Beat the Blues

 

“I just can’t get motivated, I feel really low and cannot pull myself together, nothing interests me anymore.”

If you find yourself saying something like this then you may be experiencing ‘the blues’. It can be anything along the scale of being deeply upset about something, a period of anxiety or the onset of depression. Concentration suffers, and you feel as though you’re just about functioning, not wishing to engage with anything or anyone.

The rate of poor mental health is increasing in Britain. We are finding that antidepressants aren’t working for many people which was reviewed and confirmed in a study conducted last year by the University of Hull. Bearing in mind some of the side effects such as headaches, feeling sedated, weight gain, sleep disruptions, to name but a few, it’s no wonder many people look for an alternative approach.

This does not mean there are no solutions. Indeed many people work out their anxieties and depression quite successfully, some in quite unconventional ways.

First of all exploring the root cause of your anxieties or depression can be incredibly helpful which is why research has shown that talking therapies can be more effective than taking antidepressants in some cases, for example cognitive behavioural therapy often referred to as CBT.

Undertaking engaging activities such as the arts have also shown to have a positive influence on our mental health - painting, drawing, dancing, pottery, etc can all help elevate good mood and reduce anxiety. I certainly notice the difference in my mood after I’ve been to my tango class!

Of course making sure you have good nutrition and exercise regularly can really contribute hugely to improving your state of mind and emotions.

As a Herbalist I sometimes use St John’s Wort which can really uplift the mood, be quite supportive and even useful in aiding sleep. Although you can get St John’s Wort over the counter, I do recommend checking with a herbalist before taking it as it can interfere with some medications and if you are on the pill.

Other herbs that are freely available that can give you a gentle uplift are Valarian and Lemon Balm. Make up as a tea; both herbs can aid in soothing the nervous system and bringing about a sense of ease.

It seems so easy to give into the constant pressures and demands of life. However, taking time out and investing in your own wellbeing may well be the first step in getting the sun shining again in your life. Join me at my next workshop on “Beat the Blues” in April and see what you can put into place. See details on www.rumanahealth.com

Rumana Zahn is a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist and runs clinics in Newcastle (within a GPs practice), Yarm. She is a leader within the field of Natural Medicine, writes and speaks extensively on the subject. She can be contacted on 0845 680 1418 or www.rumanahealth.com

Rumana is a member of the British Register of Complementary Practitioners.

 

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