Depression Learning

Alternative Therapies for Depression

Question:

I am glad to see that this group supports people speaking up: asking for help and also offering help as well. I have suffered from depression for 25 years; in the last six years I have made almost complete recovery. Human beings are very complex creatures, and there is no simple answer for depression.  I have found several things that help significantly, and a few things that actually can begin to empower you to move out of depression. But be forwarned: these are not "quick fixes"… in my books, there is no such thing for most cases of depression.

   OK, I’ll bite.  Did you write some books??  What are the titles and what are they like/about?? I advocate "alternative" healthcare, because I have discovered the following truths about the Western healthcare system:

   Would these be Objective Truths, or just some things that make sense to you personally?? Sincerely Stewart just a typo, or an intentional misspelling of hotmail.com as a sort of "spamblock", or did it have some sort of deep seated meaning as a Freudian slip??  :-) — The Metaphor Man  *and*  The Great Defender of the Self (remove the SPAMBLOCK) Please send me an e-mail copy of your posted response.

Response:

Hello. I am glad to see that this group supports people speaking up: asking for help and also offering help as well. I have suffered from depression for 25 years; in the last six years I have made almost complete recovery. Human beings are very complex creatures, and there is no simple answer for depression.  I have found several things that help significantly, and a few things that actually can begin to empower you to move out of depression. But be forwarned: these are not "quick fixes"… in my books, there is no such thing for most cases of depression. I advocate "alternative" healthcare, because I have discovered the following truths about the Western healthcare system:     1. Western medicine (and doctors) address the symptoms, not the root cause.     2. Western medicine treats a ‘fragment’ of a person, not the whole person.     3. Western medicine is controlled by monied corporate and political bodies that are not dedicated understanding wellness.     4. The understanding of "wellness" is based on "wholeness" and self-awareness.  It is a combined insight governing ones body, mind and spirit.  Western medicine can only deal with the "body" aspect. For many of you who post to this group you are feeling the symptoms of depression and expressing the frustration of being on that roller-coaster. My advice to all of you is to make sure you have someone in the REAL world (not the internet) with whom you can talk about your difficulties.  For most of you that means a professionally trained counsellor, therapist or healer. Being able to express your difficulties to a neutral detached listener who can be a mirror for you is indispensible. In the Holistic world, the term "bodywork" is used to imply any kind of healing physical therapy can can help "move" stuck energy in the body. Depression classically involves the internalizing of emotion into the body structure and organs.  Many holistic therapies can help the patient become aware of the stress and tension that they internalize, and give them a start in recognizing patterns and stress triggers in their lives. Massage Therapy is a good starting point for those seeking to begin healing mental-emotional based conflict.  Find a therapist that is accredited and licenced according to local bylaws, and one that can produce references from other healthcare professionals.  Begin to address your physical holding patterns with the intent to eventually find out where you are "hoarding" or repressing your feelings.  Although this is a bit of a generalization, emotional ‘holding patterns’ and internalization among the depressed population is so widespread as to be labelled "epidemic". For others who are more advanced in the "touchy-feely" level of things, perhaps those who have begun to investigate your own mental-emotional landscape, investigate subtler forms of bodywork, specifically the "energetic" types.  Reiki is a very gentle unobtrusive Healing Art, especially good for those who have been traumatized emotionally.  There are many other forms as well, but one of the most powerful that I have experienced is called "Craniosacral Therapy".  ("CST") CST is a gentle, delicate form of manipulation that aims at balancing the physiologic pressures in the Cerebro-spinal fluid system.  This is done with delicate osteopathic manipulations of bones, organs and tissues, all in direct relationship to the Central Nervous System.  This is one of the most powerful forms of ‘energetic’ or subtle bodywork available.  Information on CST, as well as a practitioner directory, can be found on the website of the Upledger Institute (www.upledger.com).  (John Upledger, DO is the founder and pioneer of this particular branch of Osteopathic Medicine). Another very powerful healing modality in the Alternative Medical field is "Classical Homeopathy".  This is a science founded by a group of German MD’s who broke away from the medical establishment in the 1800’s.  Homeopathy is based on the principle of "like cures like".   Tiny diluted substances (similar to the theory of innoculation against disease) based on naturally-occurring substances are introduced through doses of homeopathic medicine.  The body beings to strengthen itself against the antagonistic agent, causing deep-seated adjustments in the patients mental, physical, and emotional patterning.  Homeopathy, like many other ‘natural’ therapies, is not a "quick fix" modality and is part of a healing process that can span months or years. Healing is a Journey, it is not an ‘event’.  In a society that has been spoon-fed on the "take-a-pill-and-feel-better" formula, you need to ask yourself as an indivual: "Am I looking for a Band-Aid for my problem, or am I looking for real healing?"  Both are available.  There is no "right and wrong" here.  It all depends on what you are ready for. I hope you have found this information helpful. Julie Cristal

Response:

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