Natural remedies for depression and tips to prevent suicidal tendencies

Suicides are on a rise these days. One often wonders that how deep-set must be the state of depression and helplessness that leads a person to suicide. While many suicide attempts are successful and others are not, they leave behind a big question mark on the stressful, hectic and self centred lives we lead today. Is there a way out? Well, surely there is. With caring people around and a little help from Ayurvedic remedies, one may actually turn around someone, who is fast going downhill.

 

Suicides have various factors behind them. These could be ADHD, drug abuse and depression. Out of these depression is identified as the sole major cause of suicides, in all age groups. But, the causes of depression are many. 

 

While mostly it is related to external factors like peer pressure, lack of love, inferiority complex, failures, loneliness, stress at work or in relationships, threats, medicinal side effects, drug abuse, hormonal changes, thyroid dysfunction, lack of outings and exercises, etc; depression might also have the genetic makeup of a person to blame.

 

Although, many of us feel low about some things at some point or the other, a severely depressed person is the one who feels low about almost everything and all the time.
 

 

• Always in a helpless state of mind, talking and thinking negatively and has no hope whatsoever.

• Depression leads to insomnia and the person has difficulty sleeping.

• Concentration becomes a problem with depressed people and their mind keeps racing from the present to either the past or the future.

• Appetite is affected.

• The person is shrouded in doubt, anxiety, fear of the unknown, mistrust, uncertainty, poor self esteem, lack of confidence and is on the verge of tears. The general behaviour is slow and tired.

• Depression results in a poor sex-drive.

While mild forms of depression are usually cured by medication termed as anti-depressants and psychotherapy, the more severe ones are even subjected to sock treatments. However, shrouded with controversies these treatments have often been seen as the ones leading a person to suicide.

 

Natural remedies to prevent suicidal tendencies - 

 

Due to the dubiousness of allopathic cures for depression, many find solace in the alternate remedies, offering a natural cure to this problem. People with severe depression think of suicide often and it takes only a second to cross the line. It is therefore important that those living with them or close to them, introduce them to  herbal remedies, which will help in bringing out their real self and drive the thoughts of self destruction out of their minds. 

 

 

• Bupleurum root – this is a Chinese herb that helps to boost energy in the body and works in alleviating depression.

• Cyperus root – another Chinese herb, this one helps to regulate the energy in the body and boosts the blood circulation. This one together with Bupleurum root are used as effective medication for depression.

• Hoelen – soothes the senses and calms emotions.

• Siberian ginseng – induces fresh energy in the body and stimulates better functioning of the pituitary, adrenal and pancreatic glands.

• Dong Quai – another Chinese root, helps in controlling mood swings and acts as a mild sedative.

• Passion flower and Kava Kava – help curb anxiety.

• Hops – cures below the waist stress symptoms.

• Skullcap – cures headaches due to stress.

• Valerian root – helps to calm down the symptoms occurring in upper torso.

• Liquorice root helps to control blood sugar during depression.

• Lavender and rosemary essential oils help soothe the senses and treat nervousness.
 

Lifestyle changes –
 

• Arrange more outings for the depressed person. Daily walks also help a lot.

• Enrol the person in some meditation or yoga classes. The deep breathing exercises help boost mental health.

• Avoid leaving a severely depressed person alone for long hours.

• The company of kids is a good mood booster.

• Parental care and long chats are necessary for a depressed child.

• Those with drug and alcohol abuse need full family support to steer the mind away from the social stigma attached.

• Patience and understanding is the keyword with women undergoing hormonal changes during menopause.

• A long holiday to a dream destination; enrolment in hobby classes or an occasional shopping spree, are good mood changers.

• The use of these herbs and natural remedies along with some lifestyle changes.

 

The depressed person should be reminded every time that life is the most precious gift in the world. There is no reason big enough to end it. Suicidal minds need all the support, hope and encouragement to start beginning to love life again. A small step towards this would go a long way helping a person come out of suicidal tendencies.