Is there any way to seek treatment without taking medication. He is very adamant about not taking meds that will alter him in any way. He is so awesome when he's good, but when it hits him it really gets bad.
2006-08-18 06:19:40 · 11 answers · asked by stackman71 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
severe clinical depression DOES need medical supervision and there are many medications that can help.....however without medication he can go a long way to treating the symptoms.....physical exercise is proven to have a major antidepressant effect...it also can have the benefit of being something that he can concentrate his mind on...particularly if the exercise is taken as part of a definite activity...heavy garden work or decorating for example...encourage him to have one small task to achieve each day and to eat small regular meals....managing depression is a full time job and he may well need support to get through it....certainly from a good friend like yourself but from specialists who appreciate his need to take control of his life and not to lose his own sense of identity
2006-08-18 06:36:51 · answer #1 · answered by uplate 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes. The optimal treatment for depression is a form of talk therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or CBT for short). The best outcomes according to scientific research is a combination of CBT plus medication. If he is against medication that is fine, because the best research routinely demonstrates CBT to be better than medication alone. When looking for a therapist you want to find a psychologist (NOT psychiatrist) with a Ph.D. or Psy.D. who graduated from an APA accredited university. This will minimize the likelihood of getting treatment from an under-trained therapist or worse. Use the website below to find a therapist in your area. If he has Major Depressive Disorder that is not recurrent or complicated by other problems, most well trained CBT therapist should be able to treat him with 10 to 20 sessions.
2006-08-18 15:46:01 · answer #2 · answered by Ph_D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My sister has Depression.
I would seek therapy and ask the doctor for a diagnosis and reccomendations. Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain which is why most people take drugs to balance out.
There are herbal remidies you can look into that help balance out rather than meds: St. John's wart, Green Tea, 5 HTP
My sister makes a smoothie with powdered herbs in it for breakfast every morning. She takes meds though too.
2006-08-18 13:35:14 · answer #3 · answered by Artist1320 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your friend should look at alternative anti depressive methods, like yoga, exercise, or doing something for other people. Remember most people have depressive episodes, but some of them are stronger than others and it is hard not to consult with a professional if the problem persist or they become frequent. The way I deal with mines are by focus in other things like reading educational books, doing new activities and work.
2006-08-18 13:34:01 · answer #4 · answered by Engonos 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nope. Your friend has a chemical imbalance in the brain. Diabetes is a chemical imbalance in the blood. Anti-depressants work quite well, but take several weeks to kick in. Sometimes the meds must be adjusted, various kinds work differently on different people. Sometimes a mixture works better than just one. But you treat diabetes, don't you? You should also treat depression. Life ain't no fun when your whole day, your whole life is just dark, dark dark.
2006-08-18 14:26:51 · answer #5 · answered by April 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it is really sad that your friend is eliminating out of hand what is probably the fastest and easiest form of help. i would feel differently if your friend had already TRIED meds and found the results or side effects unacceptable.
the only way the meds alter me is that they keep me from crying all the time about things i don't even care about. Also, i have more energy.
2006-08-18 13:48:27 · answer #6 · answered by nickipettis 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depression has be very serious; its more than just been sad. Not all medication work on all people; and some of the home remedies had cause a bad reaction
2006-08-18 14:32:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well, I do not know!
As a friend it is great you are concerened. Maybe talk with the family and do an intervention. Find out what is really bugging him. I have seen and heard of camps that help people with sever depression. That route could possibly help. Good luck and be there for him.
2006-08-18 13:26:02 · answer #8 · answered by whatwhatwhatidontknowOK 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Vitamin B12 is a good mood booster. Try that if you aren't going to take any pills. I would still recommend going to see a doctor for more info.
2006-08-18 14:05:31 · answer #9 · answered by tankgirl190 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Maybe, but it is worth the shot.
Homemade remedies are free and do not use chemicals.
You can try this link:
http://www.grannymed.com/Meds/Stress-and-depression.aspx
Worth the shot
2006-08-18 13:28:57 · answer #10 · answered by Ron Shelf 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋