Treat Depression With Brain Stimulation
A safe and effective way to treat depression without medicationfrom home
Our fifth medication-free depression treatment is a brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation. Brain stimulation has been used to treat depression for decades, yet still, relatively few people know about this effective option.
First of all tDCS is a form of non-invasive neurmodulation that is very different from electric shock therapy . It works by applying a low energy direct current waveform to a targeted region of the brain. This low energy current does not cause neurons to fire but rather affects the plasticity of the brain, manipulating the likelihood of neurons to fire. Used in clinics to effectively treat depression, and now with Flow we have developed a wireless headset that delivers this gentle electrical stimulation for you to use at home to treat depressive symptoms. In the flow treatment, the electrodes are placed high up on the scalp to target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Lowered activity in this brain area is associated with depressive symptoms such as fatigue, sleeping problems, concentration difficulties and changes in appetite. The electrical current in tDCS stimulates brain activity in the DLPFC and thereby alleviates the depressive symptoms.
This is the first portable tDCS device approved for medical use in the UK and EU and its available to buy or rent online.
Meditate To Protect Yourself From Depression
Sometimes meditation can replace medication
Another invaluable tool that will help you treat depression without medication, is regular meditation exercises. Regular meditation practice can help you out of a depressive episode and prevent you from falling back into one a second time.
One study reveals that63.6% of the subjects say regular meditation was helpful in moving out of mental health crises and negative thinking.
Meditation is a mind-body health practice that has multiple benefits beyond improving your mental well-being.
Think of meditation as maintenance for your mood. It can help you handle emotions better, spot signs of depression earlier and stop your symptoms from worsening.
Meditation essentially involves three simple steps:
This is great exercise for your brain and it will help you treat depression without medication.
Find Reasonable Goals That Provide Accomplishment
In most cases, those with depression will feel guilty when they talk about goals because they set unworkable and unreasonable goals. Goals are workable only if:
- Its something you can control and doesnt depend on others
- Its something thats manageable and not overwhelming
- Its something realistic for you and not someone else
- Its measurable, and you know whether its getting finished or not
If something goes wrong with the goal, adopt a what can I learn from this type of attitude instead of judging yourself. You should never compare your progress to others.
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Do The Opposite Of What The Depression Voice Suggests
The automatic, unhelpful voice in your head may talk you out of self-help. However, if you can learn to recognize it, you can learn to work through it.
If you believe an event wont be fun or worth your time, say to yourself, You might be right, but itll be better than just sitting here another night. You may soon see the automatic thought isnt always helpful.
What Happens To Depression Without Treatment
- Brief bouts of depression happen to many people, often when they are faced with stresses such as ending a relationship, losing a job, or having troubles solving a problem.
- Often, people can get over depression with their own coping approaches, especially if the depression does not go on for too many weeks. Some people prefer to handle their own problems without seeing a professional.
- Research suggests that if people do not seek treatment for depression :
- About 5 out of 10 will have recovered within three months of the start of the depression.
- 6 out of 10 people will have recovered within six months.
- However, for those who continue to experience depression beyond 6 months without treatment, recovery after this point is more limited.
- About 2 out of 10 people will still be depressed two years later.
- It can be more difficult to overcome depression on your own if the depression goes on for many weeks, or if it seems severe and interferes with your everyday life. It is usually better to get help early rather than waiting until the problem has gone on for a long time. This reduces the chance of more serious problems developing.
- Depression is also more of a problem if you have had more than one period of depression over the years. In these situations, it can be very helpful to speak with someone about treatments for depression.
- If you have repeated periods of depression over the years, treatment may reduce problems with depression in the future.
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Take A Rest Sit Curl Up And Straight Back
I suggest it.
Hear some soothing music you like. Saturate in a pleasantly warm bath. Simply have a break out of your demanding workload and devote the day to just goofing around doing the things you love.
In additional words, proceed to have fun. Lifes too quick as it is.
- Preserve a healthy diet and Stay Fit.
- Avoid foods with a lot of Sugar, Caffeine.
- Glucose and caffeine may give you a brief second of power but Inner, Stress, and Anxiety issues will be later brought by them.
- Alcohol on another hand is a depressant. Many individuals would consume alcohol to basically overlook their issues.
- All theyre doing is aggravating their problems in the method.
- Also, are you aware that exercising regularly is a vital depression buster?
Add Greenery To Your Home Or Office
You may also find it helpful to add indoor plants to your home or office environment. Natural settings are associated with improved mental well-being, so it makes sense that “bringing the outdoors in” might help improve your mood.
Studies have shown that adding indoor plants to your home or office can help in a variety of ways, including:
- Improving the workplace: Research has shown that office spaces enhanced with indoor plants improve worker concentration and workplace satisfaction.
- Reducing stress levels: Another study found that actively interacting with indoor plans by caring for them can reduce both physiological and psychological stress.
- : Research has found that students who spent most of their time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic had better mental health if they were exposed to more green plants. While about a third of the participants reported symptoms of moderate depression, those exposed to more greenery had lower levels of depression and anxiety.
Choosing certain plants may provide additional benefits. For example, research suggests that the scent of a lavender plant can help people feel calmer and more relaxed. No matter what type of plants you choose, greenery can be a great way to beautify your surroundings and potentially improve your mood.
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Meet Yourself Where You Are
Depression is common. It affects millions of people, including some in your life. You may not realize they face similar challenges, emotions, and obstacles.
The key to navigating depression is to be open, accepting, and loving toward yourself and what youre going through.
Every day with this disorder is different. Its important to take your mental health seriously and accept that where you are right now isnt where youll always be.
Get A Handle On Stress
Stress can drive up levels of a brain chemical called cortisol, which has been found to be higher in folks with depression. There are lots of strategies for coping with stress, such as time management, meditation, and biofeedback training.
Some stress-relieving activities that you might want to incorporate into your daily life include:
- Deep breathing: A few minutes to slow your breathing and focus your attention on your body in the moment can help you get a better handle on your worries.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity is a great way to blow off steam.
- Progressive muscle relaxation: This process involves intentionally tightening muscles throughout the body, holding that tension for several counts, and then releasing that tension until the muscles are completely relaxed. With regular practice, you may be able to learn how to intentionally relax your body fairly quickly whenever you are feeling tense.
Learning to manage your stress takes time and practice. Talk to your doctor or therapist about other strategies you might try to minimize the stress and your response to it.
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How Can Sleeping Better Help You Treat Depression
Well, 90% of depressed people struggle with sleep. As you may have noticed, some people with depression sleep too much and others dont get enough sleep. Also, sleeping poorly can increase the risk of severe depression and mild depression. For instance, have you noticed that poor sleep can make you tired and lower your mood? It can also be difficult to concentrate after a bad nights sleep. Those are symptoms of depression. The good news is that changes in one will affect the other. Sleeping better will help you concentrate and regulate emotions. Best of all, this way of treating depression is comfortable, for free and you dont need pills to do it.
Antidepressant Medications Alter Brain Chemistry
Although its unclear exactly how they help with depression, antidepressants are drugs that moderate neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These chemicals play many roles and are thought to impact things like mood and motivation.
About 13 percent of Americans age 18 and older report taking antidepressants, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, with women about twice as likely as men to take antidepressants .
Many types of depression medications are available today. Most fall into the following drug classes, grouped by their effect on brain chemistry:
- Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants
Some widely used antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin , dont fall into the above categories.
All of these medications require a prescription from a physician and usually take several weeks to begin working. They also have possible side effects, such as weight gain, fatigue, and restlessness, that your doctor should discuss with you.
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Your Concerns About Medication
Its great that youve talked to your doctor about your depression. Many people dont bring it up with their doctor unless theyre directly asked. Starting a conversation is a great way to learn more about treatment options.
All medication has a risk of side effects and antidepressants are no exception. Perhaps your husband knows someone who warns against taking a certain medication because when they took it, they just didnt feel like themselves. Or maybe youve seen commercials for medications that warn of a lengthy list of potential side effects, ranging from weight gain to lack of sexual desire.
Sometimes, the side effects sound like issues that could even make you feel more depressed. After all, trouble sleeping , might ultimately contribute to depression.
The good news is, with careful monitoring from a physician, side effects can usually be managed. It may mean changing doses or switching medications altogether.
If you didnt have a chance to ask your physician questions about medication options, it may help to do so. You might also inquire about a referral to a psychiatrista doctor who prescribes in mental health medications. You can always ask questions about which medication a doctor would recommend to learn what you might expect in terms of side effects so you can make an informed decision.
Looking For A Boost Or Alternative To Antidepressant Medicines Here Are Four Therapies That May Help Relieve Your Symptoms
Many people suffer bouts of mild or moderate depression as they age. Health issues and the loss of a spouse, family member, or friend are common triggers that can lead to persistent sadness and loss of enjoyment.
While antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be helpful to relieve and control symptoms, they are not always the right choice.
“Many older adults don’t want to be dependent on antidepressants, or are sensitive to their common side effects, such as dry mouth, dizziness, sleepiness, and weight gain,” says Dr. Darshan Mehta, medical director of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.
Fortunately, there are nondrug options available to help treat and manage mild depression. “These are also ideal as a preventive measure for people who have yet to experience depression, but may have a family history of the disease and are at high risk, as well as those who have had past episodes and want to avoid future ones or be better prepared if they occur,” says Dr. Mehta.
Always consult with your doctor if you experience symptoms of depression. Depending on the severity of your condition, medication may be appropriate, at least in the short term. Otherwise, you may be able to manage and even prevent episodes of depression with these four nondrug strategies.
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Give Yourself An Exit Strategy
Sometimes, anxiety is due to feeling out of control. You cant always be in the driver seat of your life, but you can take steps to identify your triggers and cope with circumstances that cause anxiety.
Does the thought of going into a social situation or meeting new people make you want to jump off a bridge? As everyone at a party engages in exciting conversations, maybe you see yourself holding up the wall and counting down the seconds until youre put out of your misery. You drove with friends and cant leave, so you spend the entire night looking like the punchbowl attendant. Its this fear that makes you decline invitations and sleep through the weekends.
But what if you had an exit strategy in place before leaving the house? For example, instead of carpooling with your party animal friends, you could drive yourself. This way, you can leave if your anxiety starts to build and you cant handle another minute of awkward interactions. The more in control you feel, the less anxiety youll have.
Treating Anxiety Without Medication
If you suffer from anxiety, the constant, nagging feelings of worry can be troubling and hard to control. These feelings are usually intense and out of proportion to the actual troubles and dangers in your everyday life. They can make it hard to function at home, at work, or in social situations.
Anxiety can be treated with medication, but several mind-body approaches may also be effective.
Hypnosis is sometimes used along with cognitive behavioral therapy to treat anxiety. It can help people focus their attention, rethink problems, relax, and respond to helpful suggestions. Hypnosis relies mainly on your ability to concentrate and on the trust you have in the therapist. If you are interested in hypnosis, discuss it first with your psychiatrist or psychologist. She or he can help you find a qualified practitioner.
Biofeedback measures specific body functions, such as heartbeat or breathing, and feeds this information back to you in the form of sounds or lights. This can help you become aware of your bodyâs responses and learn to control them using relaxation and cognitive techniques. You can practice different relaxation techniques while attached to biofeedback equipment and get immediate sensory input about which techniques produce the desired results, such as slowing the heart rate or relaxing tense muscles. The hope is that this extra feedback helps people find and refine techniques that can calm the body and reduce anxiety.
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How To Get Rid Of Depression And Anxiety Without Medication
Sadly, many people with depression and anxiety disorders dont come forward to seek help and spend the majority of their lives suffering. But anxiety, depression and their underlying causes are very treatable with medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
Eating Right And Exercising
Moderate exercise five times a week for 30 minutes a day can dramatically increase your mood. Moderate exercise describes a level of activity where singing from your diaphragm is challenging. In addition to training, you should also pay attention to the food or drinks youre consuming as they have an influence over your mood. A fad diet is unnecessary, but anyone will be depressed if they binge on junk food, carbs, and energy drinkseverything in moderation.
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Set Small Goals And Chase Them
No matter where you are on your journey to overcoming depression, working toward specific goals can help you live the life you want. You can start with setting one small goal to accomplish each day, such as writing down three things you are grateful for in your journal or going to bed ten minutes earlier. Aim for SMART goals make sure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Based
As you put these coping techniques into action, keep in mind that you are on the road to recovery from depression.
Patients who invent a rationale for why they are unable to accomplish these tasks, on the other hand, are more likely to experience depression. Doing many of these things every day even when you do not feel like it is critical to the treatment of depression, regardless of whatever medication you are taking.
Natural Ways To Treat Depression: Home Remedies
No matter how rubbish you feel, think again when youre just about to eat another ice-cream, cake, sweet, doughnut, bagel, bag of crisps, chip, lump of bread, etc. These provide only empty calories they fill you up and provide a temporary sense of comfort but crucially they dont provide the nutrients you need to help you recover.
Did you know, for example, that Vit B6 and B12 are called the mental health vitamins?
In addition, Im really sorry to have to tell you that sugar causes chronic inflammation, which disrupts your bodys normal immune function and can wreak havoc on your brain .
So, instead of junk think fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, olives, fermented foods . These are the best home remedies for depression!
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