Alternatives to Anti-depressants

According to acupuncturist Daniel Lee, eight million Americans are diagnosed with some form of depression. Often, people with depression turn to physicians who often prescribe antidepressant medications such as Paxil, Zoflot and Lexapro. Antidepressants work but often have side effects and do not treat the underlying issues associated with depression. In addition, antidepressants often take six weeks or longer to begin working. Instead of taking antidepressants first, try these easy natural methods to treat depression.

Therapy

• Therapy is one way to help you get to the source of your depression. Talking with a therapist allows you to open up and talk about issues that are affecting you instead of masking the problem with antidepressants. Make an appointment with a therapist and go once or twice a week for at least 30 minutes. A therapist will help with your interpersonal problems and focus on solutions to help get you through the issues causing your depression. Sometimes it helps to just talk to someone who has an open, objective mind.

Exercise

• Exercise takes a little longer to work than antidepressants but exercise is a natural alternative to antidepressants. Exercising helps overcome depression symptoms like low energy and trouble sleeping. Mood also improves because of exercise. Try taking time out for yourself and go for a brisk walk or hike at least three times a week for an hour. Exercising helps you focus on something else and you often feel better afterward.

Meditation

• Meditation improves anxiety, mood and stress and often works to treat depression. Meditation can help those who are depressed clear their mind from negative thoughts and feelings. Sit in a calm, quiet environment with eyes closed and let your thoughts drift to happy thoughts while concentrating on your breathing. Your body will begin to relax as stress lessens. After meditation, your feel more centered, rested and peaceful. Try meditating at least twice a week in a quiet, stress-free environment.

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese remedy that can be used to treat depression naturally instead of using antidepressants. Stress and anxiety, often associated with depression, can cause blockage of energy within the body. This blockage is caused by a decreased production of serotonin within the brain. When serotonin levels drop, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue and depression occur. Needles are placed along points of the body to open these blocked passages. Herbs are often used during this practice to help the body relax and to store it back to a more balanced state. Before turning to antidepressants, consult an acupuncturist about treating your depression using this natural method.