David Simon, IntentBlog

Question: In the past year, I have been very depressed. I have a good family and job, but my energy is so low I have trouble getting out of bed. Outwardly, I seem fine, but inside I have lost my enthusiasm for life. Please help.

Answer: Depression is a complex condition with physical, biochemical, emotional and spiritual components. Although the conventional medical model tends to focus on imbalances in neurochemistry, we find that for many people, depression is the consequence of long-standing unresolved emotional issues, often from childhood, but also from later in life.

The depletion of psychological energy used to repress accumulated painful feelings translates over time into depression. There are a number of things you can do to awaken your inner pharmacy and regain your enthusiasm and vitality.

First, I encourage you to learn and practice Primordial Sound Meditation. Meditation is one of the most effective ways to shift your inner reference point from the part of you that is depressed to the witnessing aspect of yourself that is beyond suffering and able to help you begin taking the steps to recovery.

This is an important time to eat in a healthy way by favoring a six tastes diet with fresh organic foods. Although you may not be in the mood for it, it is also helpful to begin some kind of exercise program, including yoga, cardiovascular and strength training activities. Getting your life energy moving will enhance the production of natural mood elevating chemicals.

Look at the emotional issues underlying your condition. Seek out a counselor who can help you see your personal issues from a more expanded framework. If your depression is interfering with your ability to function, a course of anti-depressants may be helpful and will not preclude you from exploring a more holistic approach to deeper emotional healing.

We offer a program at the Chopra Center called Healing the Heart, which addresses depression from an Ayurvedic model. This process is designed to identify, mobilize, release, and replenish toxic, life-force inhibiting emotions with nourishing life-celebrating ones.

There are a few Ayurvedic herbs which may be helpful in depression. I see these as part of a holistic program rather than as a substitute for anti-depressant medications. The most important Ayurvedic herbs to help improve the mind are Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) and Brahmi (Centella asiatica or Bacopa moniera.)

Cultivate conscious communication skills so that you are better able to identify and meet your core emotional needs. The confidence that you can cultivate healthy relationships from this point forward will help heal your heart and soul.