4 Natural Treatments For Depression
Today I’d like to talk about alternatives to anti-depressants when treating depression. While medication and/or therapy are usually necessary, in some cases, natural treatments for depression can be effective.
The Problem
According to The Priory treatment centres, almost 20% of people will experience depression at some time in their life. In 2019, approximately 280 million people worldwide were diagnosed with depression. In addition, Covid-19 caused fear, loneliness, and anxiety, contributing to a significant spike in mental health problems.
What Does Depression Feel Like?
If you want an in-depth explanation, you can read about my experiences suffering with the big D. However, here’s an idea of what a person with mild to moderate depression goes through:
- Crushing, debilitating sadness
- Low self-esteem
- Exhaustion
- Tearfulness
- Complete lack of motivation
- Having no interest in life
- Intense irritability
- Sudden bouts of anger
- Feeling hopeless
Why Wouldn’t A Person Take Anti-Depressants?
It’s a good question, as anti-depressants are effective in many cases. In my experience, there are three main reasons.
1) Some people just don’t like taking medication. They can have all sorts of reasons, but the upshot is they would rather not take any drug regularly.
2) Side effects. Anti-depressants do have side effects, and some can be unpleasant. Sertraline will usually cause nausea for the first few days, which can get pretty bad. Most people ride it out, but my dad felt so awful he didn’t eat for days. Every person reacts to each medication differently, so if you have a bad reaction to one you can try another. However, some people dislike the side effects so much they are unwilling to keep trying.
3) Withdrawal. I’ve explained at length the hideous experience I had when I suffered from anti-depressant withdrawal while coming off Venlafaxine. I followed medical advice and tapered the dose slowly, but I went into withdrawal anyway. Some people experience withdrawal and choose never to take them again. Others are simply afraid it might happen.
Natural Treatments For Depression
So, the question is, are there any natural treatments for depression and do they work? There is evidence of positive results using natural treatments. However, there are few clinical studies, so there is no concrete proof. If you would like to try any of these, please inform someone so they can keep an eye on you. Depression can progress quickly, and you may need to see a doctor urgently.
St John’s Wort
Of all the natural treatments for depression St John’s Wort is most common. Many people have reported a beneficial effect on mild to moderate depression. However, it can interact badly with other medications, including anti-depressants, blood thinners, aids medication and birth control, so if you are taking anything else, speak to your doctor first.
There are side-effects with St John’s Wort too. In my case, they made my boobs so tender I had to stop taking them. Other effects include dry mouth, indigestion, dizziness and fatigue.
Omega 3
Omega 3, found in oily fish, contributes to good brain health. We have been told it can be beneficial in reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s. Did you know that low Omega 3 intake has been linked with depression? You can take Omega 3 supplements, but ideally, try to get it from your diet. Salmons, sardines and anchovies are great choices.
5-HTP
5-Hydroxytrytophan is a chemical produced within the body. It is used to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter believed to regulate mood. Some users report taking a 5-HTP supplement is a natural treatment for depression. The idea is that more 5-HTP equals more serotonin, which boosts your mood. This has not been proven yet, and you should not take it without consulting your doctor.
Light
Light is a big factor for sufferers of seasonal affective disorder. SAD sufferers feel very low during the winter months when there is a lack of natural light. Where possible, try to get outside during the morning, as this light is most effective in boosting serotonin. If this is not possible, you can also buy light boxes and lamps that you can use for 30 minutes a day.
Conclusion
Natural treatment for depression does exist, but it may not work for everyone, and it is unlikely to be effective if you have severe depression. If you would prefer to take a natural approach, make sure you talk it over with your doctor so they can warn you about potential risks. Start slow and gradually increase the dose to give your body a chance to adjust. Finally, give yourself a break and allow yourself to process how you are feeling.
