drink to excess to self medicate in which case this needs to be addressed too.

Now have a look at this list of symptoms:

-Being bothered by things that aren't normally a problem

-poor appetite

-overeating

-feelings of inadequacy

-inability to concentrate

-finding doing things an effort

-fearful of the future

-restless sleep

-feeling people are unfriendly

-increased irritability

-persistently feeling blue

THESE ARE SYMPTOMS OF MODERATE DEPRESSION

-tearfulness

-getting no pleasure at all from life

-persistent fatigue & exhaustion

-unreasonably low self esteem

-high anxiety levels

-lack of interest in sex

-poor concentration

-memory losses

-lack of motivation

-feeling a burden to others

-early morning waking

-persistent sleeping

-fear of being alone/extreme isolation

-unexplained physical aches & pains

-suicidal thoughts.

THESE ARE SYMPTOMS OF SEVERE DEPRESSION

Notice how some of the side effects are the same as the symptoms.
Not so helpful when you are trying your hardest to get to a space where you want to get rid of these feelings.

So either the drugs have side effects that are are the same as the illness or are not helping you feel any better. Meantime, whilst taking these drugs you are possibly becoming dependent. Some clients I have seen have been on antidepressants for years & find coming off them can be really difficult. Great news for any drug companies, bad news for the patient.

One study into the effectiveness of psychotherapy showed that after 2 years people got better whether or not they had received psychotherapy. Which also indicates to me that no-one should be on antidepressants for longer than this.

Of course with all the side effects, it is not uncommon for patients to be prescribed more medication to deal with them. I'm adding 2 & 2 here & getting a fat profit for an answer.

Well, what can you do to beat depression? Next Month I will go into gentler & natural ways you can start the healing process.

Meantime, if you are feeling a bit blue try the following affirmations from Louise L. Hay:

“I now go beyond other people's fears & limitations. I create my life”

Be all you can be & be well, warm wishes,

Nicolle Mitchell I.T.E.C., CThA

Holistic Health Therapist & Practice Manager

THE LITTLE MASSAGE CLINIC

THE PENVENTON HOTEL & HALF MOON SALON

TEL: 01209 203230 OR 711686

Email: nicolle@tlcinabottle.co.uk

DISCLAIMER: we do not diagnose or guarantee cures. We aim to help people make informed choices about their health. Any changes in lifestyle, diet, medication, supplementation or remedies, should be taken with your GP's or health professional's support.

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