Is there any way to help depression other than prescription drugs?

Question

I was diagnosed with severe depression a few years ago and was put on Celexa but I didn't like how it made me feel. I stopped taking it and for a while I was doing well but lately the depression has come back and it's unbearable. Any suggestions other than drugs?

Answer 1

I dont know but I just saw a site with an electrical device to help. It looked pretty cool I'm thinking of trying it.

Answer 2

Miss, if you were on Celexa, then you shouldn't just take yourself off it. There are many other medications that might help; talk to your doctor, who will not only be able to prescribe alternative medicines (Prozac, Lexapro, Paxil, etc.), but be able to guide you with non-medical suggestions.

Remember that your doctor may put you on a combination of two drugs, lowering and raising the levels, until the exact right combination for you is found.

Of course, it's fashionable to treat mental illness without drugs, lately, but some of us really need the meds. I do, and have, for 25 years. And, I thank God for the treatment I've had; it's helped me lead a productive and happy life.

Answer 3

Talk to the people who are close to you about problems facing you and their possible solutions. As they say, two heads are better than one.

Learn to love yourself. Realize that everyone makes mistakes and that holding them against ourselves (or anyone else) doesn't make things any better.

If you don't have time for yourself, make time. It's really important to do some good things just for you. You can't be at your best taking care of other people if you yourself are suffering. If people tend to take advantage of you, learn to say "no!"

Find something to occupy your mind other than how awful you feel. Maybe some kind of art or craft, because if you spend your time creating something, you'll have something to show for it,and maybe that can help to lift your spirits.

As for me, I went with the anti-depressants for a couple of years until I was able to start emerging from the fog. My doctor wasn't crazy about the idea of stopping the meds, but I insisted, and so I did it slowly, and it worked just fine.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Yes, research is getting clearer about the positive effects of cognitive therapy as both an adjunct and stand alone treatment for depression. A book by Dr. David Burns called "Feeling Good" is a good resource to read for details about cognitive therapies. It's best, though, to contact a clinical psychologist who specializes in cognitive therapy and can tailor fit a treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Good luck and be well.

Answer 5

Counseling. I also have severe depression, and I get the most benefit from being on Paxil and also seeing a psychologist regularly. Whoever tried to put you on meds alone and expected you to be fine is a quack. Exercise is also wonderful, not only is it good for you but it increases the amount of endorphins (happy hormones) in your system.

Answer 6

Okay - I read that if you exercise, even if it is only walking, for 30 minutes a day it is supposed to help relieve depression. I haven't tried it. Most of the time after work I am too tired to do anything. I think it is worth a try. You might try St. John's Wort too. I couldn't take that for too long - it gave me headaches. Good Luck

Answer 7

This is a serious subject and you may need serious help like drugs or psychology.
All that I can recommend is develop a wider circle of (supportive) friends you can "vent" to, maybe even E friends (e mail pen pals). It may be easier to open up to people if you don't know them well.
Find humor in life.Look for funny DVDs and videos to watch. Listen to humorous music (Cab Calloway, Weird Al Yankovich, etc.) Look at online joke sites. Look for interesting websites. Heres a few optical illusion ones that are cool.
http://mindbluff.com/
http://www.eyetricks.com/illusions.htm...
http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/
http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/opticalillusions.htm
http://www.insearchofheroes.com/Steven%20Michael%20Gardner/brain%20balancing%20pictures%20by%20steven%20gardner.htm
Go to church. Try prayer. Heres an online prayer site where you can request prayer. You don't have to register.
http://onlineprayerchain.com/prayerboard/pb_list.php?ID=9884&count=Add+to+Prayer+Count
Fill up your free time. Volunteer to help other depressed people. Volunteer in other areas.

Answer 8

I don't think drugs is the answer, since if you are depressed it is since somthing on your mind/heart is bothering you. Try to think what causes it and how to change the situation.
Most people go through that stage, and not only once, it is usually a temporary problem you might not even be aware of.

Answer 9

of course the depression will come back. Let it happen and feel it. You are doing the right thing searching for a more natural solution. There are many religions, and zilliions of branches. But there is one for you. I am not to say which,

Answer 10

when i was younger i battled depression and insomnia for three years. i'd talked to four different doctors and put on three different medications, i even was hospitalized at one point. the only thing that really truly helped me was changing my perspective on life. stop seeing all the bad things in yourself and others and start working on bringing out all positive things. there is not a single person on this earth that can make your depression go away.......it's all within you to change, you have to be your own hero in this story. good luck.



oh and if you ever need someone to talk to im me: lilglmrpus

Answer 11

Try essential oils. They're available at the drug store or health food store. Geranium, Lavender, Sandlewood, and Roman Chamomile are all good for depression. Also, go to postsecret.com !! Good Luck :)