4 WAYS YOU CAN ADDRESS DEPRESSION WITHOUT MEDICATION

4 Ways You Can Address Depression Without Medication


By Savannah Coulsen
Posted Friday, June 12, 2015 at 11:15am EDT
Keywords: abuse, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, depression, natural treatments, physical health, post traumatic stress disorder, social support
Depression is a condition far more serious than many people envision. When some people say, “I’m depressed,” it simply means they are feeling down in the dumps. Everybody does feel this way at some point or another, but depression is also a mental illness that extends far beyond this feeling of simply being down. Fortunately, several forms of treatment are available to provide solace to those experiencing regular depression.

1. Knowledge Is Power

When it comes to depression, sometimes simply knowing the root cause is the key. With so many people studying depression and other mental illness, it is easier now than ever to learn about sources of mental anguish. Whether you visit a therapist to learn more about the condition or you study psychology at a university, learning about your diagnosis can be freeing.

You might even learn that your depression is caused by an issue other than depression. Substance abuse problems and post-traumatic stress disorder commonly lead to depression, as does sexual abuse. Learning about situational causes of depression and receiving treatment for them may remove the condition altogether.

2. Focus on Physical Health

Regular exercise is essential to staying physically healthy, but it is also more important than you think for your mental health. Exercise gives you a boost of endorphins that work very similarly to antidepressants. Exercising for just 30 minutes each day can help you reap benefits, especially when you are focusing on aerobic activity like running or dancing.

Eating right is important too. You can minimize mood swings by eating well-balanced meals throughout the day. Complex carbohydrates are a good choice because they prevent the sugar crash that often leads to depression.

Getting on a good sleep routine is essential to improving symptoms of depression as well. Sleep deprivation leads to irritability and mood swings, so ensuring that you get at least seven hours of sleep each night is one deterrent.

3. Seek Social Support

With the help of a strong support network, you can reduce your level of isolation and find help from those who may have been through many of the same experiences. You can find a group by visiting a therapist and getting recommendations or simply by speaking to friends and family members. You might even find a group that meets through your local church or college.

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Therapy is an essential part of breaking through depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy begins with speaking to a certified behavioral analyst, who will encourage you to change unhealthy patterns in your life. Also known as talk therapy, this is a good method for adjusting to a crisis or identifying negative thoughts and changing them. In therapy, you will learn better ways to cope with problems and regain self-esteem.

Ultimately, depression is an illness that is treatable. Even if you are not convinced that medication is the best route, you have options. Depressive disorders improve with therapy, routine and support.

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