Everyone has moments in their lives when sadness strikes, when they feel "depressed." This term is used much too frequently, as there is a difference between normal blues and clinical depression. Treatment is available for those who truly suffer from clinical depression, however, the medications used may be more detrimental than helpful due to their side effects. There are alternative methods you can explore that may be just as effective.
Step 1
Speak with your doctor. If you are already taking medication to treat your depression, speak with your doctor before discontinuing such medications. According to Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., psychologist and managing editor of HelpGuide.org, it is difficult to stop taking antidepressants. Dr. Segal states that many people suffer withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop the medication abruptly. Therefore, when choosing to treat your condition naturally, ask your doctor to taper you off your medication gradually.
Step 2
Educate yourself. Before making the choice to treat without medication, learn as much as you can about depression and its causes. The more enlightened you are, and the more you understand about depression, the better equipped you will be to make a sound decision regarding your treatment plan.
Step 3
Seek support. Dr. Segal suggest reaching out to family and friends as a means of helping you cope with your diagnosis and the symptoms that accompany it. Times when you find yourself in an emotional slump, talking to a trusted friend or family member can give you the strength you need to get past that moment and continue treating the condition while coping with its symptoms.
Step 4
Adjust your lifestyle. Lifestyle changes are considered powerful defenses in your battle with depression. Exercise is beneficial for both body and mind. Not only will you improve your health, but a simple 15-minute walk can release the hormones dopamine and serotonin, both of which are responsible for mood elevation. Improving your diet can also have a profound impact on your condition. Eating more vegetables and proteins that are full of essential vitamins and minerals are especially beneficial for those whose depression is caused by a nutritional deficiency.
Finally, large amounts of stress can only make the symptoms of depression worse. Therefore, practicing stress relieving techniques such as yoga, deep breathing and meditation on a daily basis may help relieve your symptoms and improve your overall condition.
Step 5
Undergo an exam. According to AllAboutDepression.com, various health conditions can actually cause depression, with the symptoms of depression actually being an indication of these conditions. Until these conditions are treated, your depression will not be alleviated. Some of these conditions include epilepsy, Lyme disease, stroke, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and diabetes. Keep in mind this is not a complete list and only your doctor can make a diagnosis.
Tips and Warnings
- Depression medications treat only the symptoms, not the condition itself, so it is better to weigh the pros and cons before using these medications as a means of treating your condition.
Things You'll Need
- "Depression for Dummies"
