The Luxury of Depression
C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.
In 1976 one of my patients remarked “I now realize that I cannot afford the luxury of depression!”
Indeed, depression robs you of all of the good aspects of life and it robs you of health, longevity and even mind! In a study of individuals 85 and older, followed for at least 5 years, those with depression at the initial evaluation were 70% more likely to be demented within 5 years. Of course, many of the longstanding depressed died long before age 85! For instance, those who are depressed and have a heart attack are twice as likely to die within two years as those not depressed. Indeed, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity are far more common in chronically depressed patients. And as Hans Eysenck showed, lifelong depressed individuals die an average of 35 years earlier than autonomous or self-actualized individuals.
Considering the phenomenal use of antidepressant drugs, it would indeed be nice if those drugs helped depression, health and longevity. Unfortunately, the vast majority of patients on antidepressants are NOT happy. In other words the drugs FAIL miserably!
By far the best, safest and most effective (85% effective and 100% safe) treatment is the use of:
- The Liss Cranial Electrical Stimulator (now the Fisher Wallace)
- The Shealy RelaxMate
- Magnesium lotion
Personally, I recommend that depressed individuals start with Air Bliss twice daily on the Ring of Air. If that works, rejoice. If not, then insist upon the three pronged approach listed above. Remember, if you are on antidepressants, you MUST NOT stop them suddenly. You need to be weaned over 3 to 6 weeks!
My dear friend, Saul Liss, died at 80 years of age several years ago, of complications of surgery to replace a heart valve. He was vibrant and creative until then. His patent was acquired by Fisher Wallace Laboratories and now is the cranial electrical stimulator of choice for depression, anxiety, jet lag and insomnia! I have personally tried the Fisher Wallace Stimulator and can vouch that it provides the same output and benefit as the LISS.