Depression is a mental health disorder that has long been present in society. Despite advances in knowledge and treatment, it remains a significant societal concern. Osteopathy can contribute to managing depression by acting on the body to guide it towards healing.

Recognizing Depression

Depression appears in various forms, contexts, and can be very disabling. It is defined as a common mental disorder characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-esteem, disturbed sleep or appetite, fatigue, and concentration problems (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). One form of this illness is major depressive disorder, which has many implications. Professionals treating these patients often achieve good results with standard treatments, including pharmacological and psychological therapies.

Some Statistics

As of 2010, more than 298 million cases of single-episode major depressive disorder had been recorded, with the majority in the 25 to 34 age group (Ferrari et al., 2013). Numerous sources state that this mental disorder is the leading cause of disability in North America and that depression (in general) is two to three times more frequent in women than men (Davison & Neale, 2001). Two of the three most common symptoms among depressed patients are somatic: lack of energy (fatigue) and sleep difficulties (Kapfhammer, 2006).

Physical Symptoms

Depression often causes numerous physical problems. The most common physical symptoms include:

• eating disorders with weight loss or gain (especially in severe depression);
• sleep problems sometimes linked to significant fatigue, insomnia, or hypersomnia;
• migraines;
• digestive disorders;
• muscle pain and tension.

Osteopathic Intervention in Depression

To recover from depression, it is essential that the patient receives psychological follow-up and possibly medication. Osteopathy offers a very interesting complementary solution to help one feel better in their body.

The osteopath will work to normalize all tensions through gentle manipulations. They will prefer cranial osteopathy techniques but also focus on various points:

• Remove restrictions on the spinal axis;
• Check the proper functioning of the digestive system;
• Check the proper functioning of the diaphragms;
• Balance the body’s central chain, meaning elements that can have an emotional impact on the patient, among others.

Osteopathy can act on physical symptoms and the energy level, allowing one to feel better in their body and face depression with more strength and resilience.

Depression and the Importance of Recognizing It

It is important not to underestimate the symptoms and to consult a qualified healthcare professional (for example, a doctor or psychologist) so that a diagnosis can be made and treatment proposed. Ignoring symptoms of major depressive disorder risks worsening the condition and increasing the chance of suicidal thoughts. If you or someone close to you believe they are suffering from major depressive disorder, it is very important to discuss it with your doctor and/or psychologist.

Don’t hesitate to also discuss this with your osteopath. It could be very beneficial!

Véronique Marsolais, osteopath
PRAXIS Family Health Clinic

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: APA.

Ferrari, A. L., Charlson, F. J., Norman, R. E., Flaxman, A. D., Patten, S. B., Vos, T., & Whiteford, H. A. (2013). The epidemiological modelling of major depressive disorder: Application for the global burden of disease study 2010. PLoS One, 8(7). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069637

Davison, G. C., & Neale, J. M. (2001). Abnormal psychology (8th ed.). USA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Kapfhammer, H.-P. (2006). Somatic symptoms in depression. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 8, 227-239.