Balancing Depression with Bach Flower Essences can provide purpose and direction.  In my last blog, I talked about anxiety and the drive behind it is a sped up, out-of-control feeling.  Depression is the opposite; a slow heaviness with an inability to feel, move or even think clearly.  It’s when the idea of picking yourself up and doing something to feel better seems a colossal burden. 

“If you are depressed you are living in the past. 
If you are anxious you are living in the future. 
If you are at peace you are living in the present.” 
~ Lao Tzu

Feel Alive Again

When I see clients who display this weighed down energy, I offer flower essences to help elevate them out of this state so that they can begin to feel alive again and be able to begin practices that will help them grow and heal.

• Mustard is used when a dark, heavy shadow covers over life, suddenly and without any known reason. The mustard flower blooms profusely at the very end of winter, before any other spring flowers have peeked out of the soil.  The vibrant yellow color is a sight to behold and the energetic quality offered is that of joy and light.  I have found it effective in treating seasonal depression.

• Gentian is the flower essence of choice when one feels depressed after a setback. It might be when one has made a mistake or isn’t progressing quickly enough in recovering from an illness; the feeling is that of discouragement and doubt.  This flower essence imparts a feeling of hopefulness, with an ability to pick up and carry on with a newfound sense of confidence and perseverance.

• Gorse is used for a deep, dark, stuck depression when everything feels useless. I often notice this in clients who are immobilized to the point of not wanting to try anything more to heal.  However, they will humor me and take their remedy, even though they feel as if they can’t or it won’t help.  What they perceive is the darkness lifting and a sense of optimism filling their being.  From here, they become more positive and motivated to take on the work of healing.

• Wild Rose. Just the thought of this queenly flower with its heavenly scent is enough to put one on the road to feeling more alive.  The negative state is one of disconnection from life; a resignation to accept things as they are, without any want to participate in life’s offerings.  The positive quality is an ability to feel present, joyful and active in what life has to offer.

 Becoming Resilient

“So you must not be frightened if a sadness rises up before you larger than any you have ever seen; if a restiveness, like light and cloudshadows, passes over your hands and over all you do. You must think that something is happening with you, that life has not forgotten you, that it holds you in its hand; it will not let you fall. Why do you want to shut out of your life any uneasiness, any miseries, or any depressions? For after all, you do not know what work these conditions are doing inside you.” 
~ Rainer Maria Rilke

Short bouts of depression are a normal part of being human and can act as a catalyst to point to our imbalances so that we can take steps to create equilibrium.  Although depression makes it difficult to want to help our selves, after taking a flower essence remedy that correlates to your specific imbalance, you become better able to begin practices. This offers more resilience.  Once you begin to feel stronger, the following exercises can put you on the road to a more whole way of being.  This is why balancing depression with Bach Flower Essences can be a good first step.

Movement is essential in working with depression. Even as little as a 10-15 minute walk daily will help one feel more connected to their body and feel more alive.  The practices of Yoga, Tai Chi and Qui Gong are all powerful ways to access feelings of vitality.

Take time to be in Nature. This can be as simple as going outside and noticing the life force that surrounds you.  It is our human nature to resonate with the elements of life on earth; be it plants, animals, water, soil.  Go outside and touch what appeals to your senses.  Notice how this is a natural process that soothes the spirit and connects you more deeply with self and the great mystery of life.

Reach out to friends and family members. Take a risk to reveal what you are feeling.  Chances are, they have been there before and understand what you are going through.  Recognizing our connectedness with others is a deep part of healing.  Knowing that you are not alone is a salve for the soul.  Consequently, it helps us to be part of a greater whole that can hold us when we are feeling down.

Take the First Step

Being able to name depression when it comes on and balancing depression with Bach Flower Essences is the first step in healing it.  This can be difficult when you are feeling stuck and immobilized.  Sometimes it’s important to work with a skilled guide to help you move beyond this state of paralysis.  Making an effort to reach out for help is empowering and will help to shine a light on the darkness of depression.  I encourage my readers to join our wellness community to get insights on the benefits of flower essences and wellness tips.