Does anyone think there is anyway to solve depression, without medication??

1. 59

   keegstraaposted 10 years ago

   Does anyone think there is anyway to solve depression, without medication??
   
   I am definitely in a slump, and really need to get out of it. But I need help. Anti-depressants are always there, just wanted to explore a little before I made that decision.

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2. 61

   Raina Evinkposted 10 years ago

   There are many way to solve minor depression without medication. However, if you're suffering from chronic or serious depression, I would consult a registered psychiatrist who would be able to help you with your specific problem.
   Since depression can be caused by stressful situations or sad periods of time like the death of a loved one, it usually fades over time. If you're just in a little slump maybe try a little yoga video on youtube or exercise. 20 minutes a day can decrease stress dramatically. Another option is breathing exercises to calm down your mind. If none of those work, I suggest an appointment with someone who can talk to you about your situation.

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3. 46

   DDEposted 10 years ago

   There are ways to solve depression without medical attention  read my hub on How to Properly Heal from Depression you should have an idea.

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4. 72

   Goodpalposted 10 years ago

   I personally believe that any situation can be handled through self discipline, patience and tolerance. But you need to first take care of your mind and its chatter that never stops. Negative thoughts put you down and positive thoughts as well as inner conviction that "nothing lasts forever" help you get over anything.
   
   Mindfulness is another great technique not only for controlling mental chatter but also to gain wisdom about who we are and why we behave the way we do.
   
   A schedule of vigorous exercises, deep breathing and some change in diet always help control moods. Not having enough friends to talk to is a common reason of sinking into depression and negative moods.
   
   Reading motivating stories and quotes also help take care of gloomy mental chatter which can eat you away slowly.
   
   I wish you all the best and am positive that your inner strength is waiting to be awakened, the moment you decide to help your self.

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   ReneeDC1979posted 10 years ago

   I have definately had those "In A Slump" moments.  What I do is pray and write.  I am not a religious person, but more spiritual.  I find praying is helpful because I don't get the judgement or negative response from humans about my negative mood (i.e., get over it, cheer up, it's not that bad).  Those comments do not help me in that situation.  Do you have a best friend or close person in your life that you can talk to?  Sometimes that may help.  Maybe find a hobby that you can become really passionate about -and when you get in those moods, work on perfecting that hobby.  You may be able to express yourself (how you're feeling) through that project (ie., painting, writing, sculpture, baking).  But, you're on hubpages so try writing.  You may end up learning more about yourself and find some answers to what you're going through.  I hope that helps!

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6. 95

   jansharesposted 10 years ago

   If it's a depression that has lasted off and on for years, it's best to try medication. Depression that is chemically based will continue to return, triggered by life's stressors and unresolved issues related to self-esteem and family dynamics. Research has shown that medication and therapy work best together to successfully manage depression. One without the other does not work well. Both need to be done with consistency and support. Good luck with your decision.

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7. 36

   ChristinSposted 10 years ago

   Yes I do, but it requires commitment and patience.  In my younger years I was prone to heavy bouts of depression and in my personal experience medications are not the answer, but simply chase the symptoms.  This is only my opinion though.  I've written a hub on all the different non-pharmaceutical ways to deal with depression if you are interested in more detail - but in a nutshell this is what helped me
   
   First of all depression is like a vacuum - it sucks up all your energy and desire to move etc, but this is precisely the time when you need physical exercise.  Start small, play a fun dancing game or walk a bit - don't overexert yourself, but physically move your body every single day.  Physically this helps your body release endorphins - natural hormones that give you a better lift than any pharma drug can. 
   
   Next, start doing things that help you refocus your thoughts.  You have to retrain your mind and how you respond to things. What you think/feel determines your perception of events. This is deeper than "sugarcoat and think positive" that's not what I mean.  What I mean is where you see a problem, rather than get stuck in despair over the problem, turn it into a challenge - a game, let your competitive side come out.  Start thinking about small steps towards solutions. Break bigger problems down into smaller ones and keep things in "bite sized chunks" to better manage them. 
   
   Get an outlet for your emotions - art, writing in a journal,  whatever it is - let your emotions flow instead of damming them up inside trying to hide them.  What we resist persists, and most people with depression resist the sad/angry and instead of helping it worsens the depression. 
   
   Hang in there! be patient with yourself as you address the cause and develop coping skills.  Get a behavioral therapist or counselor to help you, preferably without drugs unless it's a last resort.
   
   Good luck!

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8. 73

   CraftytotheCoreposted 10 years ago

   I just saw a movie which had a really great idea.  This woman had a really stressful job and it was really depressing.  I used to work in a high stress career as well and could totally relate to the movie.  Anyway, she had a decompression room where she would go to calm herself in the quiet.  I liked that idea.  Often times I get so wrapped up in my daily appointments and everything I have to do, I don't take time to breathe. 
   
   I do believe there are ways to help relieve depression without meds, but it's better to be safe.  So, if you feel you need medication, it's perfectly alright to seek out help.   If you feel you can overcome this on your own, there are a lot of supportive people on here as well as some terrific Hubs written on the topic.  I hope you find peace soon.

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9. 0

   lambservantposted 10 years ago

   Sometimes, often times there is, depending on many factors. I will tell you what every psychiatrist, doctor and therapist have told me and that is regular exercise, quality sleep (which can be a very difficult thing to find), and stress management.
   
   The problem with exercise is that when you are depressed, often the last thing you feel like doing is getting out of bed or off the couch and going to the gym or for a stimulating walk. I resisted it for years. I finally got willing and I have a friend who encourages me at those times to walk with her. I got a scholarship to the YMCA one year and I exercised for 1/2 hour. I wasn't there to lose weight, build abs and muscles, only to feel better. I ALWAYS felt like a million bucks when I came out. Of course the sense of well being from endorphins stimulated by the exercise do not last forever, which is why we should try to do it frequently. It doesn't really matter what the exercise. I can't afford the Y now so I walk with a friend. I don't feel like it many times when I'm depressed but I make myself go and 9 times out of 10 I'm glad I did. Exercise is not a cure all, but it is extremely beneficial.
   
   People who don't suffer from depression don't function well without sleep. It is even harder for those of us who struggle with depression. It would behoove you if you are having trouble sleeping to talk to your doctor. There are many things you can try. Actually the exercise is also conducive to sound sleep. The opposite problem of too much sleep is in my experience a greater challenge. Best again ask the doctor or perhaps here on HP.
   
   Diet is huge as well. When we are depressed we tend to fill up on soda, coffee, chips, sweets, processed foods and anything else unhealthy. Those will only serve to make you more sluggish. We go for them because there is little to no preparation time and they sate the cravings for sweets and salt. It's the wrong kind of comfort food. Eat healthy.
   
   Develop a good support system if you can. A few people you can talk to, that are understanding and not judgmental. Stay away from people who tell you just to cheer up, pull yourself up by your bootstraps and all that other ridiculous advice.
   
   If you are a spiritual person, prayer and other spiritual activities may help. The bottom line is be willing to do things that help and keep in contact with your doctor and/or therapist. Don't go it alone.
   
   God bless you keegstraa.

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10. 80

    Lee Teaposted 10 years ago

    A 20 minute walk outside is known to do wonders. I like to putz around the woods any time of year, helps recharge the energies.
    
    One herb known to help relieve symptoms of depression is St. Johns Wort.  I use it myself as a tea and definitely feel relief.  Instead of sitting around sulking with my inner voice nagging away, I find that inner voice muttering me to "hey, everything's ok".  I notice it because that's not my usual lol!  I also like drinking the apple cider vinegar tonic - 2 Tbsp of vinegar in a full glass of water 3x a day helps balance the bodies natural pH and gets your normal energy levels back to where they should be.
    
    Crafting of any sort is my third defense against depression.  Knitting, sewing, crochet, paint, baking, playdoh - anything that creates something that wasn't here yesterday helps us fulfill our purpose, and fills us with purpose and accomplishment.
    
    If you need an ear (or rather, eyes I guess), hit me up anytime!  We're all in this together
    
    Be well!
    Lee @ Lee's Teas

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11. 68

    MargaritaEdenposted 10 years ago

    Alternative options to antidepressants are : exercise, good sleep, and St. John's Wort extract.
    But, it sounds like you might need to talk to someone, if you believe in God, find a good local church and talk to a pastor.

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12. 93

    LongTimeMotherposted 10 years ago

    Hi keegstraa. There's lots of good advice here already. Let me just add the suggestion of lemon balm tea. Lemon balm (also called melissa) is really easy to grow in your own garden and makes a lovely soothing drink. It is often called the happy herb.
    
    I grow lots of lemon balm in my gardens because it even makes the bees happy and easy to get along with.
    
    Good luck.

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13. 67

    Ceegenposted 10 years ago

    After accepting Jesus into my heart, ALL my burdens were gone. I didn't have depression anymore, and I used to be very depressed. Life didn't get better, like, I didn't become rich or whatever... But it got easier. Much easier. Life didn't bother me at all, no matter how bad it was.
    
    If you can believe in Jesus, Jesus can believe in you. No medication needed!

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14. 60

    The Examiner-1posted 10 years ago

    There must have been something 'happy' or 'fun' which happened in your life at some time. Something which you really enjoyed. Whether it was an event which you did, a movie/show that you watched, book which you read, whatever.
    
    Whenever you feel depressed, just think of the enjoying 'event'. Do not worry if nothing happens the first time, soon you will be smiling without knowing it!

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15. 73

    manatita44posted 10 years ago

    I have ideas, but I can 'feel' my answers better if I know the cause. Feel free to write ceeccil@hotmail.com. Nothing happens without cause.

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