Alternative Depression Therapies
Holistic depression treatments have become more popular, as people have grown more concerned about the side effects of depression medications. For many people, alternative depression therapies are a safe and effective choice.
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What Are Holistic Depression Treatments?
Holistic depression treatments are an umbrella term for therapies, treatments and alternative approaches to treating depression and anxiety. Holistic depression therapies seek to treat the whole person in order to address not only the depression but its underlying physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues as well.
With more and more people looking for non-medical treatments for various illnesses and conditions, holistic therapies are getting more attention. Many people find that holistic medicine works very well and enables them to avoid drugs or to use a lower dose of medicine in conjunction with holistic therapies.
Using holistic depression therapies also helps people avoid the unpleasant side effects of the prescription medications that are used to treat depression, such as dry mouth, a lowered libido and weight gain. Often, the side effects of these medications make people think twice about using them. As people have become more conscious about what they put into their bodies, holistic depression therapies have become more popular.
How Do Holistic Depression Treatments Work?
Holistic depression therapies work by treating the whole person. They treat the body, the mind and the spirit so that each part is working in harmony with the others. Proponents of holistic depression therapies argue that the body and soul are related and that to treat one and not the other is not effective.
Some holistic depression therapies include:
- acupuncture and acupressure
- art therapy
- Ayurveda, which is an Indian treatment that includes herbs and nutrition
- chiropractic treatments
- herbal therapy, such as St. John's Wort
- hypnotherapy
- meditation
- nutritional consultations
- yoga.
This is just a partial list of the many alternative depression therapies available. What works best for one person may not work as well for another. The key to making holistic depression treatments work is to find the best one for you.
Are Holistic Depression Therapies Effective?
The members of the medical community and the Federal Drug Administration question whether enough evidence exists to support the effectiveness of these alternative depression therapies. However, studies have shown that some holistic depression treatments are effective. In particular, St. John's Wort helps treat mild depression, while acupuncture has been shown to work on seriously depressed people.
However, people using alternative depression therapies should keep in mind that even though they are not using prescription drugs, side effects can occur. St. John's Wort should not be used with MAO-inhibitor antidepressants or by people who have had organ transplants. It also increases skin's sensitivity to light and can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
If you opt for a holistic depression treatment, be sure to consult with your doctor so that he or she can monitor the results and ensure that any herbs you are considering will not have harmful interactions with any of your prescription medications.
Depression Therapy Retreats
Another method of treating depression is through depression therapy retreats. These are intensive, small group experiences that teach people to heal themselves. A depression therapy retreat is a spiritual healing experience that can help people change the behaviors and thoughts that have contributed to their depression. This approach does not work for everyone, but many people find it very powerful to take control of their lives and change the things that are making them unhappy.
The Bottom Line On Holistic Depression Treatments
Whether or not to pursue holistic depression treatments is a decision that people must make for themselves. Many people have had incredible success with holistic treatments. For some, alternative depression therapies can take the place of medications, while others find that the holistic treatments work best with medication. The side effects of holistic treatments are generally mild or nonexistent, making holistic treatments generally safe for treating mild depression and anxiety.
However, if you or someone you know is suffering from major depression or bipolar episodes or is having suicidal thoughts, it is important to get medical attention immediately.
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