Can depression be overcome/managed without drugs?!
Question: Thanks for your answers.
Answers: Thanks for your answers.
ABSOLUTELY! In fact, many people with depression should not be on meds at all. The vast majority of people have what is a situational depression, meaning it is temporary. Those that need meds are dealing with a serious clinical depression that renders them unable to do the basics or they are suicidal.
Depression can be cured by seeking out a good counselor for talk therapy (finding out why the person feels the way they do and using coping skills to overcome it), looking at the persons diet (too much sugar or alcohol--both depressant), SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) happens in the winter and is caused by lack of sunlight. It is easily taken care of with vitamin D and calcium and being exposed to sunlight 15 minutes a day (you can get a light box if sun does not shine much where you are) and exercise to raise endorphin levels in the brain to make you feel better.
Also, a person needs to look at the decisions they make in life; are they responsible, wise choices? If not, then life can be rougher than it already is and this can cause depression. Additionally, people don't seem to have hope, which is what keeps us going. Do you have a relationship with God? That provides all the hope you need in life.
Mild depression can most certainly. Simple things like changing lifestyle, reducing stress levels, and getting physically fit can all have very positive effects.
It may be possible to manage depression without the use of drugs if it is mild. You really need to consult your health care provider to get a proper diagnoses and all information on the treatment options available.
as long as it isn't too severe it can. Watch the stress levels, learn to express yourself and have someone to talk to.
Also exercise more. and you can try to get a sun lamp. sit under it for 5-10 minutes a day. these things have helped me so much that i have not had to take medication in the last 3 years. you can learn to cope with depression without medications. but by all means, if you feel you need the medication go for a low dosage until you can go without it. the best thing to do is get help when you know that you need it.
I find that my diet helps, i've noticed if i eat junk food (burgers, crisps, chocolate etc) my moods tend to be really black....but if i cut the junk out and eat more fruit and veg it really helps me. I also try to have something to aim for ie a project to do; a personal challenge.
Hope this helps x
It would depend upon how severe the depression is, long term untreated depression may be at a stage where this is not possible. Usually it would have to be treated for a while with medication to get `the mind` back on track, into a different way of seeing and interpreting things. Mild depressing can certainly be treated without medication. It would involve changing much of the way your life is lived so that you can open up new avenues of thought and activity. You may have to change your eating habits( the wrong food can help cause depression) as you may not be completely healthy. If it is possible a change of environment, job, friends,home and interests is advise able. You may have to shake off the `old` you and almost become someone new.The important thing is to recognise that you are depressed and to do something about it as soon as possible, before it gets to the stage where medication is necessary.
Hi--sure, Psychotherapy does wonders also! There are several types of psychotherapy. Each type involves a short-term, goal-oriented approach aimed at helping you deal with a specific issue. Prolonged psychotherapy is seldom necessary to treat depression. If an underlying factor contributing to your depression is an inability to get along with others or difficulty finding your place in life, then prolonged psychotherapy could help you. The success of therapy depends on finding a doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist you're comfortable with. Both [medications] and psychotherapy can take weeks to have an effect. Specialized and supervised group therapy, such as bereavement groups, stress management classes, marital counseling and family therapy, also may help. Psychotherapy which may help you cope with ongoing problems that may trigger or contribute to depression. A combination of medications and a brief course of psychotherapy usually is effective if you have mild to moderate depression. If you're severely depressed, initial treatment usually is with medications or electroconvulsive therapy. Once you improve, psychotherapy can be more effective.
Good Luck, Take Care, & Happy New Year!! ; )
Absolutely. Mild to medium depression can be alleviated with a combination of healthy diet, exercise and mindfulness.
I've had level 4 severe depression for 5 years almost 6 years ((since I was 13)), the first 3 or so I didn't take anything, I took prozac the 4th year & it started to get better but, then for some reason I just quit & as of now & for the last 11 months I haven't taken anything & my depression as become worse. Of course All would be Dependant on your level of depression mine being the highest level, some of those quick fixes don't really do the trick for me, but you should please contact a doctor.
it depends on the type of depression...www.depressionanon.co.uk
Yes. There wasn't much depression before the Drug Companies made pills to "solve the problem". Everyone seems to have depression now & if you go to a GP, he'll fob you off with pills just because you say you're not feeling yourself.
my husband was on very high doses of lithiam zoloft and other drugs...he weaned himself off and we both cope with his disability without the zombiefying drugs he had....it definatley depends on what ur depression is and how it manifests its self...it could be dangerous to stop ur medication if u r violent or overly manic but if u feel ur quality of life is lessened and just masked ...then ask ur doc for advise...and definately discuss with those u live with as ur disabilty is their disability too....good luck ...message me or email me if u wish....good luck helen