Is there any way to treat depression without medication?

Question

I want to be free of my depression without the use of medications as they have a lot of undesirable side effects, including weight gain. I definately don't want that.

Answer 1

http://www.mercola.com/2001/mar/31/depression.htm
Exercise Better Than Drugs For Depression

Besides its physical health benefits, exercise is often said to help people simply feel good. And a growing number of studies are showing that these mood-boosting effects may even fight clinical depression.


Researchers found that walking for 30 minutes each day quickly improved the patients' symptoms -- faster, in fact, than antidepressant drugs typically do.


The results indicate that, in selected patients with major depression, aerobic training can produce a substantial improvement in symptoms in a short time.


Previous studies have suggested that exercise is a potent mood-booster, and some research indicates that for some patients regular activity may be a better depression treatment than psychotherapy or medication. Exactly why is unclear, but exercise does influence certain mood-related hormones. And it is also believed to enhance people's sense of control over their lives.


In one study that compared exercise with antidepressants among older adults, investigators found that physical activity was the more effective depression-fighter.

British Journal of Sports Medicine April 2001;35:114-117

Answer 2

Many things affect your depression, like diet, exercise, people you are around, etc. eating health and exercise will help a little. Maybe you could talk to a councelor to help you understand why your are depressed (or a friend you can open up with that is mature).

I too get the blues, I notice it's worse if the house is a wreck, and if I don't try to look presentable. I know its hard, but also try to look on the brighter side (easier said than done), and spend time with people who aren't pessimistic.

Most of all take it easy on yourself. I know you probably feel frustrated when things go wrong, but remember that stuff happens, and it isn't your fault. Do something nice for yourself and someone else sometimes, and try not to give in. St. John's Wart or Wort is a supplement that will help enhance your mood, which may help also. It's like $8 or less and you'll find it with the vitamins. Hope that kind of helps, but if not talk to someone.

And maybe forgive yourself and others that have done anything to hurt you. I know that I had to forgive myself, but I finally figured why let a mistake ruin my day, everyday from here on out.

Answer 3

Not all medications have side effects that are negative. Most go away after your body adjust to the medication. I was like you, I didn't want to take medicine, but I do have a chemical imbalance and need too. I'm taking paxil and effexor. Also note that the side affects listed do not happen to everyone. Our bodies are unique and react to medicines in drfferent ways. Another thing is even if one person out of one million reported weight gain, then they still have to list it even thought they might have been pigging out and blamed it on the meds.

There are so many options when it comes to medication. It's really a trial and error process. You try one untill you find something that works for you. I got mine right on the first try.

If you have seasonal depression, sunlamps might work. Writing in a journal or talking to someone helps anyone.

But don't be afarid to take a medicine because of the side effects. Most will never happen and if they do talk to you doctor and he will change you medication. I have been taking them for about 8 months and I have been feeling alot better. It still about of work though...meds are not happy magic pills that make all your problems go away.,

Good luck to you. <3

Answer 4

Counseling and group therapy are some choices. Have you been medically diagnosed with Depression, or are you just feeling very down about things lately. Changing things around you can create a positive and uplifting effect. Reducing stress in the home and at work are also changes for the better and getting the proper amount of sleep(not too much and not too little), regular exercise that gets your blood pumping and elevates your heart rate can increase a positive attitude, but if minor changes like these aren't helping, seek professional treatment from a trained Therapist.

Answer 5

There are herbal treatments, such as St. John's wort that may help. You could also try exercising to relieve stress and depression. Running works for me. If I feel a bit down, I go for a nice run. It works every time. You could also try therapy. I think everyone could use a little. You talk to someone that is there just for you. They're not a friend so they more likely will have a better perspective than a friend or relative. They don't know you as well so they can be more objective. Plus they're trained to deal with these types of problems. These are things that have helped me in the past. Good luck!

Answer 6

I would say that if you truly wanted to treat your depression, you would take the meds. Many have very few side effects; you can read the label on Tylenol and get a host of side effects too. Depression is difficult to treat without medications. It's hard on you and everyone else around you. If you had diabetes, would you not take insulin? Of course you would. It's a disease that you can't control. So is depression. Then again, some people enjoy their depressed state and being a victim to their mental problem. Wise up. You're wasting precious time as it is! Take your meds!

Answer 7

Diet, exercise (even when you don't want to or feel like it - gotta boost the endorphins that fight depression) and a good sleep schedule. Stay away from sugars and empty calorie foods and exercise at least 20-30 minutes a day (twice a day is better if you can pull it off; morning and afternoon/early evening) before 7 p.m. or so. Get to bed early and try to stay in a routine. This should help and would be more effective with some kind of therapy/counseling with a supportive therapist who agrees to a drug free approach. Good luck!

Answer 8

Anti-depressants only make you worse, you are right in getting off them! Try going to the gym, or joining a group (running, hiking, reading, etc). Start making lists of things you want to improve in your life. Maybe you want to spruce up your apartment/home. Maybe you want to build your own bed frame from lumber. Do something positive that will reinforce your abilities! Ask yourself why you are sad. Most of the time, we, as humans, get sad over things that are clearly situational. For instance, I get really depressed during finals. I'm almost 28 and have been back in college for 3 years now. I look around at all my friends with careers and houses and nice cars and realize that I don't have that. Then I realize that I made the choice to drop out of college and wait forever to go back. And things won't be like this forever. Only 2 more years. Once you learn to differentiate between situational and clinical, you'll be golden.

Answer 9

Yeah it is but it's a lot of work and when you're depressed it's hard to do a lot of work sometimes.
I have a great book called "Dealing with Depression Naturally - complementary and alternative therapies for restoring emotional health" by Syd Baumel. It covers ALL the bases and is easy to read.
At the end of the day though you gotta pick your approach and COMMIT!!!! A lot of people jump from one drug to another or one strategy to another but it takes a good six months to figure out whether what you're doing is really effective or not.

Answer 10

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?