Psychiatric drugs have become the major form of treatment for mental illnesses such as depression during the past 50 years, according to Gracelyn Guyol, author of "Healing Depression and Bipolar Disorder Without Medication." However, 50 percent of those taking antidepressants say they don't see improvements in their condition, and half of those who do discontinue their medication do so because of side effects. This has led many to seek natural treatment for depression.
Look for the Cause
Step 1
Find the cause. According to Dr. Jeanne Segal, psychologist and author, depression can be caused by some medical conditions; in that instance, medications won't help treat your depression. The only option you have is to detect and treat the medical condition, which in turn will help alleviate your symptoms of depression. The only person who can diagnose and treat your medical condition is your doctor.
Step 2
Seek therapy. According to Segal, talk therapy is one of the most effective treatments for depression. It offers you a way to see your depression from a variety of angles as you work to discover the cause of your depression. Your therapist will also assist you in developing techniques to help you cope with the symptoms and prevent your depression from returning.
Step 3
Make a list. This list should be names of family and friends you can call when you are feeling down and need someone to talk to. Recovering from depression can be a long road, and having a support group of trusted people who can be there for you when you need them is essential.
Step 4
Take a walk. Daily exercise, even if it's just a short daily walk, can lift your mood and keep depression at bay. When you exercise, hormones are released in your brain, including the chemicals dopamine and serotonin, which foster positive sensations. Exercise is one of the best and most natural ways of releasing them.
Step 5
Reduce your stress. According to Segal, stress only compounds your depression and increases your chances of future episodes from occurring. To reduce stress, try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing. One or all of these not only helps you reduce your stress, but also helps elevate your mood by releasing the chemicals that can boost it.
Things You'll Need
- Physical
- Support group
- Exercise
- Meditation
- Therapist
