What are other methods (besides prescription drugs) for dealing with clinical depression?

Question

Just as the question says...

Answer 1

I use St. Johns Wort. It's an herbal supplement available at most drug stores. But you need to check with your doctor before you take it because there can be side effects.

There is also full spectrum light therapy. It's very effective for a lot of people. It is more specifically for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) but I don't see why it couldn't help at other times too.

Answer 2

Medication is useful to correct any chemical inbalances that are causing depression. However, it's possible the depression is caused by life's problems. In either case, it's important to share your situation with others. I suggest some sort of group therapy, because then you realize you're not alone. The interaction with the group is always helpful, but in addition, it gets you out of the house and into a social situation. That very fact helps cure depression

In my area, there are many free group therapy sessions offered by hospitals, schools, and the town. Clinical depression is serious; if you had a broken leg, wouldn't you go to the doctor? Maybe the leg would heal by itself, but would it heal correctly? Depression is as much a wound as a broken leg. You need professional help to heal it. The fact that you're asking for ideas is a good start. Keep it up. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

Most of the time medication is crap. But hey, people will disagree all they want to.

My personal solution in my own experience was to tell the Dr. "No thanks, I don't want the meds" even though they will patronize you and insist that you take the meds to "start feeling better" and see how it goes from there.

Ewww. I remember how annoying they were.

Anyway, my remedies were getting out and doing. Yoga is great, it certainly helps, meditation, yes, excercise, yes. Reading. Writing. Talk therapy- a support group or group therapy, or individual therapy with a supportive therapist.

The best was- getting involved with an animal shelter or rescue organization. This gave me purpose and focus on life other than my own.

Getting involved in Habitat for Humanity or any other group like Shelter our Sisters, etc., that will help you to appreciate your life while helping others. The results are twofold, as you help others of course, your life seems better in comparison- most of the time, and you meet other kind people who spend their free time helping others- and these people can become your friends.

Of course I am not a doctor, and I can only speak from experience, but actions are far more effective than popping mind numbing drugs.

Try to do other things that will help like, planting a garden. Tend to it every day and you will feel better. Learn new skills, go take a cooking class or a pottery class, or a jewelry making class. It sounds so easy, but once you get your butt out the door to DO something, you will feel better.

I adhere to the old adage: "Fake it til you make it"- and to me, that means to act as if you are happy, and soon enough you will be. Wallowing in our sorrows is useless, pointless.

This is a troubled and sad world we live in, and we could all be miserably depressed- in fact most of us are, according to all the drug commercials on television. We all should get up and do something for our community, and we would help others, and help ourselves.

Good luck to you!

Answer 4

I have personal experience in this and didn't do well on prescription drugs.
A big part is to accept what you can't change and make the best of the rest.
Know that feelings aren't facts
When your brain says things are bad, try to see your life as if it were someone else's. This offers some objective observation and can help you to see things in a better light.
Don't dwell on negative thoughts.
Forgive others and yourself.
Keep busy, don't lie around feeling depressed.
Have an attainable goal and work towards it daily.
Through personal experience I know that all of these ideas work to some degree, but having someone objective to talk to is probably most important; that and my faith in God sustain me when I go through depressed times.

Answer 5

People will tell you that ample sleep, exercise, healthy eating, etc. will help. Well, it may for mild depression, but sometimes depression is so severe that none of those things will work. And if depressed people could just will themselves out of it, then no one would be depressed. No one wants to be miserable. If I could flip a switch to be happy, I would, but that switch doesn't exist. Sometimes physiological intervention is the only way out. There aren't many alternatives to medications. Electro convulsive therapy is about the only one that comes to mind, and most doctors wouldn't go that route until an exhaustive list of medications has been tried.

Answer 6

There are several methods and remedies

1. St John's wort herb

2. Vitamin B12

3. Vitamin C

4. Acupuncture

5. Meditation

Answer 7

A daily routine helps. Eg Daily shower, daily walk, eating healthy even if your not hungry. Listening to background music that you find relaxing. Avoid difficult people.
Hope this helps a bit.

Answer 8

individual therapy, meditation, self help and positive thinking, etc. but WHY are you not wanting medication? Have you had a bad experience. Sometimes you need something else.

Answer 9

go for yoga it will sure help you