In today’s video, I discuss those days when we feel down. Depression and low moods affect so many people, so I put together a few suggestions and herbs that may help you find more emotional balance.
Depression is a vast topic. If your depression feels severe or you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or others, you should seek support. Please know you’re not alone, and there are people out there who can help. To get immediate help, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Many factors contribute to a low mood. First, it’s essential to assess whether there could be physiological reasons for your feelings. Thyroid problems, troubles with sleep, blood sugar imbalance, and low iron or nutrition can all contribute to the symptoms and signs that look like depression.
Many studies now show antidepressant medications have very low efficacy, especially in cases of low to moderate depression. In fact, we now know that mental illness is really not just a psychological or chemical issue in your brain. Depression is actually just a symptom that something else in your system is out of balance.
I have some great resources on my site where I discuss things like how unbalanced blood sugar and an unhealthy digestive system contribute to mood disorders. I also have several posts related to gratitude and heart-centred practices that may be helpful. If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to check it out.
In eastern medicine, if you feel stuck, stressed and depressed, your Liver could be stagnant. If you feel bloated, have a low appetite or loose stools with depression, you could have too much damp or ama in your digestive system. And finally, if you feel wired but tired and depressed, your Kidney energy or your blood could be depleted.
When treating your depression, you’ll first need to assess if you tend towards feeling overstimulated and anxious or if you feel heavy and have low energy. This will determine whether you need herbs and practices that slow you down and ground you, or remedies that pick you up and get you going.
Before talking about herbal remedies, remember that exercise is incredibly helpful for depression. So try to get outside, or at the very least get to your local gym for regular cardiovascular movement. The second most crucial remedy is diet. Eat a whole-foods diet with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish or flax, hemp, and chia seeds. And cut out processed sugar.
As always, you’ll want to check with your health care provider about the remedies suggested. This is essential if you’re currently taking pharmaceuticals for your mental health, as some of the herbs I mention can interact with drugs like antidepressants.
St.John’s Wort thrives in sunny conditions, and its effect is like sunshine. When you purchase it, be sure to get products made with the fresh herb, which turns remedies into a beautiful red colour. This plant is a wonderful support for our nerves. It not only supports us when we’re under stress, but also heals nerve damage and supports neurotransmitter function. While it’s overall relatively safe, this is one of those herbs you’ll need to check with your health care provider about if you’re on other medications or if you’re pregnant. Some people find it causes sensitivity to light, so if you notice that side effect, you’ll want to discontinue use.
The next remedy is Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis). This beautiful herb is calming while not being sedative. It won’t put you to sleep, but it can help with all kinds of nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, and low moods. Lower doses can also be used for children.
Tea from freshly picked or dried plant material is best, but you can also use a tincture. Use this plant under guidance during pregnancy or if you have hypothyroid disease.
I hope these suggestions help you on your healing path. Keep moving, heal your digestion, and try out those herbs to find more emotional balance.
