Individuals suffering from different types of mental disorder are sometimes said to be insane, but the term insanity is a legal one, not a medical term. An insane person is one who cannot distinguish right from wrong or assume responsibilities for his own actions. In the case of a psychotic patient the whole personality is involved. And he is completely out of touch with real world around. Not so the neurotic patient. Only a small part of his personality is involved. Psychotic patients often require hospitalization; neurotic patients rarely do, unless they have some additional physical problem.
Another distinction between these two major groups is that his friends usually bring the psychotic patient to the doctor, while the neurotic comes of his own. He knows he is sick, and he usually wants help. Most often he is suffering from a nervous depression.
Reactive depression: This is a simple depression or sadness, which is usually brought on by some unhappy event, such as losing one's home or business in a fire, or perhaps by the death of some loved one in the family. When something like this happens most people passed through a few days or weeks of sadness and then try to carry on as best they can. The patient with a reactive depression seems unable to do this. His grief lasts a long time, and he may be so disturbed as to be unable to do his normal work.
Physiotherapy or mind treatment is advice able in all cases of reactive depression. It is most important for the patient to gain an insight into why he is so depressed. This will help to prevent further episodes. If he becomes so severely depressed as to contemplate suicide, he should be given a series of electric shock treatments to help him over his depression.
Delayed Grief Reaction. When some loved one dies, it is perfectly natural to weep. Failure to grieve may indicate some personality disturbance that should be corrected. These peculiar feelings are often a sign that all is not well. A normal amount of grief is nature's way of releasing tensions. Abnormal reactions should be discussed with someone who understands the mechanism of the human mind, so that a more normal response will develop. This may help to avert a complete mental breakdown in future.
Attempted suicide. Some people threaten to commit suicide mainly to see how the family will react. They may never actually carry this out, but such threats should always be taken seriously, for they indicate a troubled mind. Also the time may come when they may become depressed enough to carry it out. Remember, the person who never smiles is always depressed. Strangely, the greatest risk is when he appears taking a turn for the better. This may be the moment when he plans to end his life.
Some of the important causes of depression are Inheritance, Changes in brain structures or brain function, Pessimistic attitude, Stress (home, work or school), Major diseases (cancer, heart attack etc.), Hormonal disorders, Relationship problems, Financial problems, Menstrual cycle changes, Menopause, Bereavement.
The most important symptoms of depression are sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest in the world around and fatigue. A disturbed sleep is the also the cause of the depression. Other symptoms of depression are loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability, impotence or frigidity, constipation, aches and pains all over the body, lack of concentration. Severe depression may be characterized by low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering.
The diet of a person suffering from depression should be free from tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, colas, all white flour products, sugar, food colorings, chemical additives, white rice, and strong condiments.
HOME REMEDIES FOR DEPRESSION
To refresh the mood eat an apple with milk and honey Prepare a tea by boiling 1 cup of water. To this add powder of 2 green cardamoms seeds, add sugar and drink this 2 times a day. This is very effective home remedy for depression. Prepare another tea by adding a handful of fresh Rose petals to a cup of boiling water. Add sugar and drink when you are feeling depressed. The cashew nut also plays an important role in fighting with depression and nervous weakness. It is rich in vitamins of the B group, especially thiamine, and is therefore useful in stimulating the appetite and the nervous system. The root of asparagus has been found useful in the treatment of depression. It is very nutritious and is used as a herbal medicine for mental disorders. One or two grams of the powder of the dry root of the plant can be taken once daily. About thirty grams lemon balm herb should be placed in half a litre of cold water and allowed to stand for twelve hours. The solution should then be strained and taken in small doses throughout the day. A person suffering from depression get rid of it by becoming more active, turning away from himself, and diverting his attention towards other people and things. Diverting his mind in things of pleasure can help him to overcome depression. 5HTP is a substance that is extracted from the seedpods of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. It produces serotonin in the body and may relieve depression Exercise also plays an important role in the treatment of depression. It not only keeps the body physically and mentally fit, but also provides happiness and mental relaxation. It is nature's best tranquillizer. Exercise also tones up the body, provides a feeling of well-being, and reduces the sense of helplessness. Licorice tea helps in depression treatment. No more than three cups of tea should be used per day. Prepare a mixture by adding 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg powder with 1 tablespoon freshly extracted amla juice. Take 3 times a day. 3/4 c. of cooked spinach if taken daily can give sufficient relief from depression. Kava (Piper methysticum) is a natural remedy for depression. South Pacific islanders have used this plant for years. It calms the mind and produces a feeling of well-being and contentment. It is a remedy for depression without side effects. Tryptophan, an amino acid has been found to relieve depression. Keeping the home well lit with lights help to reduce the intensity of depression. Relaxing with meditation, massage, light music and laughter helps to great extent. Prepare a tea by adding 1/4-teaspoon tulsi and 1/2 teaspoon of sage per cup of hot water; drink twice a day. This is also very effective home remedy for depression. Make a tea by adding equal amounts of ashvagandha and brahmi (about 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon each), steep in a cup of water for about 10 minutes, and drink 2 or 3 times a day.