What can I do for depression?

Question

I have post pardom depression and I don't want to take medication if I can help it. Does anyone know anything that helps this? Maybe yoga or something?

Answer 1

I also suggest talking with your doctor and tell her or him your feelings. You might need to change your diet and get out and exercise. If you believe in God, listen to praise music. You can talk to your girlfriends and family members for support.


Q: What is the treatment?

A: It's very treatable. Frequently, antidepressants are a treatment. They do help. Often the rule of thumb is to keep people on the medication for six to 12 months, because that drastically diminishes the chance of recurrence. Depending on the individual, they can often gradually taper off. People should never just stop (taking antidepressants).

Self-care

If you have postpartum depression, taking good care of yourself can help speed your recovery.

Make healthy lifestyle choices. Rest as much as you can. Exercise regularly. Try daily walks with your baby. Eat healthy foods — plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid alcohol.
Set realistic expectations. Don't pressure yourself to do everything. Scale back your expectations for the perfect household. Do what you can and leave the rest. Ask for help when you need it.

Make time for yourself. If you feel like the world is coming down around you, take some time for yourself. Get dressed, leave the house and visit a friend or run an errand. Or schedule some time alone with your partner.
Avoid isolation. Talk with your partner, family and friends about how you're feeling. Ask other mothers about their experiences. Ask your doctor about local support groups for new moms or women with postpartum depression.
Remember, the best way to take care of your baby is to take care of yourself.

Answer 2

talk therapy might help. Of corse you can try other peoples ideas such as sunshine, excersise, eating healthy, things like that. But if its not helpful you can try medication. After the birth of my best friends child (her first) she had post pardom depression and felt like she wished she never had her daughter. She was put on lexapro temporarily and it helped. It wasn't long term just temporary. Try some natural things first, but if your still depressed its alright to use medicine too.

Answer 3

POST PARTUM depression may be addressed by practicing for 20 mins. daily, 3 times if possible, and when needed, the method at http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com Meditation room; try it out; mantra meditation; repeat the word: "easy", or gaze at a burning candle in a quiet, darkened room. Tai Chi & yoga suit some. Eat healthily, and exercise daily. Valerian root, but if you take St. John's Wort, tell your doctor, as it can affect medication. See http://www.journeytowardsfreedom.com (.com/LinksFriends/)

Answer 4

First go to the doctors... you can talk with them about alternative treatments to medication... yoga helps, exercise in general does... you can also try taking vitamins such as fish oil. I have depression and I was completely against meds too, but I went because I couldn't handle it on my own... and it really did help. Sometimes they'll get you in therapy too, or sometimes just talking helps. I hope you feel better soon, and never give up hope.

Answer 5

Some of the natural antidepressants that I've learned from readings are: 1 bowl of oatmeal + 1 tbs of oat bran a day is just as good as prescription medicine, the smell of citrus fruits (DO NOT wear the essential oil on your skin during the day), and dark chocolate which usually has less sugar than milk chocolate and stimulates the natural opiates in your brain

Answer 6

There are several things you can do other than drugs that can help balance the seritonin in your brain. The main thing is to start exercising on a regular basis. Try to make sure you are eating a balanced diet, and, if yoga makes you less stressed, I would suggest starting to do that.

If you don't see an improvement, however, I would strongly reccomend that you try to get on medication.

Answer 7

I suggest talking to your doctor or a therapist. If you don't want to be on medication, you can buy over the counter herbs. You can listen to music or take a nice walk to ease your mind. Maybe having a day for yourself. Ask family members and freinds for support.


FYI,
For those interested in exploring other treatment options for postpardum depression, natural remedies offer safe and effective alternatives. Natural supplements include herbal extracts such as black cohosh and chaste tree berry which may relieve irritability and sleep disturbances, vertigo and headaches, heart palpitations, anxiety, and depression. Essential minerals like calcium and magnesium help alleviate physical and emotional stress. Valerian is well known for its effectiveness in helping to reduce anxiety and sleep disorders. It has been used for mood disorders, including depression. Chamomile aids digestion and reduces anxiety. Natural supplements include beneficial vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, specialty supplements and additional herbal extracts. All of these ingredients provide potent and effective relief.

Answer 8

Counseling, and take nice long walks, also if you have a hot tub or a tub with jets, take a nice relaxing bath after the walk. Also breathing technique's seem to help also .. by breathing in deeply and let each breath out slow. Also keep yourself busy with hobbies, like crafts and always think positive.. Counseling will help you through this. Hope this helps and hope you get to feeling better soon. :)

Answer 9

sunshine, yoga, meditation, join a support group, exercise, talk therapy, read Brooke Shields book on her post partum depression, get help, reach out to your friends.

Answer 10

well take some time out once aweek for yourself and hang out with friends or just by yourself after i had my kids i kept busy and did not need any meds but i did find comfort in the lord.