Depression is not one size fits all. Depression manifests in many of different way and varies in degrees for each individual. Therefore, treatment is also not one size fits all. Unfortunately, due to this reality, figuring out treatment may take some trial and error.
For some, avoiding prescription medications is a priority. Or, at the very least, leaving medication for last if all else fails. There are many different kinds of holistic options a person with depression can try.
These are a few:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Also known as talk therapy, CBT can help change thoughts and perspectives. Sometimes the onset of depression is a matter of perception. Therapist will use this practice to help identify emotions and therefore gauge what might be causing depression at a deeper level.
Herbal Supplements: Herbs such as St. John’s Wort, Chamomile, Ginseng and Lavender are all known to calm symptoms of depression. If you are newly diagnosed with depression or you don’t have a severe case, herbal supplements could be a great place to start. It is important to note, that while these are natural homeopathic remedies, it does not mean they don’t come without risk and possible side effects.
Yoga and Other Relaxation Techniques: Yoga is a practice in mindfulness and focus, and for that reason is a helpful remedy for depression. Yoga also increases serotonin production, the hormone that affects happiness. Deep breathing and meditation are also known to calm depression.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Approved by the FDA for depression, TMS does have positive results with patients managing a wide range of depressive symptoms. This treatment stimulates the cells within the brain with magnetic fields to stimulate activity and release neurotransmitters which changes the way the brain works.
Any of these therapies can be used alone or combined with one another. As stated earlier, trial and error is a part of the process and it’s good to try a variety of things to see what works best for you. The first step is to speak with your health care provider and deciding together which options to apply to your unique situation.
