Depression can strike at any time, but the menopause is a phase of life where we may be especially prone develop feelings of sadness or depression. These feelings may be occasional or frequent, transient or long-lasting. They are often due to the fluctuation in hormone levels that can occur at this time, and those of us who suffered symptoms of pre-menopausal syndrome (PMS) or post-natal depression in the past may be more at risk.
The symptoms of depression can vary greatly in their severity and in their general nature. Common symptoms include:
- An all-pervading sense of hopelessness, sadness or apathy which can descend without obvious reason.
- Extreme or rapidly alternating mood swings.
- Disturbed, un-refreshing or poor-quality sleep, with anxiety or sadness on waking.
- Lack of interest in sex.
- Disrupted eating patterns with a tendency for comfort eating or a total lack of interest in food.
- Digestive problems including nausea, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome or indigestion
- Palpitations, anxiety or rapid breathing from the upper chest
- Dizziness, light-headedness or lack of concentration.
‘Empty Nest’ Syndrome
One of the common symptoms of this syndrome is a general feeling of depression which may be especially marked on waking. Other symptoms mentioned above may be present along with indifference or lack of motivation and general aches and pains or muscular tension. When children become independent and leave home many women experience feeling bereft and vulnerable, particularly when this coincides with their menopause. In time the positive side of the situation, such as increased freedom and the chance to expand our horizons usually become more apparent, but there may be a transitory phase of conflicting emotions while this adjustment is made.
Added Responsibilities
At the same time our children are leaving home and becoming independent our own parents may be starting to need help. Elderly parents may become increasingly demanding as they face the anxieties of getting older. Where these demands amount to dependency the role-reversal can be painful and leave us feeling overwhelmed by responsibility.
Homeopathy Can Help
It is important to differentiate between transient depression, which lifts as a result of self-help measures, and a more long-term tendency to a depressive state. For the former there is a great deal that can be done with occasional homeopathic self-prescribing and the use of practical self-help. An appropriately prescribed homeopathic remedy can support us through traumatic times and will give us greater resilience and so enable us to cope better. When a remedy is well matched it should give our emotional and physical energy levels a boost
If you find that your symptoms are interfering with your day to day life, if things are getting worse, if you are needing to repeat your selected homeopathic remedy on a long-term basis to gain relief, or if you have a history of long-term depression and are taking orthodox medication, it is important that you seek help from a trained prescriber. This also applies if you have suffered from long-term anxiety in the past. An experienced homeopathic practitioner will treat the whole person emotional, mental and physical levels, and be trained to prescribe accordingly.
Some Commonly Prescribed Homeopathic Remedies:
Ignatia
Indicated for a woman who is very weepy with little or no control over bouts of weeping. Moods are changeable; she can laugh one minute and then cry the next. Tense and anxious when emotionally upset. Sighs or yawns constantly and may have spasmodic bouts of hiccups when upset. Better from warmth, distraction and eating. Worse from cold, tobacco, alcohol or coffee and sensory stimulation.
Staphysagria
Indicated for women who have suppressed anger with sadness. Inwardly she is tense and angry with children for leaving home but remains sweet and calm on the. surface. Anger comes to the surface if pushed to the limit. Explosive temper causing trembling and shaking through the whole body. Better after eating, resting and sleeping. Worse from emotional strain, early morning, light touch and tobacco.
Sepia
Indicated for a woman who is weepy, irritable and apathetic towards her sexual partner. She is unhappy and depressed and feels that family demands are too much. Low-spirited and tends to snap at the slightest provocation. Displays of affection or sexual activity make things worse. Better for sleep, vigorous aerobic exercise, fresh air and warmth. Worse from emotional strain, sitting and brooding, before a period.
Pulsatilla
Indicated for a woman who is weepy and sad with a need for sympathy and affection. Moods change rapidly from anxiety and irritability to sadness. Frequently bursts into tears which gives some relief. Feels better when in sympathetic company. Better for cool foods and drinks, cool fresh air, gentle exercise, sympathy and attention, having a good cry. Worse in stuffy, overheated rooms, in the evening, becoming chilled, being alone, lying in bed.
Phosphorus
Indicated for constant, underlying ‘free-floating’ anxiety that surfaces when upset. For a woman who feels insecure, anxious and in need of reassurance when faced with the trauma of children leaving home. Sensitive to other’s moods and to general atmospheres. Needs to be calmed down when distressed. Can alternate rapidly between enthusiasm and boredom. Better for reassurance, massage and physical affection, warmth, good quality sleep. Worse for over-excitement or stimulation.
Nux Vomica
Indicated when a woman feels irritated and stressed from becoming burnt-out at work. Also when overcommitment to work has become a substitute for family life. This woman finds it hard to relax at night which often leads to chronic insomnia. May be dependent on sleeping pills, alcohol or painkillers in order to cope. Better from warmth, sound sleep, being left in peace by the evening. Worse from stress, coffee, being disturbed, cold draughty surroundings and in the morning.
Practical Self-help
- Communication – If you feel low talk it over with a close friend, family member, partner or even consider seeing a counsellor who will be able to take a more objective stance.
- Relaxation – Treat yourself with as much as kindness as you would give to a close friend if they were feeling unhappy. Make time to do things you enjoy which may be as simple as going for a walk or reading a book.
- Aromatherapy – A few drops of an uplifting pure essential oil such as neroli, jasmine, rose, geranium or clary-sage in a bath or oil burner or massaged into your skin (diluted in a carrier oil first) can be a pleasant way to uplift your spirits.
- Nutrition – Be aware that certain foods can help or hinder us when we feel depressed. Try and include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and things life flax seeds which contain beneficial omega oils. Avoid alcohol, tea , coffee, sugar and junk foods as much as possible. Consider taking a B complex supplement to support your nervous system and a magnesium supplement to aid relaxation and sleep.
- Exercise – If you are feeling depressed there is a tremendous benefit to be gained from being physically active. Regular rhythmic exercise stimulates ou body to produce endorphins which are chemicals which resemble antidepressants.