Holistic Approaches to Fight Depression

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It is estimated that up to 15% of the general population in the United States will experience clinical depression in their lifetime. Depression can affect anyone at almost any age, and the reasons for depression can vary from person to person.

Some factors that can contribute to depression include:

  • Infections (parasites, mold, Lyme, clostridia, etc.)

  • Toxins (radioactive elements, heavy metals, pesticides/herbicides, etc.)

  • Brain chemistry

  • Certain medical conditions

  • Substance use

  • Stress

  • Poor nutrition

  • Micronutrient deficiencies

  • Hormone imbalances

  • A side effect of medications

  • Trauma 

Although no two people have and deal with depression the same, there are many things we've found to help reduce symptoms of depression and for some eliminate it altogether. Take a look at these holistic approaches we recommend to our clients to fight depression. We hope that one or all of these steps can help bring healing and restoration in your life. 

 
 
 
 

1. DISCOVER GOD. 

Sometimes, even when we are aware of God's love for each of us, we may still feel weighed down, anxious, and depressed. Remember, He created you. He loves you. You are here on earth for a unique purpose that only you can fulfill. Don't let depression become your identity. Your purpose has far more power than depression. God wants to be discovered, and He wants to restore you.

When we disconnect from God, the following happens.

  • We lose hope in God and feel like we have no purpose in life.

  • We start to believe that we are not "good enough" for God. 

  • We start to become unappreciative instead of thankful.

  • We focus on ourselves and not others.

  • We carry our burdens instead of giving them to Jesus.

  • We are unwilling to forgive. 

This is not what God wants for you. 

Here are a few simple things people have been doing for thousands of years to discover God: 

  • Pray. 

    • Talk to God and listen to what He is saying to you. 

    • Ask Him about your unique purpose in life. 

    • Ask Him to tell you about your identity in Christ.

  • Read Scriptures. 

    • Read the scriptures out loud. 

    • Pray the scriptures. 

    • Meditate on the scriptures. 

    • Sing the scriptures. 

    • Use Bible verses as daily affirmations that you repeat throughout the day. 

  • Worship. Everyone worships differently, so find the way you like to express your love for God. Here are a few ideas:

    • Rest outside in His creation. 

    • Sing or play music.

    • Dance.

    • Paint or draw.


2. CONNECT WITH PEOPLE. 

We are relational people who need community and regular fellowship. Each of us needs a supportive group of family and friends to interact with. We need a community of loving friends and family who will encourage and uplift us, not tear us down. Finding a good counselor or therapist to work with can be hugely beneficial. Remember, human-to-human connection is critical. Technology is incredible for so many things, but it should never replace spending time with people face-to-face. 


3. CONNECT WITH YOURSELF.

Connect with your gifts, talents, passions, and creativity (yes, God made us all creative, but each person expresses it differently). Connect with yourself. Many people must express themselves to feel free. Maybe you enjoy writing, singing, cooking, building, running, whatever it is, don't keep it hidden. Express yourself and find ways that make you and your personality come alive.


4. CONNECT WITH NATURE.

It is well known that many people suffer from seasonal affective disorders, mainly in the winter, because of the lack of sunshine. Not only does the sun boost our moods, but it provides an essential source of vitamin D to the body, which it uses for numerous functions including hormone balance and brain function. Many people who suffer from depression also suffer from a lack of vitamin D. Grab a bit of sunshine every day, even if it's only for a few minutes, it will do wonders. 

In the wintertime, when the days are shorter, we recommend taking a vitamin D supplement. If you are dealing with depression, you can take any of the following supplements throughout the year, but don't let it replace getting in the actual sun. 

Vitamin D supplement recommendations:


5. CONNECT WITH FOOD. 

The food you eat affects how you think, feel, and look. Food is meant to nourish and sustain the body, not to bring torment. By eating quality, healthy foods, you will be more in control of the way you feel physically and emotionally. Our gut and our brain are actually connected. This means that what is happening in your gut is also affecting your brain. 

I will never forget the woman who came to me for a health consultation several years ago. She had been on antidepressants for 20 years. She stopped eating gluten because we thought she might be sensitive to it, and in three days she was feeling better and started to wean off her medications. 

Food to Avoid:

  • Processed sugar

  • White flour and processed grains

  • White rice 

  • Rancid oils. Rancid oils include all of your vegetable oils like corn, soy, canola, and safflower oil, which promote inflammation in the body. 

  • Gluten. For some people, gluten can cause problems if your body can't absorb and digest it well. 

  • Dairy

  • Fast food

Food to Eat:

  • Foods that are high in minerals & b vitamins

    • Brazil nuts (selenium)

    • Pumpkin seeds (zinc)

    • Fruits

    • Vegetables

    • Dark leafy greens

    • Nuts

    • Beans

  • Foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids

    • Flaxseed

    • Chia seeds

    • Walnuts

    • Wild-caught fish 

  • Foods with Antioxidants

  • Probiotics & foods that heal the gut

    • Fermented vegetables

    • Sauerkraut

    • Coconut yogurt

    • Coconut water kefir

    • Bone broth

6. CONNECT WITH MOVEMENT. 

Our bodies were created to move. However, with so many jobs and schools requiring us to sit at desks for the majority of our day, it can be challenging to find time to exercise. Moving stimulates endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and more hormones to make you feel better and clear-headed. Although exercising is often the last thing people want to do when they're depressed, it's absolutely critical. This doesn't mean you need to join a CrossFit gym tomorrow (unless this is something you really enjoy), all you need to do is walk, (preferably outside with a friend) every day (maybe a few times a day). You can also try doing light stretches, yoga, Pilates, dancing, rebounding, or anything that gets your body moving. 


7. CLEANSE TOXINS & INFECTIONS

As a health care practitioner, I have seen many clients see depressive symptoms reduce or disappear following a cleanse. I have experienced this personally after doing both a colon and a liver cleanse. This is because toxins like heavy metals, pesticides/herbicides, and industrial chemicals can get trapped in our bodies and pollute the brain. Biotoxins and poisons produced by infectious organisms such as parasites, mold, Lyme, and other bacteria wreak havoc in the entire body, including the brain. Toxins and infections disrupt normal neurotransmitter production, never chemical signaling, and overall brain chemistry. Detoxification is an essential part of treating any mental health condition. These types of toxins are often the root cause of depression and other neurological conditions.

Top cleanse recommendations: 


8. BOOST VITAMIN C. 

Studies have shown that vitamin C helps to lower physiological responses to stressful events. During stress, vitamin C disappears from the bloodstream at an incredibly rapid pace. This means that whether someone is exercising in aerobics class (good stress) or dealing with a traumatic situation (bad stress), your adrenals need additional vitamin C. 

We never recommend synthetic forms of vitamin C, and this is what's in many of the supplements on the market today. Instead, we choose natural, whole food forms. Camu camu berries are regularly used now for depression, mainly for its high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is also found in amla berries and acerola cherries. 

Top Vitamin C recommendations:


9. BALANCE THE HYPOTHALAMUS & NEUROTRANSMITTERS 

The hypothalamus is a small gland in the brain responsible for many functions connected to hormone balance, neurotransmitter production, and balancing overall brain chemistry. 

Depression has been linked to problems or imbalances in the brain, specifically with the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. An imbalance of neurotransmitters can lead to problems with memory, mood, addictions, and sleep. Ginkgo Biloba is a plant that naturally improves neurotransmitter function and brings oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Additionally, the plant helps the human body to adapt to stress, also known as an adaptogenic herb. By balancing neurotransmitters, you can take the necessary steps to bring your brain back into balance.

Top product recommendations:


10. BOOST SEROTONIN, L-DOPA, AND/OR DHEA.

BOOST SEROTONIN. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that's involved in many processes throughout your body, including good sleep, memory, and regulating mood and appetite. A large majority of serotonin is produced in the gut, and this is why many of the formulas we recommend to help balance serotonin levels are focused on gut health. *Note: Do not take St. John’s Wort while taking any prescription medication.

Top product recommendations:

BOOST L-DOPA. L-DOPA is a forerunner to dopamine and can increase dopamine levels in the body, specifically in the brain. L-DOPA has also been known to improve sexual function, mental alertness, sleep, and weight loss. If you have low serotonin levels, be careful with mucuna pruriens. It can depress serotonin levels. Try it by starting slowly and working your way up if you see good results. If it doesn’t work for you, try another approach.

Top product recommendations:

BOOST DHEA. DHEA is also known as the "joy hormone," and it's produced in the adrenal glands. We never recommend synthetic DHEA supplements because of the additional side effects. The highest known source of natural DHEA is found in pine pollen. By taking pine pollen and other adrenal support vitamins and herbs, you can dramatically improve your mood.

Top product recommendations:


11. RELAX WITH HERBS.

Many herbs that are known for relaxation also provide long-term healing benefits when used regularly. This is because they also help with inflammation, cortisol production in the adrenal glands, balancing hormones, and reducing stress. Whether you take these for prevention, healing the body, or improving symptoms, you can't go wrong with a good herbal blend. 

Top herb recommendations:


We hope you consider trying some of the steps above. We have seen many people find healing through these approaches, and we hope that they can be helpful to you too. Ask God for his guidance during this process, and we believe He will show you what to do. If you feel you need professional guidance, please call our wellness center. We offer lab testing, consultations, and various therapies to help people on their healing journey. We are believing and praying for your healing and restoration. 




Healing by Design, Health & Wellness, Health Conditions, Hormone Health, Vaughn's Classes, Women's Health, Men's HealthVaughn LawrenceDepression2 Comments