Almost 6% of Australians suffer from depression each year and it’s estimated that one in seven will experience depression at some point in their lives. In the US, the figures are similar.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, those figures are rising alarmingly as people face increasing financial pressures and are isolated from friends and family during lockdowns.
Interestingly, countries with the lowest rates of depression are those that place a strong value on community and connection.
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses and symptoms can range from mild to severe:
Feelings of sadness
Reduced interest in hobbies and activities
Weight loss or gain
Changes in sleep patterns
Reduced energy
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of worthlessness
Suicidal thoughts
Some medical conditions such as thyroid disease or vitamin deficiencies can cause symptoms of depression. It’s therefore important to be checked for underlying causes before trying to treat it yourself.
Depression can be treated in a number of ways, the most common being a prescription of antidepressants from your doctor. While these can be effective, they can also cause unwanted side-effects such as weight gain and loss of libido. When the drugs are stopped, there can be a return of depressive symptoms unless the weaning process is managed carefully.
There are also many natural remedies which can be helpful for mild to moderate depression. These include vitamin and mineral supplements such as B-complex vitamins; herbs such as St John’s Wort; essential oils such as grapefruit or lavender; as well as mindfulness techniques.
Crystals can also be very beneficial as a leading complementary therapy for depression. With their ability to bring calmness, release energetic trauma and get positive energy flowing through the mind and body, crystals for beginners that provide supportive companionship through depression. There are several crystals that can provide energetic healing and support when you are feeling down, including Amethyst and Chrysocolla. But our #1 top pick crystal for depression is Citrine.
Why Citrine is the best crystal for depression
Citrine is a joyous stone, lifting spirits and dispelling negativity. It encourages feelings of optimism so you can move forward with positivity instead of dwelling on the past.
Citrine boosts self-confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to embrace new experiences without fear. It brings abundance of all kinds into your life.
A naturally sunny stone, Citrine energizes you on all levels, increasing your creativity and love for life.
How to use Citrine for depression
Citrine can be used in several ways to lift your spirits when you are feeling blue:
· Wear as a favourite piece of jewellery so that the stone is in contact with your skin. A necklace of Citrine, worn against the throat chakra, can help you better express your feelings. At the heart it provides emotional support and at the solar plexus chakra citrine brings confidence and positivity.
· Make a crystal elixir using the healing energy of the sun. Place a tumbled Citrine stone in a glass of water and leave in the sun for several hours. This can then be sipped throughout the day. (Please be 100% sure that the stone you’re using really is Citrine, as many stones are toxic if taken internally. If in doubt, place the stone inside a separate glass container before immersing in water)
· Use Citrine points to create a healing grid around your bed or another sacred space.
It’s important to understand that depression can be a serious illness and you should always seek the support you need. If your symptoms are severe and/or you’re having suicidal thoughts, please see a qualified health practitioner as soon as possible.
Kate Mantello is a Master Crystal & Energy Healing Practitioner, Founder & CEO of Evolve Healing Institute, and the author of 'Rock On - The crystal healing handbook for spiritual rebels'. If you would like to learn more about crystal healing or how to become a crystal healing practitioner, then please check out Kate's world-class, internationally accredited online crystal healing courses. Alternatively, for a deeply personal healing experience, you may like to book a 1-1 online intuitive crystal healing session with Kate, which also includes your very own crystal prescription.
Mel Shieldhouse is a copywriter and content creator at Teacup Copy. She writes for entrepreneurs in the creative and wellness industries.