Can you treat depression without medicine?

Question

I am going through a divorce and I think I have been depressed for a while now. I don't have any insurance to see a doctor or to get meds.,so I was wondering if there is anything I can do to help myself?( I also have a thing about meds. I don't want to have to depend on them to be happy) Thanks for all your advice!

Answer 1

You sure can and only it takes a moment.

Just make the decision to be happy. Do it right now. Throw all the junk out of your head and realize you are unique. You've got something no one else in the world has, and that is you.

Love yourself. It is not selfish and it damn sure feels good'

Hell...I don't even know you and I sort of like you.

Good luck, Sugarfoot.

Answer 2

Three things:

1. You are misinformed about meds and depression. I suggest talking to a doctor about this and getting more information. The doctor is the expert. You are not. Would you rather be depressed? The fact is that SOME people NEED medication for their depression. That said, you might NOT be one of those people. Only one way to find out. See your doctor!

2. Not having insurance is a rough thing, and I can understand not being able to see a doctor. I highly recommend trying anyway, but in the meantime, here is a good suggestion: exercise. Get at least 1/2 hour, if not more, EVERY day. It needs to be something that gets your heart pumping, too: running, biking, jumping-jacks, tennis... whatever you want. This releases the endorphins in your brain, which fights depression. Make this a regular part of your life. For some (including myself), exercise IS a medicine. I have chronic depression, but so long as I keep exercising, it hardly ever causes me a problem.

3. See a therapist if you can. Therapy can help you a LOT. Most communities have cheap therapists for people without a lot of money. Look into it! Even if you can't go regularly, it can make a big difference. Just make sure you do everything they say, be honest from the beginning, don't hide anything, and if one therapist does not work, then try another. All therapists are not created equal.

Also, remember this: what works for one person won't work for another. Try different things, don't be afraid to experiment, and never give up. Depression IS treatable one way or another. Nothing, not even having a "thing about meds," is worth being depressed. Sorry about the divorce. Good luck!

Answer 3

There is hope!!! Just because you are going through a very difficult time, it does not mean you are depressed. What you may be experiencing is a Major Depressive Episode or MDE. The symptoms are very similiar to Depression, but the main difference is the amount of time you have the symptoms. Depression is diagnosable only if you have had 5 of the following symptoms for 9 months in a row.
- depressed mood -anhedonia ( loss of pleasure)
-change in sleep - fatigue
-psychomotor aggitation (slow movement)
-feelings of worthlisness or guilt
-indeciveness -thoughts of death

In order to fall under depression these symptoms must last 9 months in a row and have atleast 5 at a time.

So even though the divorce may be very hard on you. Depression is not your diagnosis. MDE is probably what you are experiencing.

So now that you are not depressed lets look at the treatments

Studies show that medication is far less effective than therapy, the only reason medication is stil prescirbed is becasue trends show that patients are accepting of an item that fits into their schedule on a daily basis. (Once a day Pill vs. Once a month talk therapy)

So now that we have established therapy is the best treatment, look into who provied talk therapy.
-Psychologist -Psychaitrist - Social Workers
-Nurses - Clergy - Any one with 2 ears

So if you are in need of HELP. talk to someone.
It doesnt have to be a professional. I would suggest talking to a preist or rabbi but if thats not your thing, a close friend.
However, the most important thing to do when you are feeling down. is to stand up, look in the mirror, look into your eyes and tell yourself that you CAN GET THROUGH THIS!!!!!

Good luck

Answer 4

Take it from me: Do NOT take "meds" right off the back , only take them if you cannot stop crying and absolutely will not eat. All you need is Love! Seek out new people and especially a pastor or religious counselor i.e They are more apt to becoming personal supporting relationships other than a "therapist" plus they can leave the clinical bullshit behind. You might want to try drinking really flavorable teas that are 100% natural including "green tea" - go to an "acupunturist" for that one. Stay away from "downers" like caffenine and low surgur or excess surgur. Also make sure you do not drink anything with herbal sleepers in it like"melentonin" . You may want to join some sort of spiritual support group as People who really do CARE are better than any medicine. - Stay away from People who are assholes and you will be just fine!

Answer 5

It is possible to overcome depression without medical treatment.
Imagine your self as being at the bottom of a deep well. Then think of everything that will solve your issues as your ways out. Make small goals to work your way to the top.
Self care is the first step. Eat well, good grooming, sleep, see a doctor if needed, take care of yourself.
Then work on goals for career, parenting, finances,home maintenance,spiritual growth.
Good Luck.

Answer 6

Well it really depends on your depression and how deep it is.
If you have a very serious depression it could be a chemical imbalance in the brain and
you may need to take medication but if it’s a mild depression yes you can avoid medication
Surf,yoga change your diet eat fresh foods, too much red meat can make you feel depressed,sluggish but the best cure is yoga

Answer 7

there are a number of stuff which could help lighten your temper, for one element, retaining a strict drowsing trend, working example, going to mattress at 11.00pm and waking up at 9.00am, additionally, workout is sweet for you, it makes the physique launch endorphins, which makes you experience happier. a good weight loss plan and hygiene is likewise good because it makes you experience refreshed and energized. between the main needed issues is a good social life, via fact once you're around the persons you have a chortle with, you could overlook all your concerns for a at the same time as. a acceptable excuse for a night out with the females! wish this facilitates, Kayy...x

Answer 8

you can get counselling or therapy, natural therapy (ive heard that some herbs can treat depression, chocolate (i heard that can help depression too),Taking a long holiday or staying with family/friends,talking to a friend/family member,remembering to cry but not too much.

Good Luck i hope you feel better soon =]

Answer 9

Laughing always does a lot so..funny movies, being around happy people/friends, finding a fun hobby (aka cooking, drawing etc.)

or narcotics.

Answer 10

Depends on how deep the depression is. In mild cases, it is possible.