on depression and homeopathy

Depression & Homeopathy : Tom O’Brien MSc. ISHom. Depression & Homeopathy No. 7 in the Mental Health Series of Lectures Depression & Homeopathy

Symptoms of Depression : Symptoms of Depression Appearance - Sad face, slow movements, unkept look Off Food – loss of interest in food Weeps continuously or can’t weep – sighing Unhappy feelings - feeling sad, hopeless, discouraged, or listless Negative thoughts - "I'm a failure," "I'm no good," "No one cares about me." Reduced activity - "I just sit around and mope," "Doing anything is just too much of an effort." Reduced concentration or forgetfulness People problems - "I don't want anybody to see me," "I feel so lonely." Guilt and low self-esteem - "It's all my fault," "I should be punished." Physical problems - Sleeping problems, weight loss or gain, decreased sexual interest, or headaches Suicidal thoughts or wishes - "I'd be better off dead," "I wonder if it hurts to die."

Causes of Depression : Causes of Depression Imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters Certain diseases or illnesses - cancer, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes - referred to as co-occurring depression. Negative thinking patterns Family history of depression Difficult life events – death of a loved one, divorce, financial strains, history of trauma, moving to a new location …. Frequent and excessive alcohol consumption Resolved / Unresolved Trauma

Slide 4 : Predisposition Intermediate Variables Symptoms Acquired Disposition Biochemical/ Genetic Disposition Socio-Cultural Psycho-Social Conditions Interaction Patterns Communication Patterns Acute Symptoms Chronic Symptoms Psycho-physiologic Response Patterns Cognitive Style Risk-Incurring Behaviours Almost any Life Event / Distress Intra-psychic Processes Causes of Mental Illness including Depression

Classifications of Mental Illness DSM (USA) / ICD (Eur) : Classifications of Mental Illness DSM (USA) / ICD (Eur) Depression (adjustment) Anxiety / Neurosis Disorders Generalised Anxiety Disorder Phobias; Obsession-Compulsion; Impulse Control Conversion & Dissociative Disorders Panic Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Bipolar Disorder (Enduring) Mood Dysfunction Schizophrenia (Psychotic) Disorder of Thought Eating Disorders Sexual & Gender Disorders M.I. associated with Ageing; Dementia; Mental Handicap; Substance Abuse. Suicidal Behaviour Personality Disorder (A continuum of behavioural ‘reactivity’). Paranoia Hysteria Hypochondriasis Hypochondriasis Paranoia Hysteria Click

Organon : § 215 Almost all the so-called mental and emotional diseases are nothing more than corporeal diseases in which the symptom of derangement of the mind and disposition peculiar to each of them is increased, while the corporeal symptoms decline … almost as though it were a local disease in the invisible subtle organ of the mind or disposition.   § 216 …so that, in short, the affections of the grosser corporeal organs become, as it were, transferred and conducted to the almost spiritual, mental and emotional organs… § 217 § In these diseases we must be very careful to make ourselves acquainted with … the accurate apprehension of the precise character of the chief symptom, of the peculiar and always predominating state of the mind and disposition … for the purpose of extinguishing the entire disease, among the remedies whose pure effects are known, a homoeopathic medicinal pathogenetic force - that is to say, a remedy which in its list of symptoms displays, with the greatest possible similarity, not only the corporeal morbid symptoms present in the case of disease before us, but also especially this mental and emotional state. (Aph. 5) Hahnemann taught that the totality of the symptoms includes everything related to the: - general constitution & temperament - the signs and symptoms Miasms Aetiology (befallments) Exciting & Maintaining Causes Lifestyle Susceptability Suppression; Iatrogenesis Organon

Trauma : Murphy - Mind HONOR, effects of wounded, (9) 2 aur, 1 carc, 1 cham, 1 ign, 2 lyc, 1 nat-m, 1 nux-v, 3 STAPH, 1 verat Murphy - Children ABUSED, ailments from being sexual abuse, from (14) 3 ACON, 1 anac, 3 ARN, 3 CARC, 3 IGN, 1 lyc, 2 med, 3 NAT-M, 1 nux-v, 3 OP, 2 plat, 3 SEP, 3 STAPH, 1 thuj Trauma

Emotional Healing & Homeopathy:Treating ‘Depression’ : Emotional Healing & Homeopathy:Treating ‘Depression’ Tom O’Brien MSc., ISHom.

Key Remedies…….. : Mania Hyoscyamus Belladonna Stramonium Veratrum Album Key Remedies…….. Arsenicum album Aurum metallicum Calcarea carbonica Causticum Kali Phosphoricum Natrum Muriaticum Ambra Grisea Sepia Ignatia Amara Staphysagria Pulsatilla Cimicifuga ‘Befallments’

Key Remedies : Mania Hyoscyamus Belladonna Stramonium Veratrum Album Key Remedies Arsenicum album Aurum metallicum Calcarea carbonica Causticum Kali Phosphoricum Natrum Muriaticum Ambra Grisea Sepia Ignatia Amara Staphysagria Pulsatilla Cimicifuga M I N E R A L S

Key Remedies : Key Remedies Arsenicum album Aurum metallicum Calcarea carbonica Causticum Kali Phosphoricum Natrum Muriaticum Ambra Grisea Sepia Ignatia Amara Staphysagria Pulsatilla Cimicifuga A N I M A L

Key Remedies : Key Remedies Arsenicum album Aurum metallicum Calcarea carbonica Causticum Kali Phosphoricum Natrum Muriaticum Ambra Grisea Sepia Ignatia Amara Staphysagria Pulsatilla Cimicifuga P L A N T S

Miasms : Miasms Primarily… 25 Under-functioning… Psora

Plants : Plants Tom O’Brien MSc., ISHom.

Slide 15 : Wherever possible begin with plant remedies …..

Ignatia Amara: : Ignatia Amara: Remedies Sensitive people who suffer grief or disappointment and try to keep the hurt inside. Wanting not to cry or appear too vulnerable to others, they may seem guarded, defensive, and moody. They may also burst out laughing, or into hysterical tears, for no apparent reason. A feeling of a lump in the throat and heaviness in the chest with frequent sighing or yawning are strong indications for Ignatia. Insomnia or excessive sleeping are also often seen. Pine Willow Chicory

Staphysagria:‘Frustrated’ : Staphysagria:‘Frustrated’ Quiet, sensitive, emotional people who have difficulty standing up for themselves may benefit from this remedy. Frustration over hurt feelings, shame, resentment, and suppressed emotions such as anger can lead to depression. Under too much pressure, they can sometimes lose their natural inhibition and fly into rages or throw things. Unable to sleep at night, Stomach-aches that are stress-related. Remedies Crab Apple Gentian Mimulus Star of Bethlehem

Pulsatilla: ‘Mama’ (Dependant) : Pulsatilla: ‘Mama’ (Dependant) People who needs this remedy have a childlike softness and sensitivity—and can also be whiny, jealous, and moody. When depressed, they are sad and tearful, wanting a lot of attention and comforting. Depression around the time of hormonal changes can often be helped with Pulsatilla. Crying, fresh air, and gentle exercise improve their mood. Getting too warm stuffy can increase anxiety. Remedies

Cimicifuga: : Cimicifuga: A person who needs this remedy can be energetic and talkative when feeling well, but upset and gloomy when depressed—with exaggerated fears (of insanity, of being attacked, of disaster). Painful menstrual periods and headaches that involve the neck are often seen when this remedy is needed. Remedies Honeysuckle Mustard

Metal/Minerals : Metal/Minerals Tom O’Brien MSc., ISHom.

Aurum metallicum: : Aurum metallicum: This remedy can be helpful to serious people, strongly focused on work and achievement, who become depressed if they feel they have failed in some way. Discouragement, self-reproach, humiliation, and anger can lead to feelings of emptiness and worthlessness. The person may feel worse at night, with nightmares or insomnia. Remedies Larch Oak Pine Sweet Chestnut Mustard

Arsenicum album:‘The Death of the Body’ : Arsenicum album:‘The Death of the Body’ Anxious, insecure, perfectionistic people who set high standards for themselves and others Depressed if their expectations are not met. Worry about material security sometimes borders on despair. When feeling ill, these people can be demanding and dependent, even suspicious of others, fearing their condition could be serious, (as if serious illness). Remedies MIND - ANGUISH - driving from place to place - restlessness, with ACON. ARS. ARS-I. BISM.

Calcarea carbonica:‘Fear of Leaving the Shell’ : A dependable, industrious person who becomes easily overwhelmed from too much worry, work, or physical illness may benefit from this remedy. Anxiety, fatigue, confusion, discouragement, self-pity, and a despondent dread of disaster may develop. A person who needs this remedy often feels chilly and sluggish and easily tires on exertion (and may be overweight) Remedies Elm Oak Sweet Chestnut Cherry Plum Mimulus Calcarea carbonica:‘Fear of Leaving the Shell’

Causticum:‘Damacles Sword’ : Causticum:‘Damacles Sword’ A person who feels depressed because of grief and loss (either recent or over time) may benefit from this remedy. Frequent crying or a feeling of mental dullness and forgetfulness (with anxious checking to see if the door is locked, if the stove is off, etc.) are other indications. People who need this remedy are often deeply sympathetic toward others and, having a strong sense of justice, can be deeply discouraged or angry about the world. Remedies

Kali phosphoricum:‘Burnout’ : Kali phosphoricum:‘Burnout’ If a person feels depressed after working too hard, being physically ill, or going through prolonged emotional stress or excitement, this remedy can be helpful. Exhausted, nervous, and jumpy, they may have difficulty working or concentrating—and become discouraged and lose confidence. Headaches from mental effort, sensitivity to cold, anemia, insomnia, and indigestion are often seen when this remedy is needed. Remedies See kalis

Slide 26 :

Natrum muriaticum: : Natrum muriaticum: People who need this remedy seem reserved, responsible, and private—yet have strong inner feelings (grief, romantic attachment, anger, or fear of misfortune) that they rarely show. Can act affronted or angry if someone tries to console them, and need to be alone to cry. Anxiety, brooding about past grievances, and insomnia can also be experienced when the person is depressed. A craving for salt and tiredness from sun exposure are other indications for this remedy. Remedies See nats

Relationships : Relationships Tom O’Brien MSc., ISHom.

Slide 29 : THROAT - LUMP; sensation of a - swallowing - amel. - not amel.; swallowing does agar. androc. ant-c. bamb-a. bar-c. bell. crot-c. gels. hep. Kali-bi. lac-ac. LACH. Nat-m. rumx. Sep.

Other Relationships : Other Relationships Ignatia Staphysagria Pulsatilla Acute of Natrum Mur. Acute of Pulsatilla Acute of Arsenicum

Animals : Animals Tom O’Brien MSc., ISHom.

Sepia :‘Mother & Woman’ : Sepia :‘Mother & Woman’ People who feel weary, irritable, and indifferent to family members, and worn out by demands of everyday life may need this remedy. They want to be left alone and may respond in an angry or cutting way if anyone bothers them. They often feel better from crying, but would rather have others keep their distance and not try to console them or cheer them up. Menstrual problems, a sagging feeling in internal organs, sluggish digestion, and improvement from vigorous exercise are other indications for this remedy. Remedies

Ambra Grisea‘Inhibited’ : Ambra Grisea‘Inhibited’ The mood of the person who might benefit from Ambra Grisea is very low and endures and there may even be a loathing of life. They cannot bear to have people around and may lock the doors to keep out company. They are likely to be morbid all the time, dwelling on the past and at the same time conscious of every heartbeat (palpitations). Interestingly they can become very talkative having begun to talk. Rigidity of Mind brings on cramps throughout the body. - Time passes slowly. Modalities - Worse, music; presence of strangers; from any unusual thing; morning, warm room. - Better, slow motion in open air; lying on painful part; cold drinks. Remedies r

Rubrics : Rubrics Tom O’Brien MSc., ISHom.

Keys to Rubrics foundfrom the symptoms of ‘Depression’ : Keys to Rubrics foundfrom the symptoms of ‘Depression’ Appearance - Sad face, slow movements, unkept look Unhappy feelings - feeling sad, hopeless, discouraged, or listless Negative thoughts - "I'm a failure," "I'm no good," "No one cares about me." Reduced activity - "I just sit around and mope," "Doing anything is just too much of an effort." Reduced concentration or forgetfulness People problems - "I don't want anybody to see me," "I feel so lonely." Guilt and low self-esteem - "It's all my fault," "I should be punished." Physical problems - Sleeping problems, weight loss or gain, decreased sexual interest, or head aches Suicidal thoughts or wishes - "I'd be better off dead," "I wonder if it hurts to die."

Keys to Rubrics foundfrom side-effects of ‘Medicines’ : Keys to Rubrics foundfrom side-effects of ‘Medicines’ Dry mouth Constipation Bladder problems Sexual problems Blurred vision Dizziness Drowsiness as a daytime problem The newer antidepressants can have other side effects: Headache Nausea Nervousness and insomnia (trouble sleeping / waking often) Agitation (feeling jittery)

A strategy to begin with… : A strategy to begin with… Take the case Give the similimum remedy if clearly indicated Options 30c followed by 200c then higher if needed Or LMs Make sure it covers the miasm (usually psora) Otherwise (… e.g. in an acute stage) Start with Aconite followed by One of the main psoric remedies 30C (Repeated) and / or Tissue Salts or Bach Flowers Deal with physical fatigue if present.

Fundamentals in prescribing for the patient with a mental health problem : Fundamentals in prescribing for the patient with a mental health problem Establish the constitutional type and remedy Note the dominant Miasm In general acute prescribing: Low Potencies - repeated C’s (up to 200) or LMs In enduring (chronic) problems – Single dose high potency – don’t repeat often. Remember that well-selected remedies are nevertheless not always indicated at that time – so treat incurrent states if needed before constitution. Replace non-prescribed ‘medicine cabinet’ pills with remedies for acute use Tissue salts Organ support remedies / tinctures Nutritional support Nosodes as intercurrents if the constitutional stops working Regular follow-up & educate Recommend Psychotherapy when needed.

Types of Psychotherapy : Types of Psychotherapy Analytical Freudian / Neo-Freudian Jungian Behavioural Cognitive-Behavioural Systemic / Constructivist NLP Brief Therapy Psycho-synthesis Integrative Person- Centred Rogerian Integrative Process –Oriented Trans-Personal

Slide 40 : So! What do I do…….

Hysteria & Hypochondria & Paranoia : Depression (adjustment) Anxiety / Neurosis Disorders Generalised Anxiety Disorder Phobias; Obsession-Compulsion; Impulse Control Conversion & Dissociative Disorders Panic Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Bipolar Disorder (Enduring) Mood Dysfunction Schizophrenia (Psychotic) Disorder of Thought Eating Disorders Sexual & Gender Disorders M.I. associated with Ageing; Dementia; Mental Handicap; Substance Abuse. Suicidal Behaviour Personality Disorder (A continuum of behavioural ‘reactivity’). Paranoia Hysteria Hypochondriasis Hypochondriasis Paranoia Hysteria Hysteria & Hypochondria & Paranoia

Effects of Trauma : Effects of Trauma Over and under – reactions ‘Out of the present’ - Dissociation Repetition (‘stuckness’) Double binds that hinder healing Making a career of victimisation Failures of healing…

Grief & Loss – Aspects of Grieving : Grief & Loss – Aspects of Grieving Denial Bargaining Anger Despair Acceptance ANGER WITH GRIEF (17) 2 acon, 1 ars, 1 aur, 1 bell, 1 cham, 2 chin, 2 coloc, 1 hyos, 3 IGN, 3 LYC, 2 nat-m, 1 nux-v, 2 ph-ac, 1 plat, 1 puls, 3 STAPH, 1 carc AILMENTS from death parents or friends, of (15) 1 ambr, 1 ars, 1 calc, 3 CAUST, 3 IGN, 1 kali-br, 1 lac-c, 1 lac-h, 1 lim-b-c, 1 lyc, 1 nit-ac, 1 nux-v, 1 plat, 1 rhod, 1 staph Grief Counselling & Grief Therapy, A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioneredge Worden, William J, Routledge

Grief & Loss - Key tasks in therapy : Grief & Loss - Key tasks in therapy To help develop the ability to experience, express and adjust to painful – grief related changes. To find effective ways to cope with painful emotional and somatic changes To establish a continuing relationship with the person who died…. To stay healthy and keep functioning To re-establish relationships and understand that others may have difficulty empathizing with the grief they experience To develop a healthy image of oneself and the world Kay

Signs of Depression : Signs of Depression Depression, its causes and how to overcome it. Shreeve, Caroline. Turnstone Press 1984 Depression, the way out of your prison. Rowe, Dorothy Pelican 1990 Inertia, feeling drained, off food Cries continuously or can’t cry; Sighing Sleep disturbed; no interest in sex Loss in interest in work; Overwork to escape; Alcohol consumption increased; medication Neglect personal Hygiene No reason to exist; believes recovery is impossible Extreme loneliness; feelings of abandonment

Miasms : Miasms 25

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