I think it's important that we define what depression means before I continue. If you asked ten people, you might get ten different answers...and it would be clear who's experienced it firsthand and who hasn't. To be sure, depression is not: feeling sad, or a normal grieving process. When most of us say we're "depressed", we're referring to a transitory emotion. Clinical depression is an illness involving several symptoms lasting two weeks or longer. Some people with clinical depression don't even feel much sadness; instead, they may be violently angry, go days without sleeping, and/or experience what's called psychosis-a break from reality.
Now that we've defined depression, what's our prognosis? At least, according to the medical experts: not good. The consensus from all the published literature is that medications are "largely ineffective" for people with mild to moderate depression. In other words, the vast majority of people with depression aren't helped by the standard treatment of drugs. Another statistic reveals that only 15% of those treated by conventional medicine experience a lasting remission of their depression. Surely we can do better than that.
The purpose of this blog is to offer guidance, support, and education. Depression is often an isolating, shame-inducing illness. And it shouldn't be. Why should depression not be viewed in the same category as other brain disorders such as alzheimer's and epilepsy? Unfortunately, stigma has always existed regarding so called "mental illness" (I despise that term and this is the first-and only-time I'll use it.) This stigma has, in the past, resulted in such horrors as forced hospitalizations, ECT, and lobotomies. The tide is changing, but we still have a long way to go.
In future entries I will go more in-depth as far as my personal experience, but before I go I want to address the reason why I'm going to be focusing on food as treatment for depression. Back in late 2006 I had moved across the country for school. I was suffering from infection after infection (probably due to stress), including several excruciating UTIs that went straight to my kidneys. Somehow, while searching the web for answers, I came across the book Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon, which led me to the Weston A Price Foundation. Through implementing their dietary guidelines, I was able to eliminate my infections. I also noticed some other issues, like my dry skin in winter time, clear up immediately. I believe that in time, my depression that I've had my entire life-that was passed on to me from both sides of my family and exacerbated by early childhood neglect-will be history, too.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior as a major, pivotal part of my life and healing. Without a doubt I would not be where I am today were if not for Him. He's the one who led me to seek the truth about nutrition; He's the one who provides the means for me to buy healthy organic food; and He keeps me healthy enough to stand on my feet and cook. It's not my intent to use this blog to preach at anyone, but at the same time, I would feel wrong if I didn't acknowledge God, the ultimate maker and sustainer of all this nutritious food we'll be talking about.
Until next time,
outsiderein
