Alternative treatments for Depression

A large number of alternative medicines strategies are now available to replace the prescription drugs used for treating depression. A large number of patients who want to avoid the side effects of prescription antidepressants are found to be interested in experimenting with these alternatives to them that are now available. These branches of medicines that go parallel to the modern medicine include mind-body techniques, nutritional and dietary supplements.

The light therapy or phototherapy used to treat problems like acne vulgaris, delayed sleep phase syndrome and seasonal affective disorder are now found to be useful in the treating of non-seasonal depression also. Light therapy consists of exposure to specific wavelengths of light. It makes use of lasers, LED, fluorescent lamps etc to get the desirable wavelength of light. Daylight at a specific time of a day can also be used in this treatment.

Acupuncture is also used by many to reduce the symptoms of depression. Whether acupuncture is effective in treating depression or not is a question yet to be answered by the scientists. Exercise, if combined with medication is found to be effective in preventing the return of depression. To get the benefit, one has to do a minimum of 30 minutes brisk walking at least three days a week. Vigorous exercising is also found to be effective in reducing the stress and to counter depression. Improved stamina and fitness will help a person to develop his self-esteem. Experts recommend exercise in natural surroundings to get more benefits for a patient.

Alterative treatment for depression includes a large number of dietary and nutrition supplements. Unfortunately, the dietary and nutritional supplements that come with an antidepressant label in our market are not regulated or tested by any authorities. The purity, effectiveness and safety of these medicines are not subjected to the control of authorities. One who consumes such drugs is doing so at his own risk. One should ensure that the dietary supplements he takes do not interact with the prescription medicines he uses before he starts taking them. It is always good to consult your doctor to rule out the possibilities of chemical interaction of these medicines and the medicines you take regularly for other health problems. The most commonly used nutritional or dietary supplements for depression include St.John’s wort, SAM-e AND Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

The benefits of deep brain stimulation used by many doctors now to treat depression are yet to be revealed through scientific studies. Alterative depression treatment also makes use of various mind-body techniques to get rid of the symptoms of this health problem. The major mind-body techniques that are used for improving the condition of a depression patient include Yoga, meditation, guided imagery and message therapy.