Are there any other alternatives to treating depression, other than the use of prescription drugs or therapy?

Answer 1

Exercise is supposed to be very good. Walk 30 minutes every day without fail.

Answer 2

You could take non-prescription drugs or do nothing.

In Japan, for example, they opt to do nothing. Depression's not classified as a mental illness so there are no approved anti-depressants. They have one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Jumping in front of the subway is one of the favorite ways to off yourself, so instead of combatting the cause, the railway system installed mirrors across the rails from the subway platforms to deter people. Of course, it still happens a lot and people get all upset that they are late for work. The subway company actually has a pre-printed form they give you in case you're late stating that the train was delayed due to suicide, so you don't get in trouble.

Herbal rememdies like St. John's Wort is said to work, but it can cause a lot of other complications, especially drug interactions that most people are not aware about.

Answer 3

Definitely seek professional help whether it is from a Naturopath or an M.D. Prescription drugs and therapy work well if used together. There are alternatives you just have to figure out what works for you (with help of course). There is lots of support and resources out there, you are not alone.

Answer 4

You really would be better off being under a physician's care. But if you can't for whatever reason...

Exercise- get your body moving so it will release endorphins- the natural 'feel-good' chemicals.

Dance- see exercise.

Garden- it gets you out in the sun (which does help some kinds of depression), and digging in the earth is soothing in a way- especially if there is a chance of something growing that you planted.

Learn some other hobby. It's amazing what the sensation of actually creating something can do.

Good luck!

Answer 5

be among happy people as much as possible, listen to happy music. don't watch sad stuff on tv.write down everything you are thinking while you are feeling bad. and remember the bad patches usually only last a few days so remind yourself that in a couple of days you will be feeling fine again ,take the medication you have /or get some from your doctor .it is a great help. there are places to go to talk to other people about your depression. and don't let it take over your life .get a job and spend your money on yourself .my very best wishes to you , i had this years ago but i am ok now

Answer 6

homeopathic ways.. tyrosine an amino acid lacking from bod chemistry providing it is a chemistry problem or lack of.. if it is hereditary not good..Tyrosine a natural thing of course feeds the moods and balances you out it is found in meats or take the pill at gnc. read about it in their guide book.. also skullcap at night another natural herb relaxes ur nerves at bedtime mixed with Valerian root ( which is natural and used in Valium) vit b complex you need sub lingual to absorb it better.. be around positive energy people and go to reiki classes or go to a practitioner .. this is best you can do naturally .. they do use tyrosine now for adht add and hyper people

Answer 7

Prescription drugs can be extremely effective if presribed correctly and taken correctly. Don't write them off, because the alternatives might not be so good.

Answer 8

Excercise is pretty much the only other alternative. St. Johns was proven to be useless a long time ago.

Answer 9

Vit D from sunlight and exercise are really good. And one other thing that will help is to not dwell on the past and learn to forgive.

Answer 10

depression is a disease just as diabetes and cancer.It is a chemical imbalance and you cannot treat it yourself without medications.There is nothing wrong with taking medications for this illness,you should not have to suffer needlessly.