Gentle ways out of the low mood

The compact guide by Dr. Eberhard J. Wormer presents alternative means and measures for the treatment of depression

Depressive states are usually the result of some kind of disturbance in the physical and mental balance. Therefore, there are many ways to restore a balanced mind - without the need for psychotropic drugs.

Psychological complaints with physical origins
Depression is one of the most common mood disorders. Almost one in five people is said to suffer from genuine depression - two thirds of them women. On the other hand, everyone has probably experienced a depressive mood at least once. Long-term studies indicate that postmodern professional and private life is putting pressure on the psyche and contributing to an increase in the frequency of depression.
It is all too easy to forget that depression is a natural reaction to any kind of stress and trauma and that in many cases physical causes initially trigger the mood swings: "Anyone who enters the dark world of depression for the first time should first look for disturbances in the countless, closely interlinked systems of rules in their body," advises Dr. Eberhard J. Wormer in his new compact guide "Natural Antidepressants". Natural remedies are often enough to end depression: compensating for vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, correcting hormonal disorders, healthy eating and physical exercise, herbal and natural antidepressants and much more: "There are many ways that lead from the dark valley of depression back to the bright life."

Disturbed balance of moods
Mood swings and emotional rollercoasters are initially normal adaptive reactions to different stresses. It becomes problematic when extreme moods such as depression or mania occur more frequently or become a permanent condition. "Depression is the dark extreme pole in the continuum of emotions. Mania is the overexposed, bright extreme state of an aloof mood," writes Wormer. Both conditions can be life-threatening if they last for a long time and are severe.
Hereditary factors (genes), biorhythms (sleep-wake rhythm), communication functions of the nervous system (neurotransmitters, neurobiology), hormones and the psyche are factors that influence the balance of mood. Disturbances in such regulatory systems increase individual psychological vulnerability and cause problems in balancing mood.
Depression is by far the most common form of uncontrollable balance - and the cause of this mood disorder is by no means only to be found in the head. Any disruption to a control circuit that affects bodily functions, any physical or psychological trauma - illnesses, accidents, operations, personal losses -, prolonged stress, nutrient and vitamin deficiencies, severe hormone fluctuations or thyroid and sugar metabolism disorders can cause depression. Nevertheless, says Wormer, it is often ignored that there are more physical than psychological causes for depressive states, which can be easily - and often very successfully - treated.

Natural treatment without side effects
Wormer defines “natural” antidepressants as all means and methods that have nothing to do with chemical antidepressants. These include hormones, vitamins, minerals, endogenous substances, medicinal herbs, sleep treatments, relaxation training, psychotherapy and creative activities. It is a surprisingly rich range of options that can be used very successfully either individually or in combination.
Natural antidepressants often have a holistic effect and restore the lost balance of the body's regulatory systems. They also do not have any relevant side effects like chemical antidepressants.
The most effective natural antidepressants currently can be found in our food and in our own bodies. Although there is no diet that can eliminate depression, there is evidence that the quality of the diet and the mood of the person correspond with each other. A high-quality diet that has a positive effect on the balance of the intestinal flora is comparatively simple, inexpensive and, above all, free of side effects compared to other antidepressant measures.
"Only when natural remedies have been exhausted should you think about chemical antidepressants - which can be effective, but also have serious disadvantages and should therefore be the last resort: in cases of real, severe and long-standing depression with a risk of suicide," recommends the health expert.

Book tip:
Dr. med. Eberhard J. Wormer: Natural antidepressants. Compact guide. Gentle ways out of a low mood. Mankau Verlag, 1st edition September 2017. Paperback 11.5 x 16.5 cm, color, 126 pages. ISBN 978-3-86374-423-6, 8.99 euros (D) / 9.20 euros (A).

Link recommendations:
More information about the guide "Natural Antidepressants"
To the reading sample in PDF format
More about Dr. Eberhard J. Wormer
To the Internet forum with Dr. med. Eberhard J. Wormer