Major Depressive Illness
With the stresses and strains of modern life, most people are suffering some form of tension at the mental level. This may be expressed by such emotions as depression, anxiety, irritability, insecurity or a general feeling of dissatisfaction. Ayurveda has paid serious attention to such problems and has formulated effective treatment methods. Depression is referred to as mano avasad in Ayurveda.
Causes :
Genetic, environmental, cognitive and personality factors are usually blamed for causing mood disorders such as depression. Stress many times precipitates this problem. Recent studies in modern science have revealed that depression results from an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Symptoms
Fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Irritability
Difficulty to concentrate
Feeling of worthlessness
Social isolation
View Of Ayurveda
Depression usually indicates reduced sattvik energy and aggavation of rajasik and tamasik energies. Weakend ojas (which is the essence of all dhatus) often contributes to this problem. Prana vayu is responsible for proper functioning of the mind. Weakened ojas disturbs the prana vayu which then fails to stimulate the mind. Lack of energy, sluggish movements, slow talking, irritability, anxiety, lack of self-esteem, feeling of worthlessness and reduced sex drive generally reflect weakened ojas. On the other hand sadness, despair, and lack of interest in life indicate heightened rajasik and tamasik influences.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
Quite a few patients of depression give history of bad life style, improper food habits, addictions, lack of discipline in personal life and unsocial attitude. So maintaining good life style, food habits and discipline acquire lot of significance when it comes to psychiatric disorders such as depression.
Getting up early enough in morning, avoiding late nights, doing physical exercises, playing games and outdoor activities help to keep the mind in a positive state.
Eating fresh foods, vegetables, seasonal fruits and avoiding alcohol, non-vegetarian and fast foods, and maintaining regular food timings is good for mental health.
Ensure that you take meals in a relaxed mental state and atmosphere. Avoid hot discussions and watching during meals.
Making prayers, reading spiritual texts, reading good literature, listening to thought provoking lectures, hearing mantras and music also help to improve mental strength.
Yoga, Pranayama and meditation are well known for enhancing mental and spiritual strength.
One must also look at their social support system and make an effort to improve social ties to enjoy a positive mental state.
With the help of proper treatment, panchkarma, yoga, diet & life-style management & ayurvedic medicine, The management of Major Depressive Illness disease can helps the patient to enjoy happier & healthier life.