Manic-depressive
disorder is also known as
bipolar
mood disorder,
a type of classic
depression. It typically starts as depression and then develops into alternating
periods of mania and depression. A person with severe manic depressive disorder may go from feeling
invincible to overwhelmed with feelings of misery and despair, even suicidal. Some of the symptoms of
manic-depressive disorder are changes in sleep pattern, withdrawal from others, sadness, pessimism,
a sudden loss of interest in and failure to finish projects that were started with enthusiasm, irritability,
sudden rage when bothered, loss of inhibitions, and changes in sexual behavior ranging from a
complete loss of sex drive to sexual excessive behavior.
The pattern of manic-depressive disorder is highly variable. Both
mania and depression can vary in both severity and in length of the cycles, from depression to mania
and back again, can occur over the course of a few days or over many months even, in some cases, years.
The depressive phase is characterized by low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness. A
person experiencing depression may lack motivation to do anything, even to get out of bed. Some
people simply sleep for weeks, withdraw from social activities, avoid relationships with others, and
become unable to work. Others may seem to be living normal lives like going to work, interacting
with other people, however inside feel a deep sadness and are unable to experience real pleasure in
life.
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
Zinc |
9 |
very
often people with manic-depressive disorder often are not getting
enough zinc. Often a natural multi-vitamin and mineral supplement
with zinc can help. |
Taurine |
10 |
amino
acid which has a protective effect on the brain and aides in
anxiety. Taurine is often used in herbal
blends for depression |
B Vitamins |
9 |
B
vitamins are very important for the proper function of your brain and nervous system.
Supplements with natural vitamin B can help with
depression especially vitamin B6 and B12. |
Essential
Fatty acids |
8 |
aids in the transmission of
nerve impulses and needed for normal brain
function good sources of fatty acids include omega, flax seed oil, and borage
seed oil. Some supplements may contain a combination of all of
these in a single formula. |
Magnesium |
7 |
has a calming effect and works
on the nervous system of people with depression,
a magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B combination works very well
for depression problems. |
Calcium |
7 |
works with magnesium |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|