Fear and Depression-And the Power to Overcome :: Emotional and Mental Health

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Fear and Depression-And the Power to Overcome
by author Siegfried Gursche

Crisis is the condition of our times. Crisis in the family. Crisis in the country. I remember the Cuba missile crisis in October 1962 when Fidel Castro had aligned with Russia. The possibility of setting up missile bases in Cuba for attacking the United States was imminent. Canadians were far removed as eventual targets, but were still very nervous. Many couldn’t fall asleep at night. The political situation caused fear and affected the health of everybody.

My small herb importing company saw a sudden surge in business during that critical time. Our sales in relaxing herbal teas such as valerian and balm mint quadrupled, and nature’s antidepressant, St John’s wort, catapulted to sales levels we had never seen before. It took us several months to realize that it was the Cuban crisis that had caused our business to boom.

I am no longer selling herbs. But I noticed recently that the pharmaceutical industry has taken advantage of the terrorism crisis. Since Sept. 11, 2001, Kline-Beecham, one of the large drug manufacturers in the US, has stepped up promotions and TV advertising for their successful drug Paxil, a common medicine for depression and panic attacks. It is supposed to help in cases of anxiety, fright and nervousness. According to the news agency Reuters, one-third of Americans now suffer from these symptoms. Without jumping to conclusions, I would estimate that the percentage of Canadians similarly affected is not much smaller.

I believe that ailments in general, and especially those affecting the nervous system, such as anxiety and depression, which are psychopathic disturbances, cannot simply be cured by popping a pill. However, much help is available from natural and biological or phytoceutical (plant-based) medicine and food supplements sold in health food stores. Because body and mind are connected via the nervous system, nutritional supplements such as B vitamins, lecithin and calming herbs such as valerian, and the antidepressant St John’s wort play an important role in strengthening nerves.

Food is required for healing, not drugs. But food supplements and herbs alone are not enough.

Most important for a healthy mind and body is finding an inner balance and harmony. Without a spiritual anchor in life, it is next to impossible to achieve physical health. Both mind and body must be nourished equally. The body needs healthy food to function properly. Nourishment for the soul is a positive outlook on life and trust in God, which is expressed through quietness, in prayer and in meditation.

It can be said with much certainty that the effects of terrorism are causing tremendous fear and anxiety. Shock and panic are the first reactions. Uncertainty prevails and wrong decisions are made. Fear is a destroyer; it causes procrastination and then worries take over to a point where the body suffers and the nervous system collapses. Once this happens, it’s a downward tailspin. But there is hope.

You have to look for help immediately and let go of fear. Seek to replace it with joy, love and confidence. Look for people who can help you in your spiritual growth. When I talk with friends about these aspects, I share with them the philosophy of Martin Luther. He said: "Even if I knew for sure that the world would come to an end tomorrow, I would still plant my apple tree today and pay my debt." Isn’t this a truth that speaks to the current situation?

Siegfried Gursche is the founder and publisher of alive Magazine, a master herbalist and the author of several books including Fantastic Flax (alive Books, 1999).

Source: alive #233, March 2002

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