According to Gracelyn Guyol, author of "Healing Depression and Bipolar Disorder Without Drugs," half of those who are diagnosed with depression don't improve on antidepressants. Half of those who do, stop taking their medication because they can't handle the side effects. Methods and options exist to help you beat depression without taking antidepressants or SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). You simply need to make a commitment to yourself and your treatment plan.
How to Beat Depression Without Medication
Step 1
Educate yourself. Depression has a variety of types and causes, some of which can stem from medical conditions such as epilepsy or diabetes. Knowing the specific symptoms of your depression can guide you in the right treatment direction. A good book to read is "Depression for Dummies," by Laura L. Smith and Charles H. Elliott, especially if you're just beginning down the road of depression.
Step 2
Stay in contact. According to Dr. Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., psychologist, isolation increases your risk for depressive episodes. She suggests maintaining regular contact with your friends and family, joining a support group or volunteering and helping others.
Step 3
Go for a checkup. If you're suffering from an underlying medical condition, medications will not serve its purpose--and in some cases, antidepressants can only make it worse. Visit your doctor and ask him to examine you. The most common medical conditions responsible for depression include Huntington's and Parkinson's disease, Lyme disease, stroke, diabetes, epilepsy, brain trauma and multiple sclerosis. Once you are treated for these conditions, your symptoms of depression are typically alleviated.
Step 4
Explore therapy. Therapy is extremely effective in the treatment of depression, according to Dr. Segal. It helps you get to the heart of the matter, discovering the underlying cause of your illness. Once this has been determined, your therapist will help you develop various techniques that will help you cope with and treat the causes and symptoms of your depression, preventing further episodes from occurring.
Step 5
Make changes. Making lifestyle changes can change the face of your disorder. Begin by eating a balanced diet. Replace bad fats such as hydrogenated oils and fried foods--which clog your body's system--with vitamins, minerals and amino acids that give your brain the materials it needs to function properly. These have the ability to repair any flaws that may cause depression.
Next, make sure you get enough rest. Too much or too little can have a major effect on your mood. Set a specific bed time and time to wake up, then be sure to stick with it every day.
Finally, incorporate exercise into your daily routine. A 30-minute walk each day is enough to release the chemicals in your brain that are responsible for elevating your mood.
Things You'll Need
- "Depression for Dummies"
