Self Improvement



Alternative Depression Treatments

Part 3

There are many alternatives to dealing with depression aside from the standard treatments such as antidepressant medications and therapy. The treatment methods that will be utilized are determined based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the depression, the factors causing the depression and the lifestyle of the person who exhibits the symptoms of this illness.

Alternative Depression Treatments 

Treating Bipolar Disease With Alternative Medicine


Bipolar Disease is a severe form of depression and mania that involve two opposite states of mind. A person who suffers from this disorder will be quiet, moody and morose at times, and then become and extremely energetic. This may also manifest itself as outgoing, productive, lively and also agitated, hyper and/or angry. The term bipolar is defined as two opposing extremes, so a person with this disease may even seem to exhibit two distinct personalities.

While there is no actual cure, there are forms of alternative medicine for bipolar disease. Lithium is the most commonly prescribed medication to treat the symptoms and stabilize the moods of people with this illness. Some studies suggest that a lack of the nutrients provided by B Vitamins may be at least partially responsible for a person developing these symptoms, so many experts recommend taking vitamin supplements to help reduce the effects of the disease. Another form of treatment involves maintaining a healthier lifestyle, including a proper diet, meditation and an overall holistic approach to recovery.

When looking into treatments for this disorder, or any form of depression, it is important to be wary of any disreputable websites for alternative medicine. Reputable sites will provide tips and suggestions for treatment, whereas disreputable sites are usually designed to sell products that are advertised as being a cure or the only viable solution to a medical problem. Avoid these sites and keep in mind there is no known cure.

 

Sunlight Treatment


One of the most common forms of depression is known as SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. This affects people during the fall and winter when the sun is not visible for long periods of time. The lack of sunlight can cause people to feel lethargic and unmotivated, and feeling extremely unhappy. Some people simply wait it out and feel better when spring arrives, or take antidepressants to help them cope, but for many these methods are ineffective or simply cost prohibitive if the medications are not covered by their insurance provider.

Light therapy has become a common alternative form of treatment for people with SAD. The patients are treated by being put into an environment with an artificial light source that is designed to be extra bright and simulate actual light from the sun. Often a patient will only need a short time in this light to experience a full recovery and be able to go on with their everyday life. Depending on the severity of the illness, patients may require daily, weekly or monthly light treatments.

 

Avoiding Depression


Perhaps the best way to fight the effects of depression is to do everything possible to avoid it. This involves a holistic approach and a healthier lifestyle, including a balanced diet, plenty of exercise and avoiding anything that can lead to it to begin with.

You can get a jump on not ever starting certain habits that can bring on lifelong imbalances in the system from a younger age, when the body and brain are still developing. For example, studies have shown that smoking often causes depression in teenagers. Research has shown that teens who previously exhibited no symptoms of depression were at least four times more likely to develop them after they started smoking.

Depression can have so many varying causes that it may be impossible to avoid completely. However, by taking steps to lead a healthy and productive lifestyle, people can reduce the risk of experiencing severe forms of depression. Those who are forced to deal with this illness can find many methods of treatment available to them. From standard practices such as counseling and medication, to alternative methods like St. John's Wort, herbal supplements, an exercise regiment and acupuncture, those who are faced with depression can find the help that they need to get better and start feeling like themselves again.

Please consult your health care practitioner for more information.
 
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