Prescription medicine may be life-saving for many individuals with depression. For depression treatment, a psychiatrist often gives prescription antidepressants like SSRIs. These drugs are helpful but can come with side effects and a high price tag, depending on the patient's health insurance plan.
Prescription drugs are not the only option for treating depression symptoms. A natural approach without medication can be a good solution for you if you are dealing with depression. If so, look at these options and then consult the doctor to know if they might be appropriate for your treatment plan.
No medication depression treatment includes lifestyle modifications and supplements. Many other options, such as practicing mindfulness or improving one's living conditions, are also effective.
Mood and sleep are intertwined. When people fail to get enough sleep, their mental health will suffer, depression or not. "Good sleep hygiene" is a term used by sleep professionals to describe a healthy sleep routine. For example, this may mean having a nighttime ritual that does not include spending time in front of a screen or having a bedroom designed to promote restful sleep.
The link between sleep deprivation and depression is not always clear. Not only does a lack of quality sleep seem to be associated with depression, but it is also possible that depression causes sleep deprivation. Patients can take specific steps to increase the quality of their sleep, including:
Coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate all contain high levels of caffeine. There is no harm in a little quantity of caffeine in the morning, but limit intake after 3 p.m. to prevent it from disrupting sleep.
Patients who habitually rely on coffee should gradually decrease it to prevent unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Instead of grabbing a coffee or drink, take a walk around the block.
A vitamin D deficiency may contribute to depression. Patients can ask their doctor whether to take a vitamin D supplement if they are not receiving enough vitamin D through food and lifestyle (such as sun exposure).
A lack of certain nutrients might exacerbate depression symptoms. For example, supplements may be helpful if one cannot spend enough time outside due to weather circumstances such as gloomy skies or rain.
Natural antidepressants may help alleviate the symptoms of depression in some cases. Patients can try St. John's Wort, SAM-e, and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) for moderate to severe depression. Those with mild-to-moderate depression have found that St. John's wort is more beneficial than a placebo in alleviating their symptoms.
Researchers have also looked at the possibility that omega-3 fatty acids influence depression. Taking omega-3 supplements may lower symptoms of depression in both adults and children, but experts are not sure how or why.
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While natural therapies for depression might be beneficial, you should always get the advice of a psychiatrist before using them. These products are not necessarily safe because they are accessible without a prescription and marketed as natural. In addition, the research on these natural antidepressants is still unclear, and some may induce unpleasant side effects or medication interactions. Remember to book an appointment with the psychiatrist and ask about your depression treatment options.
Request an appointment or call NYC Psychiatric Associates at 917-391-0076 for an appointment in our New York office.
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