Depression is a serious condition that can last for days, weeks, or even months. It is common to fall into depression for no apparent reason. When depression is severe, it can restructure your life in an instant. The days of being able to go out and socialize again may seem like a distant memory. If you or a loved one suffers from depression, there are many treatment options available. You may need to try several different brands before finding the right one. This article will give you an overview of some of the most effective non-toxic treatments that have been developed in recent years.
Treatment-resistant depression is a type of depression that does not respond to standard treatments such as medication and therapy. If you have treatment-resistant depression, it may be helpful to work with a psychiatrist who can help you find the right treatment approach for your specific needs. There are several options that may be effective for treating treatment-resistant depression, including:
- Augmentation therapy: Adding a second medication to your current treatment regimen that is known to be effective for depression.
- Switching to a different antidepressant: Your psychiatrist may recommend switching to a different type of antidepressant if your current medication is not working for you.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT is a medical treatment that involves passing a small electric current through the brain to trigger a seizure. It is generally used as a last resort for treatment-resistant depression and is usually done under general anesthesia.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses a magnetic field to stimulate certain areas of the brain. It is typically used as a treatment for depression when other treatments have not been effective.
- Experimental treatments: Clinical trials may be an option if you have treatment-resistant depression medication and are interested in trying new treatments that are not yet widely available.
It’s important to work closely with your psychiatrist to find the treatment approach that works best for you. It may take some trial and error to find the right combination of treatments, but it is important to stay committed to the process and continue working with your healthcare team.
Exercise
Exercising is one of the most effective treatments for depression. You can choose from many different types of exercise. These can range from a light activity like walking, running, or lifting a few weights all the way up to intense workouts that will give you a definite workout. Walking is good for both the brain and the body. It is easy to do and very effective. If you struggle to get out of bed in the morning, walking is an incredibly effective way to start your day.
Research on Exercise and Depression
There are endless research papers on the effectiveness of exercise as a treatment for depression. However, the topic is so broad that it is difficult to know where to start. Here are a few points to get you started:
- Exercise promotes feelings of well-being and reduces stress.
- Exercise improves your memory, attention, and concentration.
- Exercise affects many different areas of your life: Workout routine, sleep, mood, and body composition.
- Exercise is good for your heart and liver, as well as your bones.
- Exercise is good for your body, both physically and mentally.
Exercise is one of the best non-toxic treatments for depression. It can act as both a mood lift and a physical therapy tool. There are many ways to exercise that do not involve any form of equipment or chemicals. Even if you have never exercised before, you can start at home with household items and basic exercises until your body adapts to the new routine. You will also find it easy to go out for a walk or jog after you have been exercising for a while. In case you have been feeling down and just want to take care of yourself, this article has some effective exercises that you can do at home as well as some you can do in your own environment.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises are one of the most effective ways to combat depression. They provide relief from stress by improving the oxygen supply to the brain which can help combat depression on various levels. You should try these simple breathing exercises whenever you feel like being down:
- Inhale slowly for five seconds.
- Exhale for five seconds.
Avoid Food
People with depression often have a hard time controlling their eating habits. This can lead to several side effects including high blood pressure, an increased risk of developing heart disease, and an increased risk of weight gain. Avoiding foods that make you feel bad can help prevent these side effects. Here are some examples:
- Artificial sweeteners: They are not only bad for your teeth but could also damage your gut bacteria.
- Fat: It is good for your body to produce but when you start to eat a lot of foods with high-fat content, your body will start to break down those calories for energy.
- Sugar: It is not good for your body to be constantly producing sugar.
- Processed foods: They usually contain sugar, fat, and chemicals that are harmful to your body.
- Grains: They are not a source of fiber, which is essential for good health.
- Legumes: They contain a lot of calories and fats.
- Nuts: They have a small amount of protein and fat.
- Seeds: They have a lot of fiber and vitamins.
- Fish: It is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce depression.
Play Games
Games are a great way to relax and unwind after a hard day’s work or study. There are many different types of games you can play. One great way to relax is to play a board game. Many people find solitaire addictive and can go through thousands of card combinations without breaking a sweat. Another great way to relax is to play virtual reality games. You can find many free virtual reality games online. Some people also enjoy playing card games, board games, and video games all at the same time.
Stay Hydrated
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated. However, people with depression often neglect this important task. This can lead to a number of negative outcomes including:
- High blood pressure
- Stomachache
- Feeling unmotivated and under stress
- Unexplained weight gain
- Incapacitation when going for long walks or runs
- Lack of energy when awake
- Restlessness when at home
Find Comfort Objects
comfort objects are items that you can use to soothe your pain and calm your anxiety. They can range from small things such as a book to larger items such as a stuffed animal or blanket that you can cuddle with at night. You should try to keep your comfort items as babyish as possible. Avoid items that might remind you of your sadness or depression.
Find Help
Finding a support group or seeking help from a professional can be very helpful for people with depression. You should talk to as many people as you feel comfortable talking to. Reach out to people you trust and feel comfortable talking to. People with mental health issues often feel shame or embarrassment about seeking help. Don’t keep this a secret or keep it to yourself. People need to know how to find help too so they don’t end up feeling alone. Search for support groups and support on the internet. There are many forums, message boards, and social media pages where people share their stories, struggles, and triumphs.
