Depression is characterised by anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), low mood and low energy levels. It can manifest differently for different people, but, what lies at its core is the belief that we are not enough and that we will never be enough. It slowly erodes our agency and leaves us with a crippling void and a bottomless pit of self-loathing and despair. It often presents a contradiction, it can be overwhelming and/or numbing, intrusive or elusive and requires identification and understanding to navigate our way through it.Depression could be highly debilitating or it could be of a more high functioning type. This High-Functioning Depression includes difficulty expressing joy, being hyper-critical of oneself, irritability, moodiness, constant self-doubt, indecisiveness, feeling numb, apathy, feeling tired or drained all the time even after rest, difficulty concentrating, using work or addictions to manage emptiness, feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness etc.
There has been a surge of interest in studying the several biotypes of depression since the last few years due to promising work being achieved in this area. Ayurveda also describes different types of depression, similar to some of the latest findings. At the two ends of the spectrum lie, the vata type depression and kapha type depression. Depression with vata characteristics is a more anxiety-laden form of depression, with restlessness, insomnia, along with the other common features of depression such as anhedonia and low energy. Depression with kapha characteristics is marked by sluggishness, brain fog, psychomotor retardation (slowing down of thoughts and physical movements), in addition to the other common features. Another type of depression, Pitta type, lies somewhere on the spectrum. Depression with Pitta characteristics is distinguished by agitation, irritability, internalised anger, self-criticism, self-destructive behaviours including suicidal tendencies. A depression could have characteristics of two or all three of these types.
Several other eastern healing systems also consider Depression and Anxiety to be on a certain spectrum. While anxiety is a state brought on by an over-stimulation of one’s system due to worrying about future events or outcomes, Depression is its other dimension often rooted in past memories, producing a state of chronic under-stimulation due to a burnout because of chronic worrying.Depression often occurs when one is tired, has given up or doesn’t have the drive to overcome a certain problem or situation and has exhausted themselves by chronically being anxious about the future. This under-stimulation due to our mental burnout can bring about feelings of sadness, guilt, loss, worthlessness, hopelessness, purposelessness and in some cases, even anger. It is important to work on unhealthy thought patterns that can lead to anxiety while working on healing depression, because they often exist together.
While there certainly is an imbalance in neuro-transmitters along with changes in brain activity in Depression, most holistic systems consider those changes and imbalances to be a symptom of Depression and not its root cause. The root cause is the underlying unhealthy thought patterns, subconscious beliefs and repressed emotions that we may not even be aware of, that have an effect on the biochemistry of the body.Depression is a ‘Low Prana’ state brought on by the disconnection with your true self and repressed emotions leading to low self-esteem, purposelessness, and sedentary tendencies. Functional medicine, Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM calls it “Stagnation Syndrome”), also consider nutrition to play an important role in this illness. Deficiencies of Vitamin D, Omega 3 etc. could exacerbate the symptoms. Some types of Depression (Kapha type) are often found to be comorbid with low thyroid and insulin resistance. A weak vagal tone is also commonly found in people with Depression.
As hard as it can be, moving around more or even carrying out basic daily activities can be a powerful antidote to Depression. Speaking to someone, either a trusted friend, loved one or a counselor can also help significantly. Furthermore, being gentle with yourself and practicing self-compassion is key to healing from this crippling illness.Depression is not a sign of weakness but a sign that you have been trying to be strong for too long. It is now okay to relax and let go. It is safe to feel and express your emotions. By choosing to live, by choosing to get better, you have demonstrated incredible strength.
Nurturing Your Emotional Well-being
Depression Test:Begin your journey to emotional well-being by taking the Depression Test. Understand and manage your feelings, paving the way for a brighter, happier future.
Emotional Intelligence Test:Explore your emotional intelligence with our EIA Test. Enhance your self-awareness and build healthier relationships by tapping into your emotional strengths.
