Is it possible to manage depression without medication?

Question

I've been on medication for 2 years but I don't want to be on it for the rest of my life. I've tried weening myself off, but it's been very difficult.

Answer 1

probably not. depression, we are coming to understand more and more, is a physical (brain chemistry) disease.

Each depressive episode causes physical changes to the brain, which make successive episodes worse (and easier to have).

Think about any other incurable disease - hypertension, diabetes, HIV, etc - you wouldn't try to manage those without medication would you.

You need to start thinking of depression as a real disease that is affecting you and try to manage it that way, IMHO.

Answer 2

If this is the first time that you've been depressed, working through the triggering event, exercise, healthy diet, and meditation/yoga/self-time might do the trick. This is the type of depression that most people experience to some degree or another and so these are their answers.

If this is not the first time you've been majorly depressed (be honest with yourself), then all of the above strategies may work. BUT, you will also need to recognize that you have a high probability of slipping again. In other words, be self-aware of the signs and willing to return to meds if your brain chemistry screws up again.

If you've been depressed much of your life and have tried the self-help activities before without much improvement, there's a high probability that your brain chemistry is sufficiently out of whack that meds may be necessary long-term. That just means you have a disease not much different from diabetes in that you can't wish, meditate or exercise it away.

So, if you are already taking care of your body and heart, manage the disease with the meds instead of letting the disease manage your emotions. If you're not doing healthy things for yourself, try doing them consistently over time. They might just work!

Answer 3

Yes, you can manage depression without medication.but you should do so uder the guidance of a really good, I mean qualified, counsellor.
these are some of the things that naturally lift the mood by releasing endorphins (feel good hormones) into the blood stream:
walking and other appropriate exercise.
fresh air
sunshine

One of things that makes us more depressed is when our whole system becomes sluggish to clear out your system and get it moving again try:
Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
drinking lots of water

Relieving stress also lifts the mood so try:
meditation
yoga
counselling

depression is a natural response to sad events, poor environment, and stress.

I don't look at it as an illness but rather a state of being that can be changed.

Dr Bob Rich offers advice and counselling via email and he is all for managing depression without medication.

check out this website:

Answer 4

I am sure the answer to the question is yes. However this would depend on the individual. Depression is a medical condition that affects most of us at some time in our lives. To a greater or lesser extent depending on the person.

Drugs - those prescribed by a doctor of course help control it but there are things one can do for oneself. As the previous answers pointed out Meditation and Yoga are excellent forms of non-chemical therapy but lets not forget EXERCISE.

Exercise releases endorphins which are the "happy" chemicals. As a depression sufferer I found exercise helpful.

I have also found that depression goes in cycles. These could be years apart but it is important that you know what your body is telling you. Don't be afraid of talking to your doctor and discussing Wit them alternatives if you are not willing to take medication. You may be surprised as to how resourceful they are.

There are also natural alternatives such as St. Johns Wort which is available from health food shops. It has been shown that St. Johns Wort can have a similar effect on the production of "happy" chemicals in the brain.

Answer 5

I love that you are looking for natural ways to help yourself - here is are some idea's - these are what have really really helped me. Good luck with everything. 1. Try Byron Katie - she is fantastic - I cant' recommend her highly enough. 2. If you get panic attacks, sign up for the free emails on the panicaway website. 3. Try reading Patrick Holford's "Low GL diet" - blood sugar imbalances can cause havoc with your body and symptoms include depression, mood swings, tiredness, drowsiness after eating, cravings for sweet foods, headaches, heart palpitations, anxiety, irritability, agrressive outbursts, crying spells, excessive sweating, dizziness and trembling. 4. Keep two journals. One for writing down all your feelings, this is really good for clearing out your anxieties and getting all your war onto paper, you can delete it straight after if you need to, it's just good to really see your stressful thinking. And the other can be your gratitude journal - write down all the things you are grateful for that happened today. 5. Read "Happiness is a Choice" by Barry Neils Kauffman. Sending you love and hugs and best wishes!! xxx

Answer 6

Yes. I suffer from depression and i cant have medication.

I just live with it and take one day at a time.

Answer 7

Yes, atleast i believe so. Surrounding yourself with people who care about you and doing things you enjoy always helps you feel good about yourself. Find something you really like doing, and do it when you feel like your down. Do things that give you natural highs, like riding roller coasters or running with a freind. If these dont help, talking to somone you trust lets you get the bad feelings out in the open and maybe they can help you solve whatever is bothering you.

Answer 8

i have depression and if i go off my meds its basically lights out. you can try , all people are different, but just listen to your body and if you can't handle it, get on some meds asap

Answer 9

Go exercise..begin with running in a location of your choice. made a difference to a very close member of my family. :)

Answer 10

change ur habits, swim , dance, go out with friends, listen to some music