Depression is an illness affecting a vast number of people in the globe with an estimated 15% of people experiencing severe, chronic depression at some point in their lives.
The number of people dealing with depression is doubling every 10 years. While many medications have been developed to deal with this issue and they can be necessary in severe
cases, generally most individuals will receive the same type of treatment and the root cause may go unchecked.
Depression and anxiety have become an inseparable part of modern man’s life. Depression is
usually the result of old unresolved emotional problems that have not been addressed, often from childhood.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
- Excessive fatigue and muscle weakness
- Palpitations and headaches
- Sweating and tremors
- Shortness of breath
- Indigestion and stomach upsets
- Interrupted sleep and seeing nightmares
Our level of consciousness is considered to have different sheaths. Ours self resides in our
heart which is the seat for the blissful sheath or Aanandamaya kosha.
Another kosha of mind other than the heart is the manomaya kosha. When we are hurt or shocked
or a sorrowful incident occurs, we use our mind at that moment to construct a protective barrier around ourselves.
In some cases this barrier causes one to lose access to the essential self and the result is depression.
Free flow of Prana allows the doshas (bodily humors) to balance, the seven dhatus (tissues) to develop,
and the gross channels (srothas) of circulation, like blood and lymph, to move. When exposed to etiological factors, the flow of
energy or prana shakthi is also restricted and the person gradually loses interest in life.
Depression is a kapha predominant imbalance. Vatha and Pitha may also go out of balance by the exposure to its
etiological factors. Vatha is vitiated by experiences that induce fear, terror, anxiety, irregular eating habit,
pattern of sleep and all forms of excessive movement.
Pitha dosha is associated with metabolism of all things: food, emotions, and experiences. When emotional experiences
cannot be digested they accumulate in the body and cause dosha disturbances. Alcohol, verbal abuse, excessive spices and over ambition will
create Pitha depression which manifests as anger and violence.
It is worth noting that people suffering from a Pitha depression may commit suicide or engage in self destructive habits.
Initially the brain’s powerful changes in electrochemistry cause Vatha imbalance, this triggers a loss of enzymatic activities in
the metabolism or Pitha imbalance. Kapha responds by trying to provide a protective sheath to slow everything
down. This shut down mechanism, brings about heaviness, darkness, and stagnation.
This condition is interpreted as the negative message of hopelessness and depression.