Triple Impact: A Three-Pronged Strategy to Support Patients with Depressive Symptoms
In a recent DesBio Product Mastery and Mentorship Group event, Dr. Jeff Thomas, a naturopathic physician practicing in the greater Seattle area, shared valuable insights on supporting patients with depressive symptoms using DesBio’s innovative products and the Power of Three approach. This comprehensive guide summarizes key points from his presentation, aiming to enhance practitioners’ understanding of these common issues and provide strategies for supporting patients using DesBio’s products and a holistic philosophy.
Understanding Depressive Symptoms: A Biopsychosocial Model
Dr. Thomas emphasized the importance of viewing depressive symptoms through a biopsychosocial lens. This model recognizes that various factors contribute to an individual’s experience of depressive symptoms:
- Biological factors: Including gut health, chronic infections, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers.
- Social factors: Assessing the patient’s social life, support systems, and tendencies towards isolation or connection.
- Psychological factors: Examining mental health history, coping mechanisms, and thought patterns.
By considering all these aspects, practitioners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of their patients’ experiences and create more effective support strategies.
The Power of Three Approach
DesBio’s Power of Three philosophy aligns well with the biopsychosocial model, addressing health concerns on three key levels:
- Physical
- Energetic
- Mental-Emotional
Dr. Thomas demonstrated how this approach can be applied to support patients with depressive symptoms using specific DesBio products.
Physical Support: Vitalize
Vitalize is a dietary supplement designed to support physical energy and motivation. Dr. Thomas shared his approach to introducing this product:
- Engage patients in a discussion about their goals and desires.
- Help them visualize and feel what achieving those goals would be like.
- Introduce Vitalize as a tool to help support their journey towards those goals.
This product may temporarily relieve symptoms associated with lack of energy and motivation.
Energetic Support: Cerebromax
Cerebromax is a homeopathic remedy that may temporarily relieve symptoms associated with mental fog and cognitive difficulties. Dr. Thomas described it as a way to “clear the terrain” and provide support for the brain and nervous system.
Mental-Emotional Support: Elevate
Elevate is a homeopathic remedy designed to temporarily relieve symptoms associated with mood imbalances and distressing thought patterns. Dr. Thomas recommends using standardized questionnaires like the Beck Depression Inventory or PHQ-9 to track changes over time when using this product.
The Importance of Language and Connection
Dr. Thomas emphasized the power of language in supporting patients with depressive symptoms. He encourages practitioners to:
- Use empowering language that gives patients a sense of hope and agency.
- Create a safe space for patients to explore their experiences without judgment.
- Practice active listening and validate patients’ experiences.
Case Studies and Practical Applications
Dr. Thomas shared several case studies demonstrating the application of the Power of Three approach:
- A therapist experiencing severe depressive symptoms who found temporary relief with Elevate.
- A 65-year-old woman navigating major life changes who benefited from a combination of Elevate, Esteem, and lifestyle changes.
- A 23-year-old male with a history of attempted suicide who slowly opened up with the support of Esteem.
These cases illustrate the importance of patience, persistence, and individualized care in supporting patients with depressive symptoms.
Practical Tips for Practitioners
- Consider using half doses for sensitive patients or children.
- Be patient with the healing process, which is often non-linear.
- Use standardized questionnaires to track progress over time.
- Don’t take patients’ initial reluctance or limited engagement personally.
- Trust the process and allow time for the products to take effect.
Conclusion
Dr. Thomas’s presentation underscored the complexity of supporting patients with depressive symptoms and the effectiveness of DesBio’s Power of Three approach. By addressing physical, energetic, and mental-emotional aspects of health, practitioners can provide more comprehensive support for their patients. The DesBio product line offers versatile tools that can be customized to each patient’s unique needs, supporting overall health and wellness.
DesBio Resources for Practitioners
DesBio’s wide range of homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, and educational resources empower practitioners to enhance their clinical skills and deliver comprehensive care.
- Apply for a Practitioner Account: https://desbio.com/apply-now/
- Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://desbio.com/calendar
DesBio practitioners have access to:
- 1:1 consults with a team of medical educators
- Training programs focusing on diagnostic strategies and clinical how-tos
- Case studies and troubleshooting tips
- Forums, webinars, and product mastery groups
As a DesBio practitioner, you have access to this Product Mastery and Mentorship Group event and many others. Click here to view the full recording now.
