Addressing Anxiety and Depression

by Dr Chase Neil, DBA, NMD Adv.Dip.

Wed, Apr 9, 2025  

Understanding Depression and Anxiety: Definitions, Experiences, and Causes

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Although they are often spoken about together, they are distinct disorders with their own symptoms, causes, and effects on a person's well-being. Despite their differences, depression and anxiety often coexist, creating a complex and deeply challenging experience for those affected.

What is Depression?

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It is a persistent mood disorder characterized by a prolonged feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that interferes with daily life. People with depression often lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, struggle with low energy or fatigue, and may experience changes in sleep patterns and appetite. In more severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of death or suicide. Emotionally, individuals may feel worthless or guilty, even when there’s no clear reason. The weight of depression is not only emotional but physical—people may experience unexplained aches and pains, and a noticeable slowdown in movement and speech.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety, in its clinical form, is more than just nervousness or worry. It refers to a group of disorders—such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder—where individuals experience overwhelming fear, worry, or tension that is difficult to control. Anxiety is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, and sweating. People with anxiety may avoid situations that trigger their fear, which can interfere with their work, relationships, and daily routines. Unlike fear, which is a response to a real, immediate threat, anxiety is often a response to a perceived or imagined threat, making it persist even when there is no clear danger.

Possible Causes of Depression and Anxiety

The causes of depression and anxiety are complex and multifaceted. They can arise from a combination of biological, psychological, environmental, and social factors.

1. Biological Factors: 

Both depression and anxiety can be linked to imbalances in brain chemistry, particularly involving neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate mood and emotion. Genetics also play a role—people with a family history of mental illness are more likely to develop these conditions.

2. Psychological Factors:

Personality traits such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, or a tendency to overthink may contribute to vulnerability to anxiety and depression. Additionally, negative thinking patterns and unresolved trauma or grief can deeply impact mental health.

3. Environmental and Life Events:

Stressful or traumatic life events—such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, abuse, neglect, job loss, or financial difficulties—can trigger both anxiety and depression. Chronic stress, including living in a high-pressure environment or dealing with long-term illness, is also a known contributor.

4. Substance Use and Medical Conditions:

Alcohol and drug misuse can either lead to or worsen depression and anxiety. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, chronic pain, or hormonal imbalances, may also contribute to mental health struggles.

5. Social and Cultural Factors:

Loneliness, isolation, and lack of social support are major risk factors. In some cultures, the stigma around mental health may prevent individuals from seeking help, worsening their condition. Social pressures, discrimination, or bullying can also have a long-term emotional toll.

Conclusion

Depression and anxiety are serious but treatable mental health disorders that can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. Understanding the nature of these conditions—and the many possible causes—helps create empathy and encourages early intervention. Through therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support, many people are able to manage or recover from these conditions. Open conversations and mental health education remain essential in reducing stigma and supporting those who are struggling.

Treating Depression and Anxiety Naturally:

Treatment of depression and anxiety is very possible using natural medicine. Dr Chase usually employs herbal treatments combined with acupressure, reflexology and Reiki in curing sicknesses and ailments. We will look at natural ways of treating depression and anxiety with these methods, starting with herbal remedies:

1. “Calm Mind” Tonic Tea

Purpose: Eases anxiety, calms the nerves, improves mood, and helps with sleep.

Ingredients (all Jamaican herbs):

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – 1 tbsp (mild sedative and mood lifter)

• Soursop leaf (Annona muricata) – 3 leaves (anti-anxiety and calming)

• Guava leaf (Psidium guajava) – 5 leaves (adaptogen and helps regulate cortisol)

• Sweetwood bark (Jamaican Bay, Pimenta racemosa) – a small piece (warming, relaxes nervous tension)

• Cerasee (Momordica charantia) – 1/4 tsp dried (cleanses the blood and helps balance hormones; use very small amounts)

Preparation:

1. Rinse all herbs.

2. Add to 3 cups boiling water in a pot.

3. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, then steep covered for 10 more minutes.

4. Strain and sweeten with a little honey if desired.

Use: Drink 1 cup in the morning and 1 in the evening, for up to 14 days. Take a break for a few days before continuing.

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2. “Joy Drops” Herbal Elixir (Tincture)

Purpose: Uplifts mood, reduces chronic stress, stabilizes emotions.

Ingredients:

• St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – 2 parts (mild antidepressant; ensure it doesn’t interfere with other meds)

• Chaney Root (Smilax balbisiana) – 1 part (revitalizing, boosts libido and energy, strengthens nerves)

• Jamaican Dogwood Bark (Piscidia piscipula) – 1 part (strong nervine and muscle relaxant)

• Nerve Wiss (Neurolaena lobata) – 1/2 part (calms stress, boosts overall nervous system health)

• Jamaican white rum or apple cider vinegar (for non-alcoholic version)

Preparation:

1. Chop and combine herbs in a clean glass jar.

2. Cover completely with rum or apple cider vinegar  (1:2 herb to liquid ratio).

3. Seal tightly and let steep in a cool, dark place for 3–4 weeks, shaking daily.

4. Strain and store in amber dropper bottles.

Use: Take 1–2 droppers (30–60 drops) in a little water, 1–2 times per day as needed.

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3. Optional Add-on: Deep Inhalation Therapy

Use Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, and Peppermint leaves in a hot bowl of water. Place your face over it (covered with a towel) and inhale deeply for 5–10 minutes. This clears the mind, opens the lungs, and relieves tension.