This time of year brings all sorts of emotions for folks — most warm and fuzzy, but there can also be quite a bit of sadness as well. I heard a recent radio interview with integrative medicine expert Andrew Weil, MD, that perfectly summed up my own thoughts about depression and how to approach it.
Some highlights:
- This is a dark, cold time of year — it’s really a more natural time for introspection and “hibernation,” rather than celebration.
- Sadness is OK… wow! What a concept! The idea that all people have to be happy at all times is peculiar to our modern American culture. And with almost 10% of American adults on a prescription antidepressant, Big Pharma has a big interest in promoting and maintaining that idea.
- There are many natural ways to support yourself through mild to moderate depression:
- fish oil supplements (be sure to get pharmaceutical grade)
- maintaining adequate vitamin D levels (get a blood test to check your current level)
- using mind-body techniques such as abdominal breathing, the Sedona Method, or meditation
- addressing pain through treatments such as Neurostructural Integration Technique
Be gentle with yourself, and take an accepting attitude toward all your emotions. That’s the first step toward contentment.