teenager attempted suicide (doshas & depression)

[Guest guest]

Sat Nam Sangeet,

 

Ayurveda relates depression to the doshas.

 

In Vata depression there are mood swings. Kapha depression is

lethargic (ice cream and cookies eating time). Both generally are

considered to respond quite well to alternative medicine.

 

Pitta depression (the kind that can lead to suicide attempts) is the

most severe of the three, and should first be treated through

allopatic (western) medicine.

 

Mentally Pitta respresents intelligence, drive, passion, the desire to

do things "right". When it gets agravated, we become judgmental and

angry. We judge ourselves for not gettings that asana just as it looks

in the picture, we give up our hobbies or goals because meeting our

high standards just seems impossible. We are "not good enough", and

therefore destruction seems the only solution. High pitta always

implies anger towards self and the world.

 

Accepting and feeling accepted is a key factor in healing. Getting

back into yoga in a way that's mellow, minding the proces (instead of

results, and letting that mindfulness expand into our surroundings

instead on being focussed on ourselves all the time) and on having a

loving attitude towards yourself will help.

 

>From a technical viewpoint inversions, forward bends, a soft gaze

(pitta's tend to have that sharp gaze) and (static) spinal twists will

help release the heat (mainly seated in the small intestines). If

she's interested teach her a cooling breath like shitali.

 

Letting herbs on the side (maybe after she get's off regular meds),

again, a loving & accepting attitude is the key.

 

As far little things you can do to help and provide a positive

environment, Abhyanga (self massage with warm oils) is a great way to

cultivate self-love, let the oils soak at least 20 minutes (so it can

nourish the tissues) and avoid heating oils like sesame. Go for

coconut or sunflower. Make sure the shower temperature is not too hot.

 

Sandelwood is also soothing to pitta, you could consider incense or

even a sandelwood mala (meditation beads).

 

Avoid spicy foods, and favour foods that are cooling (research online

or in a ayurveda book). A little powdered ginger or ground black

pepper is considered to be on the safe side, and will help kindle agni

(the digestive power, both at a physical and a mental level).

 

I'm sure the hospital will direct you as what to do therapy-wise, but

these are some ideas you could incorpotate lifestyle & environment wise.

 

Just my $0.02 - I hope it helps a bit.

 

Atma prem,

Gurushabd Singh

(Albuquerque, NM)

 

 

 

Kundaliniyoga, Sangeet <sangeet@h...> wrote:

>

> Eight days ago my daughter attempted suicide by overdosing on a

lethal dose of caffeine, she will turn seventeen in two days. She is

very lucky to be alive.

> She was taken to hospital by ambulance and is now in a teen mental

health department of a hospital.

> After visiting her today, I am advised they Dr.'s are considering

having her go home by the end of the week.

> She, although very depressed appears to be obsessed with killing

herself and has implied this is her intention when she is out.

>

> She almost appears as though her soul is gone. There is a lot of

darkness around her and I feel great concern.

> She used to do yoga, but no longer has any interest.

> Is there a mantra I can do to send protection to her and the house

if she returns the way she is.

> As it is now I would not be able to leave her alone and not be able

to sleep as she is determined to not give up her plans.

> They have put her on Prozac.

> Please any recommendations would be appreciated and I do believe

this is more than just a regular depression.

> Blessings,

> Sangeet