Alison Odey

Unfortunately many of our teenagers have very poor diets which lead to them becoming extremely mineral deficient. This in itself can lead to long term depression as well as a myriad of other problems.

As young adults these children do not have the skills to be able to recognize depression for what it is and do not realize that what they are suffering is a quite easily treatable condition, or know how to approach their feelings in order to be able to deal with them or
to be able to talk about them.

Zinc and Magnesium are two minerals that are extremely deficient in parts of NZ and often need to be supplemented.

A deficiency of Zinc can lead to symptoms of depression, lethargy, nervousness, poor immunity (often recurrent viral infections), acne, often poor taste and smell, loss of appetite, poor circulation, concentration and sleep and in some cases a tendency to faint.

At times it can be recognized by white spots appearing in the nails which are often brittle, stretch marks appearing on the skin and slow wound healing that tends to leave
scars. In teenagers there may be signs of sexual immaturity and in young women
often irregular menstrual cycles.
See page on ‘Zinc’.

Magnesium deficiency can cause symptoms of anxiety, depression, irritability, behavioural disturbances, disorientation and confusion, depression as well as disturbance of heart rhythm, insomnia, premenstrual tension, twitching or muscles (especially around the eye) and cramping.

Vitamin deficiency can also be a problem in teenagers, especially if fast foods and Coke predominate in the diet.
B Vitamins play an important part in the maintenance of the nervous system and a deficiency in any one of them can lead to symptoms of depression. A great improvement in moods and enthusiasm for life can be achieved by supplementing with Vitamin B complex.

At times even better results can be obtained with the addition of a separate supplementation of Vitamin B12.  This is often the case even when a blood test shows a so called ‘normal’ Vitamin B12 level.

Many teenagers are reluctant to take any supplements so sometimes the best way to manage the situation is to suggest that your teenager take a good multivitamin tablet daily. This is simple and easily complied with.

A daily dose of Colloidal minerals is also an excellent idea and will supply extra minerals
and all trace elements needed for the body to regain its health. These are liquid and easily added to juice.
See page on ‘Minerals – facts’ and ‘ Minerals – why we need to supplement’.

If you find that this not sufficient to help improve your teenagers out-look on life or if you want to do more right away, then the herb Saint John’s Wort is excellent. Saint John’s Wort has the effect of providing a very subtle shift in the pattern of thought from a
negative to a positive out-look.
It is not a huge ‘upper’ as some people seem to imagine. It is not harmful or addictive in any way and is also an extremely good anti-viral herb.

Evening Primrose Oil is another extremely good treatment for moods and depression and is especially good where there are bouts of weepiness.
I find that a dose of 3000mg is usually needed to lift the mood effectively. this can be taken at any time the mood is depressed or the tears threaten and can be repeated as necessary up to three times daily.
Go to the On-line shop for organic Evening Primrose Oil.