Doctor in an interview Nature can relieve depression

"The rapid increase in mental illness is widely discussed. However, it is rarely discussed that depression often has physical causes; the most common are deficiencies of vitamins, minerals or hormones. If the defect is correctly recognized, it can be treated easily and successfully. But unfortunately, doctors usually know little to nothing about it and prescribe too fast and too often chemical antidepressants - which in the long run can become a real trap. " med. Eberhard J. Wormer, author of the compact guide "Natural Antidepressants", explains the possible causes of depressive states, explains the risks of drug treatment and presents gentle ways from the mood low.

Depression is considered one of the most common mental illnesses. What is meant by that, and what are the differences between their different forms??

Dr. med. Wormer: Basically, a distinction has to be made between depressive states of mood - cause-dependent, usually transient - and true depression, which can stubbornly persist. True depression is classified as a mental illness. The depressive mood is initially a symptom that can have very different causes. If these causes are recognized and the disorders removed, the depression disappears in many cases. If all measures are ineffective and the depressive state intensifies, one will assume a real depression. Almost every person has already experienced depressive moods. By contrast, comparatively few people are affected by true depression. The main difference between the two mental disorders refers to the overall feeling: In depressive moods are still feelings such as tearful grief or guilt possible - a true depression, however, is the absence of any emotional sensation, what sufferers experience as unbearable hell.

They understand depression as a natural reaction to any kind of stress and trauma, which in many cases is triggered by physical causes. What is behind it?

Dr. med. Wormer: Any kind of above-average stress shifts the emotional state towards depression. Sometimes we notice it, sometimes not. Physical and psychological injuries - traumatization - can heal, but leave lasting traces or scars, with which those affected live on. Depending on how severe the trauma is pronounced, the depression may be different. If you feel exhausted, tired and depressed after a cold, you should remember that this is a natural reaction of the body that will disappear as your recovery progresses. If you have had a heart attack, you have to reckon with a severe depressive state - today, you are increasingly trying to take into account the risk of depression in the treatment of heart attack. One reason for post-traumatic depression may be the close link between the immune system and the nervous system - the body has given priority to physical recovery, which is detrimental to the happiness hormones. That is natural.

The moody opposite pole to depression is the so-called mania. How do you feel that "normal" mood swings develop into illness?

Dr. med. Wormer: Those affected feel great! Maybe too great. In pronounced mania, the need for sleep decreases, the appetite fades, and an enormous zest for action is noticeable. Manicists have earth-shattering ideas (which lack any foundation) that they bring to their environment with the utmost conviction. They have a charming, sometimes irresistible look and feel great. In a manic state, accounts are opened at five banks in no time, three cars are bought, immense debts are made and multiple vows are made. The mania is the "speed mode" of life, restless driven by grandiose ideas, sleepless and hyperactive and 1000 percent motivated. If the mania subsides, those affected stand in front of a pile of broken glass. In principle, the man has no choice, he inevitably falls into his frenzy. It is rather the environment that should notice such behavioral problems and recognize as a partial manifestation of a mental illness. If the manic state is low, it is called hypomania. This condition is much more common. Affected are usually considered "normal", at most as "hyperactive", "annoying" or "maker type". Nevertheless, dealing with these permanently too well-tuned characters can be exhausting and stressful.

In the age of modern medicine and psychology, psychic problems are either based on the use of chemical antidepressants and / or psychotherapies. How do you assess these options, and what alternative or complementary treatment options are there?

Dr. med. Wormer: Every treatment option has its indication and authorization, as well as a probability of success if it is diagnosed correctly. Antidepressants, alternative remedies, and psychotherapy, either alone or in combination, can help eliminate stressful or life-threatening depression. First, it must be clarified whether there is a depressive mood or a true depression. Then it must be ensured that no deficiency state of any kind prevails. When this is clear and yet (increasingly severe) depression is noticeable, antidepressants are a helpful option - to stabilize the mood and prevent suicide. Antidepressants should only be used for a limited time if possible. Psychotherapy can be effective and recommended for any mood disorder. It is also an on-demand and temporary measure, especially in crisis situations - sometimes psychotherapy has proven as effective in antidepressants in studies with depressives! Alternative remedies are "first-line" therapy for depressive states and moods: elimination of deficiencies, treatment of glandular disorders, promotion of recovery, strengthening of the immune system, exercise training or artistic activity.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are often the first cause of mood disorders. Which of these are associated with depression, and how can be remedied?

Dr. med. Wormer: The most common deficiency states that cause depression are vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency and thyroid hormone deficiency. All these states can be easily recognized and treated successfully - if you think about it and do not dismiss this possibility as trivial or unimportant. Doctors usually know little to nothing about it and prescribe "knee-jerk" antidepressants to their patients at the slightest hint of depression-far too often in any case. Those who allow this, may be completely unknowingly in the "antidepressant trap", where he can stay for years. Since doctors only feel responsible for the "sick", you have to become active yourself: they let your values ​​be controlled, identify deficiencies and eliminate them through supplementation. It is indeed very simple and very cheap - and in many cases very successful.

What is the benefit of the "natural antidepressants", and what are the risks?

Dr. med. Wormer: Since natural antidepressants are predominantly endogenous or body-like substances, real side effects are hardly to be feared. There are certain dosage and application guidelines for some remedies that should be considered. The rare exception is the elemental lithium, which is only used under medical supervision - lithium is a mood stabilizer for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Healthy diet, exercise, psychotherapy, sleep deprivation and art therapy are very safe recommendations.

Because of their side effects and interactions, you advise against the frivolous use of psychotropic drugs. When is the use of the "chemical club" still essential?

Dr. med. Wormer: Yes, I strongly advise against the frivolous use of antidepressants and detest the irresponsible prescription of psychotropic drugs! Antidepressants and psychotropic drugs have absolute justification for true depression or psychosis. They can help overcome severe mental health crises and prevent suicide. Antidepressants can be used in acute cases and in recurrent depressive episodes. You can also save lives. But they are not a sustainable solution to a mental disorder or a cure for a mental illness.

Just as depression or melancholy have always inspired great works of art, creative activities offer therapy options. Which offers do you consider promising and effective??

Dr. med. Wormer: That's easy to answer: Any kind of artistic or cultural activity - be it music, painting, writing, pottery or whatever - can stabilize the psyche and successfully contribute to the management of mood disorders.