"Depression can be devastating. Its worst form, major depressive disorder, is marked by all-encompassing low mood, thoughts of worthlessness, isolation, and loss of interest or pleasure in most or all activities. But this clinical description misses the deep, experiential horror of the condition; the suffocating sense of despair that can make life seem too arduous to bear.
Here's something else we can say confidently about depression: it is complex. The cause is often a mix of factors including genetic brain abnormalities, sunlight deprivation, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and social issues including homelessness and poverty. Also, cause and effect can be hard to tease apart -- is social isolation a cause or an effect of depression?" Continue...
Depression's characteristics are prevalent throughout our lives whether from our own experience or through someone's for whom we care. It is often happening to them without our knowledge of it. I believe Dr. Weil's insights along with our constantly renewed understanding of it will help us manage and overcome it.
Additional Reading: You can also follow up with an article from the BBC and Dr. Weil's new post from today, "Integrative Mental Health: A New Model For Depression Relief". If you are unfamiliar with him, I highly remcommend you read more about him through his books or his website www.drweil.com.
Grace to you and Peace.
Namaste,
Simon
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