What are the best ways to treat depression without medication?

Answer 1

Sleep, regular outdoor exercise, watch only comedies on tv, talk to friends that will not bring you down, get into a good open-minded supportive faith community (like the Lutherans or Episcopalians), and above all.......go to see a trained counselor and talk about your problems.

Answer 2

All these suggestions are good, esp. exercise. If the depression is not as a result of a trauma or sad experience, and is chemical in nature, that is, if you usually feel this way, then exercise is your best friend because it will raise your serotonin levels. Sleep is important, enough but not too much. Regular balanced meals etc. You know, all the good advice. Light and sound are very important. STay with upbeat music and bright colours. One of the things I find helps is techniques for focusing on the positive. And there is always something. Two things I do which help are a gratitude journal in which I write at least one thing to be thankful for each day. Some days, it sure takes a while to come up with something. And it can be a really small thing, like your new shirt, or somebody smiled, or there was a cute rabbit outside. The other thing is an ongoing scrapbook in which I write things and paste pictures of things that make me smile. Then when you hit a day where you can't think of a single good thing in your life, you go to either of these books and get reminded of good stuff. And after a while, (sometimes) you start to smile. And smiling, physically changes your brain chemistry. Some people find journaling helps. For me, I find I start to wallow in self-pity. For me, the positive focus thing works better. I also like to go to a park or conservatory and see growing things and smell nice flowers. Different things help different people at different times. Some days it's very hard to do the things you know will help. So it's good to have an affirmation posted somewhere reminding yourself that your worth being kind to. And then doing for yourself what is good for you and makes you feel better. Good luck to you and to all who struggle with this. It's so easy to be flippant like Mr. Cruise, who has clearly not struggled with this. It is not a character flaw, it is a real problem with brain chemistry. You deserve to feel good. I hope these suggestions help. Keep trying. If one thing doesn't work on Monday, it doesn't mean it won't ever work. Mayber another thing will be better for you. But keep trying.

Answer 3

A variety of alternative medicines have proven to be helpful in treating depression. A recent report from Great Britain emphasized that more physicians should encourage alternative treatments such as behavioral and self-help programs, supervised exercise programs, and watchful waiting before subscribing antidepressant medications for mild depression. Chocolate, coffee, sugar, and alcohol can negatively affect mood and should be avoided. Essential fatty acids may reduce depression and boost mood. Expressing thoughts and feelings in a journal is therapeutic. Aromatherapy, particularly citrus fragrance, has had a positive effect on depression. Psychotherapy or counseling is an integral component of treatment because it can find and treat the cause of the depression.
There is some evidence that acupuncture is a helpful treatment for depression too. One study found that patients who received acupuncture specific for depression were significantly less depressed than control patients who had either nonspecific acupuncture or no treatment.
St. John's wort is the most widely used. Many studies on the effectiveness of St. John's wort have been performed. One review of the studies determined that St. John's wort is superior to placebo and comparable to conventional antidepressants.

Answer 4

You should discuss this with a doctor or trained professional to diagnose the severity of your depression. Most people go through some form of mild depression in their lifetime especially after a traumatic experience or loss of loved one. If it's just a mild case of the blues then regular exercise, healthy diet, and time talking with friends and loved ones can help. Severe depression needs to be treated a.s.a.p. There are sites like webmd and medlineplus that can answer some of your questions. Definitely see a doctor.

Answer 5

Depression, unless caused by a life event such as death in the family etc, usually comes with other things first.

Lack of sleep for a long period or the like.

If anxiety and insomnia came first, handling those will usually handle the depression as well.

Answer 6

It is individual. As with any other type of illness your first step in getting back in balance/healthy is to check on your lifestyle habits: eating, sleeping, exercise. The right amount/type of exercise can act the same as an antidepressant.

Check your vitamins, B complex vitamins, especially B6, work wonders. But be sure to get the right dosage.

Answer 7

I know the answer to this one. See the webpage below for healing depression according to a psychiatrist who teaches about what your doctor may not tell you about depression. See depression on page.

http://www.phifoundation.org/heal.html

Answer 8

Exercise, lots of sunlight, or light therapy if you live way up north. It also helps to find a hobby, socialize and keep busy. Volunteering is a great way to lift your spirits because it takes the focus off yourself.

Answer 9

Depression plays a vital role in health, actually.... unless it simply won't go away.
Depression literally creates a "depression" or hole in us, which wisdom fills. It also lets you slow down, recognize and focus on your problem(s).
So if it's not a major problem, just let it be. Then it will gradually weaken. But it has its place.

Answer 10

getting involved in an activity is helping me right now. Also, pushing yourself to go outside your comfort zone- your brain might be saying you want to stay home, but make yourself go out, with friends, outside activities. It's hard, a constant struggle, but in then end you will feel better and be happier. Good luck!