I haven't spoken about this subject for a long time. It has been two years since my 'nervous breakdown' a term that is not medically correct but simply refers to the 'sudden onset of severe depression'. Four weeks after the birth of our ninth child I hit rock bottom.
These are some of the things that I learned during this time and things that I believe really helped me to get back on track. I just wanted to re-address these things today because 'someone' out there might find it helpful.
1) Depression is NOT CIRCUMSTANTIAL! i.e, it does not need a CIRCUMSTANCE to spark it off! It may contribute to the level of depression felt by a sufferer but it is not dependent on circumstances.
2) Depression is SYSTEMATIC! ie, it doesn't depend on a circumstance, "it lies within the system ". That is why when well meaning people suggest that someone with depression "Take a holiday" or "Go for a long walk" are almost useless to the sufferer! Because depression is systematic it follows you on holiday, follows you when you go for a walk, follows you wherever you go! A depletion of brain chemicals produces the system for which depression thrives.
3) The brain has a number of messengers called 'happy messengers' Technically these neurotransmitters are known as 'biogenic amines' they don't just keep us happy, they energize us and help us to cope with pain and remain tranquil. Some of these 'happy messengers' include Seratonin , dopamine and a group of tranquilizers that are found in abundance in te brain.
4) Other messengers are called "sad messengers" These neurotransmitters carry bleak and sombre messages. They tell the brain to be downheartened, cautious and dispirited. An excess of sad messengers makes us depressed, anxious, sleepless and fatigued. These are the messengers that dominate when we feel overwhelmed by life's demands. Examples of sad messengers are cortisol and a group of enzymes that rob us of happy messeners.
So.........what helps and what can I do to get better?
Affection.......hugs, backrubs, massage etc etc signals the brain to release oxytocin, a hormone that boosts feelings of affection and is a buffer against stress.
Laughter.............Lowers the levels of the damaging stress hormone, cortisol. Laughter reverses the constriction of blood vessels, helps protect brain cells and helps us get rid of the fatty stomach that excess cortisol can give us during times of stress.
Counselling .initially I was scared about receiving counseling but it was very beneficial and helped me put my thoughts in to perspective.
Medication Some times you can get better without the need for medication. For me this wasn't the case, I was too bad! Medication merely stabilizes you and allows you the balance to seek more natural help.
Food that heal........Grapefruit, oranges and whey protein contain a stress busting ingredient and will help you to stay calm and tension free
Whey contains alpha lactalbulmim that boost the body's level of tryptophan, a buidling block of the feel good hormone, Seratonin by as much as 43%
Seratonin is a brain chemical that reduces hunger and boosts our sense of well being. When serontonin is low you can become increasingly dissatisfied with life and food! making it hard to stick to a diet. When seratonin levels are high we do NOT crave sweets! (I personally take 3 scoops of whey protein powder a day mixed up in a fruit smoothie.........I have done this for two years now and swear by it)
Foods that are considered sources of Tryptophan (a natural sedative) include Dairy products, Beef, Turkey, Poultry, Fish, Brown Rice, Barley, Soybeans and nuts,
and last but not least CHRISTIAN MEDITATION..........the art of spending quiet, contemplative time meditating on God's word.
This to me has to be the most BENEFICIAL thing that helped me on the road (long long road) to recovering.......
These are some of the things that I learned during this time and things that I believe really helped me to get back on track. I just wanted to re-address these things today because 'someone' out there might find it helpful.
1) Depression is NOT CIRCUMSTANTIAL! i.e, it does not need a CIRCUMSTANCE to spark it off! It may contribute to the level of depression felt by a sufferer but it is not dependent on circumstances.
2) Depression is SYSTEMATIC! ie, it doesn't depend on a circumstance, "it lies within the system ". That is why when well meaning people suggest that someone with depression "Take a holiday" or "Go for a long walk" are almost useless to the sufferer! Because depression is systematic it follows you on holiday, follows you when you go for a walk, follows you wherever you go! A depletion of brain chemicals produces the system for which depression thrives.
3) The brain has a number of messengers called 'happy messengers' Technically these neurotransmitters are known as 'biogenic amines' they don't just keep us happy, they energize us and help us to cope with pain and remain tranquil. Some of these 'happy messengers' include Seratonin , dopamine and a group of tranquilizers that are found in abundance in te brain.
4) Other messengers are called "sad messengers" These neurotransmitters carry bleak and sombre messages. They tell the brain to be downheartened, cautious and dispirited. An excess of sad messengers makes us depressed, anxious, sleepless and fatigued. These are the messengers that dominate when we feel overwhelmed by life's demands. Examples of sad messengers are cortisol and a group of enzymes that rob us of happy messeners.
So.........what helps and what can I do to get better?
Affection.......hugs, backrubs, massage etc etc signals the brain to release oxytocin, a hormone that boosts feelings of affection and is a buffer against stress.
Laughter.............Lowers the levels of the damaging stress hormone, cortisol. Laughter reverses the constriction of blood vessels, helps protect brain cells and helps us get rid of the fatty stomach that excess cortisol can give us during times of stress.
Counselling .initially I was scared about receiving counseling but it was very beneficial and helped me put my thoughts in to perspective.
Medication Some times you can get better without the need for medication. For me this wasn't the case, I was too bad! Medication merely stabilizes you and allows you the balance to seek more natural help.
Food that heal........Grapefruit, oranges and whey protein contain a stress busting ingredient and will help you to stay calm and tension free
Whey contains alpha lactalbulmim that boost the body's level of tryptophan, a buidling block of the feel good hormone, Seratonin by as much as 43%
Seratonin is a brain chemical that reduces hunger and boosts our sense of well being. When serontonin is low you can become increasingly dissatisfied with life and food! making it hard to stick to a diet. When seratonin levels are high we do NOT crave sweets! (I personally take 3 scoops of whey protein powder a day mixed up in a fruit smoothie.........I have done this for two years now and swear by it)
Foods that are considered sources of Tryptophan (a natural sedative) include Dairy products, Beef, Turkey, Poultry, Fish, Brown Rice, Barley, Soybeans and nuts,
and last but not least CHRISTIAN MEDITATION..........the art of spending quiet, contemplative time meditating on God's word.
This to me has to be the most BENEFICIAL thing that helped me on the road (long long road) to recovering.......
March 1, 2010 at 8:03 PM
Wow! Thanks for sharing so honestly!
March 2, 2010 at 1:43 AM
It is good to be on the other side:-) May the Lord continue to uphold you. It is always good to be of help to others when we have passed through a particular trial ourselves. Thanks for that.
March 2, 2010 at 3:51 AM
Thanks for sharing this Jenna!
Luv Donna
March 29, 2010 at 3:15 AM
Hey, it is ages since this was posted and I just saw the comments come through. Just saying Hi and how are you? Hope all is going well for you, school and the whole lot.