Clinical depression (also called major-depressive disorder or unipolar depression) is a common psychiatric disorder, characterized by a pervasive low mood, loss of interest in usual activities and diminished ability to experience pleasure.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, a seasonal shift to depression and excessive sleepiness during the winter months. SAD is related to a lack of exposure to sunlight and shorter daylight hours.

Postnatal depression (PND) is a depressive illness that occurs after having a baby. It is common for women following childbirth to experience a period of 'low' mood. This can range in severity from a mild and normal period of mood disturbance ('baby blues'), through to PND and the most severe and rarest problem (postnatal psychosis).

Mr Stefan Chmelik on Depression

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), Postnatal depression Being ‘depressed’ is not a yes or no. Mood disorders are on a scale, from mild, where you simply may feel directionless and unmotivated by anything, to severe, where every aspect of your life is involved and there may be suicidal thoughts.

Severe manic-depression is beyond the scope of an out-patient setting such as the one we offer. However, many people with mild-to-moderate depression have experienced lasting relief and hope using integrated, natural and holistic methods such as the ones we provide.

I have worked both with people who are on or want to come off chemical antidepressants, and people who want to avoid going down that route. Mood disorders can sometimes be complex and treatment may take some time, but techniques such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, bodywork and visualization can provide real and lasting benefits. I also specialize in using Mindfulness meditation as a tool for recovery.

“Dear Stefan - I have had a brilliant Christmas and (usually for me) SAD season, whatever you did, I felt upbeat, fought off flu’s, and have had the best Christmas ever, with positive vibes and all good things, and I think I have to thank you, for what you did. Will see you late January for a booster!”

Pam Hardyment, Twickenham

Dr Brian Kaplan on Depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Post natal depression Depression, whatever the cause, is a very real problem in today’s society. There are a great many types of depression from debilitating disease where the individual is hardly capable of getting out of bed in the morning to simple sadness – which has been called ‘depression’.

Some cases are extremely severe and need treatment with orthodox antidepressants of various kinds – at least for a while. In the first consultation, Dr. Kaplan will make a medical assessment and advise you on what course of action he would recommend. The general approach will be to avoid orthodox drugs wherever possible.

Homeopathy: Over the years, I have found that certain cases of depression can be helped with homeopathic medicines such as Aurum metallicum, Natrum muriaticum, Phosphoric acidum, Sepia and many other remedies. However homeopathy in my opinion is not always enough to treat depression. It often requires the source of the depression to be identified and dealt with. To this end, a course of Provocative Therapy may be recommended to patients who understand and accept that Provocative Therapy will use clinical reverse psychology and humorous insights to help you identify and enact the solution to the cause of your depression.

Sometimes patients suffer from a combination of depression and anxiety. These people can benefit from a course of Autogenic Therapy which can be very helpful in dealing with the anxiety. When the anxiety is alleviated, the depression and sadness often improve too.

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