Natural Alternatives for Celexa

Celexa, known chemically as citalopram hydrobromide, is an antidepressant medication. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, meaning it is similar to such well-known medications as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. It helps to restore a natural balance among the neurotransmitters in the brain, according to MedicineNet.com, thus causing improved mood. But it is not for everyone. For some, it does not work, and in others, it causes intolerable side effects such as nausea, sleep disturbances and fatigue. For such patients and for those who prefer to avoid prescription drugs, natural approaches to treating depression are available.

Psychotherapy

Some people can recover from depression by talking their problems over with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other therapist. Another term for this approach is talk therapy. It is, in fact, not just one therapy, because several types are available. A therapist who uses the cognitive approach helps patients to understand the faulty assumptions that may underlie their behaviors--the maladaptive thought patterns, so to speak--and offers ideas for correcting them. On the other hand, a counselor employing interpersonal therapy focuses on the relationships you have with those around you, such as your parents, spouse or boss, and how you can improve them. And if you envision psychotherapy as a person lying on a couch discussing childhood experiences with a therapist, then you are envisioning the psychodynamic approach, which seeks to identify how elements of your childhood are playing out in your adult life.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort is a plant that can be helpful in treating milder cases of depression, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The plant, known as Hypericum perforatum, has yellow leaves and a long history of use as a medicine, dating, in fact, back to the ancient Greeks. It is available in the United States without a prescription in the form of capsules, tablets, teas and liquid extracts. It is not a proven treatment for depression, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Lifestyle

Exercise and other lifestyle changes can have a major impact on depression. Just as being sleep-deprived and run down can put you in a funk, treating your body well can help lift your mood. Be sure to adopt these lifestyle changes if you want to maintain a positive outlook on life. Get adequate sleep and eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, and whole grains. Spend time and share thoughts with family and friends. Keep a handle on stress by avoiding nerve-wracking situations or by employing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.