Alternative Help for Depression

People may seek help for depression outside of conventional medical treatment for various reasons such as lack of health insurance or unsatisfactory results of current treatment. Alternative therapies are sometimes used to complement traditional treatment. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 36 percent of adults, 18 or older use some form of complementary medicine.

Hypnotherapy

• Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis to treat a mental or emotional condition such as depression. Hypnosis produces an altered state of consciousness in which the person becomes susceptible to verbal suggestions. Hypnotherapy can help alleviate depression by the substitution of positive and calming suggestions given to the person while in the altered state of mind. While under hypnosis, new behaviors can be suggested which can help the individual overcome depression or other conditions. Although the effect of hypnotherapy on depression remains uncertain, it has been shown to have a degree of effectiveness on other health conditions.

St. John's Wort

• St. John's Wort is an herb that has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. While there is some evidence that St. John's Wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression there is no concrete evidence to prove that it would be beneficial in treating severe depression. People who take St. John's Wort for depression or other illness should use caution since the herb may interact with prescription medication such as antidepressants, anticoagulants and birth control pills. Side effects such as headache, sexual dysfunction and increased sensitivity to sunlight may also occur when taking the herb.

Yoga and Meditation

• Yoga is a system of relaxation that unites the body, mind and spirit through physical postures and breathing exercises. Meditation, which is the relaxation of the mind and body through breathing techniques and clearing the mind, is often combined with yoga to produce a calming effect. Yoga can have physical effects on the body such as lowering heart rate, blood pressure and increasing oxygen intake. Although it is not yet clearly understood how yoga brings about beneficial physical effects, it may be due to increased activity of the parasymathetic nervous system, and the release of hormones. Although there is some scientific evidence that yoga and meditation improve memory, reduce anxiety levels and may prevent relapse in people who have suffered major depression, more studies are needed to determine the overall effectiveness as a treatment for depression.

Aromatherapy

• Aromatherapy is an ancient practice using aromatic oils and incense derived from plants and trees. The oils are potent and so are diluted by mixing with a carrier oil such as vegetable oil. The oils can be inhaled via steam, applied directly to the body in massage, added to bathwater or incense may be burned to produce aromatic effects. It is theorized that aromatherapy may work by having a direct effect on hormones in the blood, stimulating the pleasure center of the brain and/or stimulation of the adrenal glands. Research continues to determine the effectiveness of aromatherapy as a treatment for depression and other health conditions.

Significance

• There are several other alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture and guided imagery. Although some people claim to have success with these therapies, others do not. You may have to experiment to find what works best for you. Always seek a qualified practitioner when choosing alternative treatment.