Does anyone know if there is a alternative medicine for depression?

Question

If so what is it and where can i go to get it?

Answer 1

It is important to know the source first. Depression could be due to different factors:

It could be because of lack of sun, be more outdoors in the sunshine or take melatonin.

If it is because of poor sleeping habits, try to add more hours and reduce your brain pace an hour before sleep.

If it is hormonal, eating less processed food and exercising during the day will help your body need rest. Specially avoid sugars and sweets hours before sleep.

St.John'sWort and other herbs don't help as much as previously believed. Nevertheless Vitamin B's and Omega-3 fatty acids (specially from fish and nuts) seem to reduce depression according to newer research. Go to yahoo yellowpages to find a health food store near you.

Depression could also be the source of your incompatibility with your ambience. If you hate the weather, scenery or stress that where you live offers, consider a change to a more compatible ambiance in the future.

If depression occured since a tragic event, remember that your beautiful Maker can help you reconnect with Himself... the source of good life, hope and joy. Talk to God, He may show you the Way.

Answer 2

You could try 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), which can be purchased at any good health food or vitamin shop. 5-HTP is the precursor for serotonin, so if your depression is caused by a lack of dopamine or norepinephrine instead of serotonin, I don't know if it would be effective.

Another alternative is SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine), although I've heard mixed opinions on its safety and effectiveness. SAM-e is available over the counter in the USA, but is prescription only in Europe. SAM-e is also rather expensive.

St. John's Wort works like a typical SSRI in that it inhibits serotonin reuptake. But St. John's Wort can interact with a lot of other medicines so you need to be careful with the dosage.

I would suggest you talk to your doctor or an alternative medical practitioner for specific advice before taking any "natural" remedies. If your depression is severe, as in you meet the clinical definition, prescription medicines are probably the best way to go. These "natural" remedies don't do squat for me - only Zoloft does.

Answer 3

St. Johns Wort has failed clinical trials. It doesn't work. There is no 'alternative medicine' that works for depression yet. If it does work, then it'll just be called medicine. If the depression is serious (suicidal, etc) then don't screw around. See a doctor.

If you really want an 'alternative' to taking medication for depression, then exercise is probably the best bet. It's cheap, too! Just go for a walk.

Answer 4

I've suffered from depression on and off for years. So, here's what I've found to be effective:

ST John's wort does help. It's gradual, but I've found that it alleviates the large portion of the symptoms.

Exercise is wonderful. It makes you feel better about yourself and helps your body get back to producing the chemicals that allow you to feel good.

I'm now taking something called Sam-e that is helping me tremendously. It's over the counter. As with any medication, it's important to remember to start with lower dosages and increase gradually. I'm currently taking 25mg a day. Taking too much can have adverse effects -like nervousness.

Meditation and yoga are helpful for becoming centered and balanced.

And most importantly, friendship. The more healthy human interaction we have the happier we feel. It might sound cliche, but hugs are healthy!

Answer 5

This may not seem like alternantive medicine, but walking and exercising are great ways to get rid of or greatly reduce depression. If you were looking for a quick solution in the form of an herb, then St.john or valerium.

www.mercola.com

Answer 6

go for a run! get the endorphines released from your brain, studies have shown that running 30 min daily have the same effects as the leading antidepressants on the market, besides u get in shapes, which makes u feel better, do not get distracted when running looking aroung focus ur gaze in the farness of the street/park this way the feeling of continuation and accomplishment mix together, allow urself to feel the sun beat up on ur face, the wind mixing up with ur sweat, the burning in the legs that feels good, and all that good stuff. good luck :)

Answer 7

Hi ive heard that st johns wort is suppose to be good but it does effect some medication though, If you have a herbal shop near you you can have a word with the shop assistant with your symptoms and she will give you something for them and it herbal so it has no side effects, i went to the herbal shop near me as the doctor would not prescribe me anti depressant as they can be addictive. I told the woman at the counter my symptons and she said to try passiflora tablets and they dont half work and have no side effects.Hope this helps

Answer 8

Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

and pray!=)

Answer 9

St. Johns Wart and you can get it at walmart

Read all the warnings about the medicine before you take it to make sure it is right for you. I would get the most pure form at a herb shop if you can afford it.

Answer 10

Get the Pranic Healing session to treat depression. I had so many clients with depression I had helped. It really works.