The term "depression" (used in the context of mental state) can mean anything from a general feeling of sadness (dejection) to a psychotic or psychoneurotic disorder (clinical depression).
While the latter almost always requires medical intervention, the former can often be self-treated.
Some of the most effective treatments for the "sadness/dejection" type of depression are the so-called "alternative" treatments: those that emphasize the inter-relationship between mind, body, and spirit.
(Note: it's always wise to consult with your doctor about any treatments you're using or considering for depression.
Often times a combination of treatments works best for most people.
And you also want to make certain one treatment doesn't react poorly with another, or ensure that something in your diet doesn't react negatively with a treatment.
Your doctor can help with this.
) Self Treatment for Depression At the risk of over-simplifying, self treatment for depression is joining self-help groups.
Many people find them an invaluable resource for recovery and for empowerment.
This self treatment for depression generally refers to groups or meetings that:
For example, research suggests that eliminating milk and wheat products can reduce the severity of depression symptoms for some people.
Similarly, some holistic/natural physicians use herbal treatments, B-complex vitamins, riboflavin, magnesium, and thiamine to treat anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity.
Again, your doctor/nutritionist will be able to help you with this.
Pastoral Counseling Perhaps you're like other people who prefer to seek help for mental health problems from their pastor, rabbi, or priest, rather than from therapists who are not affiliated with a religious community.
Counselors working within traditional faith communities increasingly are recognizing the need to incorporate psychotherapy and/or medication, along with prayer and spirituality, to effectively help some people with mental disorders.
Bottom line: go to someone who you feel comfortable with.
Love pets? Many people find that the love, affection and attention they give and receive from a pet are "just the thing" to help alter their mental state.
Animals, of course, are a big responsibility, as they require a great deal of care and expense.
If you've never had one before, the stress of pet ownership may do more harm than good.
Spending time with "OPP" (other people's pets) or perhaps volunteering at a local shelter may be a better solution.
While the latter almost always requires medical intervention, the former can often be self-treated.
Some of the most effective treatments for the "sadness/dejection" type of depression are the so-called "alternative" treatments: those that emphasize the inter-relationship between mind, body, and spirit.
(Note: it's always wise to consult with your doctor about any treatments you're using or considering for depression.
Often times a combination of treatments works best for most people.
And you also want to make certain one treatment doesn't react poorly with another, or ensure that something in your diet doesn't react negatively with a treatment.
Your doctor can help with this.
) Self Treatment for Depression At the risk of over-simplifying, self treatment for depression is joining self-help groups.
Many people find them an invaluable resource for recovery and for empowerment.
This self treatment for depression generally refers to groups or meetings that:
- Involve people with similar needs
- Are facilitated by a consumer, survivor, or other layperson
- Help people deal with a "life-disrupting" event such as a death, abuse, serious accident, addiction, or diagnosis of a physical, emotional, or mental disability, for oneself or a relative
- Are operated on an informal, free-of-charge, and nonprofit basis
- Provide support and education
- Are voluntary, anonymous, and confidential
For example, research suggests that eliminating milk and wheat products can reduce the severity of depression symptoms for some people.
Similarly, some holistic/natural physicians use herbal treatments, B-complex vitamins, riboflavin, magnesium, and thiamine to treat anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity.
Again, your doctor/nutritionist will be able to help you with this.
Pastoral Counseling Perhaps you're like other people who prefer to seek help for mental health problems from their pastor, rabbi, or priest, rather than from therapists who are not affiliated with a religious community.
Counselors working within traditional faith communities increasingly are recognizing the need to incorporate psychotherapy and/or medication, along with prayer and spirituality, to effectively help some people with mental disorders.
Bottom line: go to someone who you feel comfortable with.
Love pets? Many people find that the love, affection and attention they give and receive from a pet are "just the thing" to help alter their mental state.
Animals, of course, are a big responsibility, as they require a great deal of care and expense.
If you've never had one before, the stress of pet ownership may do more harm than good.
Spending time with "OPP" (other people's pets) or perhaps volunteering at a local shelter may be a better solution.