How can you combat depression without psychotropic drugs?

Question

I'm not going to hang myself or anything, but i'm afraid if i go to a shrink they will try to force pills on me, and i am not interested in going that route.

Answer 1

i said the same thing and for 2 yrs . i suffered from depression and it was just getting worse.So i asked for meds. honestly they help. and no one can force pills on u.

Answer 2

Some depression can be helped along by mild pills like Zoloft that aren't in the same catergory as what I think you're talking about.
Have you tried distractions? Keeping busy and "entertained" so that you don't have time to feel depressed?
It doesn't always work, but it might make you feel better to get with friends or family and laugh or just go do things.
You might watch movies, take up a hobby . . .
Just some suggestions
If you need anyone to talk to - im here for u . . i battle depression without the use of pills every day

Answer 3

What a lot of medical professionals don't point out is, that there are different types of depression. It can be chemical, physical, or psychological. I would first get a really good physical, with a complete blood workup. Your vitamin stores could be low, you could have a mild hormonal imbalance. It is not always environmental. It is just always presumed by society and doctors for some unknown, stupid reasonings. Assume it is environmental lastly. Get yourself completely checked out physically first, my friend. PS: Are you on any other meds that you take regularly? That could also possibly play a role. Go the full gamut of investigation. And get a second, even third opinion. Listen to your body, its talking to you. :)

Answer 4

I agree that counseling is the most important first step...and through counseling you may find that medication IS what you need...don't let anyone force you, but also don't rule it out. Medication has been very successful in treating people with depression--it can make a world of difference. If taking a pill allows you to feel normal and happy again, without major side effects, what do you have to lose?

Answer 5

I'm no shrink but have you tried exercises with things like chikung or kundalini yoga? These are very powerful, curative exercises. Here are a couple of websites. The chikung dude has a strong ego but you don't have to love the teacher to love the teaching.

http://www.kundaliniyoga.org/classes.html

http://www.chikung.com/

Answer 6

Try to find the source. Go to counseling and tell them you don't want to do pills. Things that help are excersize and fresh air/sun which release the good feeling endorphins.

Answer 7

I don't believe they have the power to force drugs on you without it being warranted .. like if you're a danger to others, or perhaps yourself. It might be very helpful for you to talk with a psychiatrist or someone you feel close to. Feedback from others can be useful.

Answer 8

sometimes you need pills to fix a chemical imbalance in your brain. A natural remedy is taking "Saint Johns wort" pills. you can buy them at wal-mart. the first 2 week u will act VERY strange..EXAMPLE..sleep on back porch..but after that you balance out and are quite happy!..then u get off..another 2 weeks of wacky behavior.

Answer 9

I would have to say that the best way to combat depression is to surround yourself with a "support group" of friends who help you to realize all the good and positive things in your life.

Answer 10

Some 'shrinks' aren't licensed to prescribe drugs. Do your research and go to someone that believes in therapy by itself.