When To Seek Depression Treatment
Holistic, natural remedies for depression can always be something you consider, but its important to keep in mind that with a lack of research for these natural remedies, evidence- based therapies and treatments might be something to consider. Depression can, and typically does worsen over time without treatment, whether thats a medical treatment like prescription medication or natural depression treatment.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression that have lasted longer than two weeks, and if theyre interfering with your ability to function daily, you might need to reach out for help.
If youre having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you should get help immediately. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is always available.
Meditation As A Natural Treatment For Depression
Meditating on a regular basis is an effective way to treat and prevent depression naturally.Mental health and meditation researcher Dr. Julia Basso and her colleagues found that only 13 minutes of daily meditation for 8 weeks improved peoples mood, attention, memory and ability to regulate emotions . And a Brazilian study by Dr. Carpena and colleagues showed that only 6 weeks of daily meditation significantly reduced depression and anxiety. The research participants who continued to meditate still reported lower levels of depression and anxiety 6 months after the initial meditation treatment.
So, if youre looking for an evidence-based and natural treatment for depression, regular meditation is definitely worth trying. Youll find millions of guided meditations on Youtube and Spotify. All you need to do is to take the time and find a place where you can be undisturbed for 10-20 minutes.If you dont know where to start, try the free depression app from Flow Neuroscience, including a meditation module for beginners.
Does Homeopathy For Depression Really Work
Many people wonder if homeopathy for depression is a reputable treatment. Some people believe that homeopathy is nothing but a placebo effect. That couldnt be further from the truth. Homeopathy treats babies, young children, and animalsand they are not vulnerable to the placebo effect. Even if homeopathy was only a placebo effect, that may not be so terrible in depression, especially when placebo treatment is just as good, if not better, than antidepressants.
But, again, the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies for depression should not be attributed to the placebo effect. It is a medical system that is over 200 years old, and it uses highly diluted and very potent, naturally active substances from animals, plants, and minerals. In mental health conditions, such as depression, a homeopathic or holistic practitioner must interview the patient and retrieve all relevant information about all of their emotional, mental, and/or physical symptoms. They would then match the individual with the best energetically aligned homeopathic remedy.
Why should you use homeopathy for depression? Clinical trials are known to support the efficacy of homeopathic remedies for depression. According to an eight-week, double-blind, randomized, controlled study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, custom-prescribed homeopathic remedies have an equal effect to the antidepressant drug fluoxetine.
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The Best Natural Supplements And Herbs For Depression
- The most effective natural supplements and herbs for depression include Omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e, Folate, and St. John’s wort.
- There is some evidence to suggest that these natural remedies can help lift mood and relieve depressive symptoms, though they may not work for everyone.
- It’s important to talk with your doctor before using these herbs and supplements, and check in with them regularly when treating depressive symptoms.
- This article was medically reviewed by Zlatin Ivanov, MD, who is certified in psychiatry and addiction psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology at Psychiatrist NYC.
- This story is part of Insider’s guide to Depression.
The best treatment for depression can vary depending on a person’s medical history and their severity of symptoms. For some people, particularly those with mild depression, certain herbs and supplements can either complement or take the place of traditional treatment methods, like antidepressant medication and therapy.
But alternative treatment options are not the best fit for everyone with depression. Here’s what you need to know about the herbs and supplements that may improve mood, possible side effects of these remedies, and when and how to use them.
Best Natural Remedies For Depression
The conventional treatment for depression is antidepressants, but they may be ineffective for some people with mild to moderate depression. As a result, some may choose to explore non-drug-based treatments for depression.
Lets take a quick look at seven safe and effective natural remedies for depression.
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Herbal Remedies For Depression And Anxiety
Herbal remedies have been used to treat depression and anxiety for centuries around the globe. Western societies, in particular, have moved away from traditional herbal treatments towards prescription medications. There are some proven herbal options that may be worth a try.
One in four women in the United States now takes a psychiatric medication.
According to a report from the National Center for Health Statistics , the rate of antidepressant use in this country among teens and adults increased by almost 400% between 19881994 and 20052008.
The federal governments health statisticians figure that about one in every 10 Americans takes an antidepressant. And by their reckoning, antidepressants were the third most common prescription medication taken by Americans in 20052008, the latest period during which the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected data on prescription drug use.
Here are a few other stand-out statistics from the report on antidepressants:
So is it a good thing that so many more Americans are taking antidepressants? Many mental health professionals would say, yes, because depression has been undertreated and because antidepressants are effective.
But there are also plenty of critics, as shown by this review in the New York Review of Books, who say the benefits have been overstated and that pharmaceutical company marketing is responsible for the surge in prescriptions.
2. SAM-e
St Johns Wort: A Possible Herbal Solution
St. Johns wort is a popular herbal treatment for depression in Europe. American physicians are more divided about its usefulness.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine , St. Johns wort doesnt appear to be effective in treating major depression. But it may benefit people with mild-to-moderate forms.
St. Johns wort may have serious interactions with medications, herbs, and supplements. To be safe, always consult your doctor before taking it.
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Chamomile Tea Can Solve Everything
According to a 2014 study, chamomile tea may be a powerful ally against the effects of generalised anxiety disorder. The study saw those who took German chamomile capsules of 220mg five times daily had a greater reduction in anxiety-related test scores than the placebo control group.
Furthermore, a 2005 study found that chamomile extract acted as a sleeping aid and helped sleep-disturbed rats to fall asleep easier.
Best Natural Antidepressants Of 2021
To help you fight depression naturally, weve compiled a list of the 10 best antidepressants and mood-enhancers of 2021.
Make sure to read the complete reviews of these products to find a product you believe caters to your specific needs and problem.
Stress Support is a dietary supplement that only relies on organic substances that are extracted from natural sources. The product has been produced to assist the consumers to get rid of stress and anxiety.
Its manufactured from a combination of natural ingredients, which have all been tested through scientific studies and trials in order to prove their efficiency in relieving the symptoms associated with depression, as well as to provide a significant reduction in stress and anxiety symptoms.
This formula functions by enhancing the development of certain hormones in the users body, thus helping the user to have improved moods and less stress.
Its said to be a fast-acting supplement, which means the user will be able to experience the effects of the supplement soon after they take it. The product is also considered to be very safe, which means the user is not expected to experience any side-effects.
Vita balance is the company behind the production of this supplement. This supplement is made available online and can be purchased from the companys official website. A bottle of this supplement goes for about $40.00, and its said to have discount offers.
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Psychotherapy As A Natural Depression Treatment
Talk therapy with a licensed psychologist is as effective as antidepressants for treating depression. That means about half of patients who complete a course of psychotherapy fully recover from depression. And of course, you dont have to deal with the uncomfortable side effects that come with a pill.Another good thing about talk therapy is that you get to share your story with an empathic person who actually knows what you can do to improve your situation. Its not just nodding and listening. Talk therapy is all about doing. Making changes. And the skills you learn from your therapist, youll be able to use in all sorts of situations for the rest of your life.
Psychotherapy comes in many different forms, for example:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ,
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy
- and Acceptance Commitment Therapy .
So dont give up if the first method you try isnt working for you. Maybe another one suits you better. Also, its perfectly alright to switch therapists if you dont feel comfortable with the first one you visit. If you have the option, my suggestion is to visit three psychologists for a first session and choose the one you like the best.If you dont want to leave the house and go visit a clinic, search for psychotherapists or psychologists who offer online sessions. My Online Therapy offers face-to-face video sessions with highly qualified psychologists.
Does Insurance Cover Alternative Therapies For Depression
Many alternative therapies are not covered by insurance. You might have to pay out-of-pocket. However, there are free resources where you can learn about yoga and meditation, and you can exercise on your own . Do some research about resources in your community and ask your healthcare provider for referrals.
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Eat More Whole Foods Less Processed Foods
We all know that a balanced diet helps us feel better and can protect us from a huge array of diseases.
But if you feel like you need to diet, this can cause you more anxiety! Instead, experiment with nutrient-dense whole foods that you truly enjoy, and focus on eating those as often as possible.
Lean proteins such as fish, organic chicken, beans, and eggs provide fuel for your body and brain to keep your energy levels constant.
Asparagus, leafy greens, meat, and avocado contain nutrients that can reduce the symptoms of anxiety, as can omega-3-rich foods like fish, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Even when youre eating a healthy diet, it can still be difficult to get all the nutrients you need, which is why it can be helpful to take natural supplements for anxiety.
Herbs And Supplements To Help Fight Depression
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Depression is a mental health condition that affects more than 17 million adults in the United States alone. However, the actual number is thought to be much higher, as many people with depression dont seek treatment for various reasons .
Below are the five classifications of depressive disorders, which share features like sadness, irritable mood, a feeling of emptiness, and cognitive changes that affect functioning (
- premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- depressive disorder due to another medical condition
Depressive disorders are treated with medication and psychotherapy. In addition, lifestyle modifications, including making dietary changes and taking certain supplements, may also help people in recovery and relapse prevention.
For example, some research shows that specific vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other compounds may provide added benefits in improving depressive symptoms.
That being said, herbs and dietary supplements are not monitored by the Food and Drug Administration in the same way as medications. So, you cant always be certain of what youre getting and whether its safe.
Additionally, more studies are needed to determine which natural supplements are more likely to help with depression, and what side effects they may cause.
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Feeling Blue Use These Natural Ways To Feel Better
When youre living with depression or anxiety, one of the things you want most is to feel well again. Both of these conditions can sap your energy and fill you with worry. If depression and anxiety are getting in the way of living a happy life, it helps to know that you can relax and experience relief. All it might take are a few of these natural remedies for anxiety depression. They can help you start improving your mood and feel hopeful while healing.
Reduce Caffeine And Alcohol
For many of us, a cup of coffee at the start of the day gets us going, and a glass of wine in the evening will help us relax.
But too much of either can seriously affect our bodies ability to manage anxiety.
Caffeine can trigger cortisol production, the hormone that triggers the fight or flight stress response.
And as for alcohol, drinking too much will change your brain chemistry over time, thus lowering its ability to cope with stress.
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Does Magnesium Glycinate Help With Anxiety
Its easy to absorb magnesium glycinate and it may have calming properties. It is possible that it can help reduce anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia. More studies are needed because of the limited evidence on these uses. Depression, anxiety, and insomnia can be treated with magnesium glycinate.
Best Supplements For Anxiety On The Market In
- Hypo-allergenic
- Potential gastrointestinal or irregular heartbeat side effects
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium supplement supports stress relief. It helps with the metabolism and utilization of many essential vitamins, including vitamin B6, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Research suggests that vitamin C maintains homeostasis in your central nervous system. Hence, its utilization is necessary to manage anxiety. Furthermore, magnesium deficiency has been shown to increase vulnerability to psychological stressors.
Pure Encapsulations takes pride in its production process, ensuring its ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers and their products are tested for purity and potency. As a result, the customer response is overwhelmingly positive, with almost 15,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars out of a possible five. However, its important to remember that magnesium supplements can cause gastrointestinal issues and irregular heartbeats. Speak with your healthcare professional if you show any concerning symptoms.
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Natural Remedies For Depression And Anxiety
Tension, depression, and stress have become the part of our daily lives. Though, every person is facing pressure in some ways however, the intensity is probably different for every person.
Combating the anxiety and depression is a daunting task, but you can make it easier by managing stress with natural herbs.
Nature has offered many gifts to us, and the legal herbs for social anxiety are one of them. It is smarter and safer to manage stress with these herbs, instead of going for pharmaceutical options.
These herbs for managing anxiety offer a safer alternative to many harmful chemicals and medicines.
Also, the natural herbs are natural to tolerate for your digestive and body system. Since ages, people prefer to use natural herbs for managing stress and to treat minor health issues to avoid the dangerous side effects of medicines.
Keeping in view the high ratio of depression in our society, here we are discussing the best 25 remedies for depression and anxiety that are entirely yet effective in treating stress-related issues.
Talk With Your Doctor First
If you think you may have depression, you should first consult with a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, or reach out to your primary care provider. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms and discuss treatment options, ranging from supplements that may help manage your mood to lifestyle changes or medication.
In some cases, supplements can interfere with other medications, or even worsen symptoms in some people, so you should always consult with a doctor, and never attempt to treat your depression entirely on your own.
In most cases, alternative treatment options like herbs and supplements are best suited for those with mild depressive symptoms, characterized by short periods of low moods. While they may be enough to help someone with mild depression manage their mood, these options may not be effective for those with more severe depressive symptoms.
“The challenge is figuring out what works for you and when, if necessary, to switch to the more traditional treatments because the symptoms are interfering with your life,” says Kevin Gilliland, Psy. D, a licensed clinical psychologist and executive director of Innovation360, an outpatient counseling service that serves people with mental health and substance abuse issues.
While supplements are not regulated by the FDA, third-party laboratories, like Consumer Lab, do test supplements for potency and accuracy, so you can check to see if a supplement has been tested before you buy one.
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Surprising Facts About The Best Ways To Treat Depression
11. Talk it out. See a therapist, psychiatrist, or life coach and express how you feel. Sometimes just finding someone you trust who will help you work through your feelings can make all the difference in the world.
If all else fails and you need antidepressants, don’t beat yourself up. Sometimes you can do everything right, and if your imbalance is biochemical, you may need the drugs. But don’t forget to nurture the rest of you, too. Depression, like most physical and mental illnesses, is multifactorial and requires a global investigation of your whole healthnot just your mind and body, but your relationships, your work, your financial picture, how you express yourself creatively, how you satisfy yourself sexually, your environment, and whether you’re letting your Inner Pilot Light shine.