Life can often get rough and over time the human mind reacts with chronic sadness. Essentially, the ‘joie de vivre’ has gone and the mind begins to ruminate over negative thoughts where nothing seems to be pleasurable and fun anymore. This is the classic picture of a depressive illness, and at Les Mariannes, we see this pattern very often following bereavement, job loss, loss of social status, and interpersonal conflicts.
However, in some instances, depressive illnesses are not always related to life events or circumstances – rather it is the onset of a biochemical imbalance in the brain. This condition is called ‘endogenous depressive illness’ and can affect many people. It’s common for people to ask why such a condition has been bestowed upon them, especially since they have no reason to feel sad and depressed.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has predicted that by 2030, depression will account for being the most common disability over most physical and mental disorders amongst the worldwide population.

What are the different types of depression?
Below are some of the common symptoms of depressive illness to look out for:
- Persistent low mood – where even good news doesn’t seem to give you that ‘kick’ anymore
- Social withdrawal – being around others becomes stressful
- Withdrawal from work and study – resulting in poor performance
- Irritability and frustration and a lack of joy in activities that you once enjoyed
- Sensitivity to criticism coupled with insomnia and sleep disturbance
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Slowing down of thoughts and actions
- Increased somatic complaints such as fatigue and bodily aches and pains
- An increased use of drugs and alcohol
Untreated depression
If left untreated, depression often becomes more severe and can result in a range of serious implications including:
- Attempting to self-harm
- Suicidal attempts
- Having negative relationships with loved ones
- Sleep disorders (resulting in either too little or too much sleep)
- Irresponsible and anti-social behaviour
- Poor lifestyle habits such as heavy smoking, eating disorders and poor health in general
- The development of co-occurring addictions as a way to relieve the symptoms of the depressive illness
How we treat depression at Les Mariannes?
At Les Mariannes, our approach is unique and we aim to make you feel at home without any impersonal relationships or cold clinical settings. Our sanctuary is a place where you will feel relaxed and cared for by our happy staff who will make sure you feel comfortable, at ease and part of our big healing family. One of the reasons we keep our program numbers small is to ensure that everybody gets the full attention and personal care they deserve.
Secondly, the environment surrounding Les Mariannes is infused with peace, blended in an unspoilt location where nature dominates, you’ll discover greenery all around with ginger and pineapple plantations and the sweet fragrance of mature sugar cane fields. Not to mention the sun kissed plantations, colourful butterflies and guaranteed blue skies. Our sanctuary offers a deeply soul enriching experience whilst helping to reactivate the inner healer in every one of our guests.
Precise Diagnosis
Precise Diagnosis is a method that produces rapid and lasting results. A precise diagnosis allows us to fully understand each individual and helps us to identify any triggers that likely created the cascade of negative thinking all of which contributes to the development of depressive illness. A thorough psychological assessment combined with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy can help us to achieve more successful outcomes when it comes to treatment and recovery.
Our inhouse psychiatrist will evaluate your condition and prescribe the right medication (s) that will address your condition most effectively. Keeping in mind that our treatment philosophy here at Les Mariannes, is to use the safest medications possible with the aim of getting each one of our clients as drug free as possible.
At Les Mariannes, our team specializes in the use of natural herbal medications both from Indian (Ayurveda) and Chinese medicine (TCM. Using these herbal preparations enhances the natural balance of the brain’s transmitters.
Our 360 degree treatment approach blends holistic and Western based therapies smoothly and seamlessly – though we understand that every patient is unique and no two treatment programs are the same. Throughout your treatment, you will develop healthy coping mechanisms that you can adapt to your daily life after you leave the sanctuary. Our counsellors work together and will give you best-in-class specialist treatments and attention such as individual counselling, group therapy and a range of holistic therapies.
Unlike nonresidential psychiatric treatment, staying at our sanctuary will provide you with focussed attention combined with a synergy of tailor made therapies. Staying with us at Les Mariannes will give you the break you need to become a more enriched, healthier and balanced individual allowing you to continue your life in a meaningful way.
Recover from Depression in beautiful Mauritius







