Major Depressive Disorder(MDD)
Major depressive disorder (MDD), which is called as recurrent depressive disorder, clinical depression, major depression, unipolar depression, or unipolar disorder is a mental condition that leads to a feeling of sadness and low-self esteem in an individual.
Major depression results in lack of interest in doing any activity and leaves with a feeling of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration that can continue for some days or even longer period of time. Moreover, major depression in not age constraint and can occur in individuals of any age whether it be a kid, adult or older people.
The major reasons for Major depressive disorder are:
- Depression can be hereditary in nature. However, it's not always hereditary.
- Consumption of unwanted drugs and alcohols on regular basis may result in depression.
- Some medical conditions such as underactive thyroid, cancer, or long-term pain could also result in major depression disorder.
- Irregular and incomplete sleep.
- Stressful life events such as extreme work pressure, lack of rest or constant failure in work may also result in depression.
- In addition to that, emotional stress such as death of dear ones, childhood abuse, neglect, social isolation or beak up in love may trigger depression.
Symptoms
- Continuous feelings of sadness and unhappiness internally.
- Irritability and frustration in behaviour.
- Lack of interest and pleasure for any work.
- Sudden change in appetite leading to lack of appetite in some cases and increased appetite in some cases.
- Extreme mental restlessness and internal urge of agitation.
- Change in reaction time due to slow thinking.
- Change in speaking habits well as body movements.
- Fatigue, tiredness and inactiveness in nature.
- Lack of concentration, retention and inability to take decision.
- Internal urge of suicide and dying.
- Hypertension and internal feeling of worthlessness and guilt.
Prevention of Depression
Although, there is no fixed cure for major depression but it can be prevented by certain behavioural changes and reducing stress. This can be done with the help of family, friends and social support by providing an atmosphere of happiness and avoiding the atmosphere of tension near the patient.
In addition to that, proper diet, exercise, and spending leisure for fun and relaxation could be helpful in prevention of depression.
People around the patient should try to motivate him or her by boosting their moral and low self-esteem.
Preventing Depression through Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, depression occurs due to two major reasons. i.e. imbalance in vata, pitta and kapha dosha in the body and lack of awareness of one's deeper, inner self. Ayurveda suggests various ayurvedic remedies to prevent depression and are really very effective. Some of the ayurvedic treatments of depression are:
- Yoga and Meditation are quite beneficial and effective to overcome depression.
- Herbal plants like Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Mandook Parni (Centella Asiatica) and Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) are quite effective in treatment and prevention of depression.
- Consuming Cardamom ( Elattaria cardamomum) tea is very effective against depression.
- Medicinal plants like Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) and Guggulu ( Commiphora wightii) are also effective against depression.
- Ayurvedic oil massages stimulate blood circulation in the body and cools and sooths the mind.
- Panchakarma therapies like Shirodhara, Shirobasti and Abhyanga shows excellent results in treating depression.
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