When you are depressed, the effects of the illness can snowball. You may find yourself suffering from a number of somatic maladies stemming from your depression. That’s why it’s important to visit with your doctor and answer all questions about your health and well-being honestly. Your doctor may give you a prescription for an anti-depressant, and/or some ideas for alternative therapies. The following the read this article some good ideas for alternative therapies for depression.
What is alternative therapies?
A health treatment that is not classified as standard Western medical practice is referred to as “alternative” or “complementary.” Alternative therapies encompasses a variety of disciplines that includes everything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes. Examples of alternative therapies include acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic treatments, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage and many others.
Between doctor or counselor visits, things may happen that cause your spirits to plummet. Before they spiral out of control, pick up the phone and call a friend, relative, member of your place of worship, your support group or your counselor. If you are feeling especially low and feel you may harm yourself or others, you must call your local crisis hotline. Be sure to have this number by your phone in case you need it.
Be sure to set a regular, daily schedule for yourself. Having a steady routine helps you stay on an even keel. Be sure your routine is a well-rounded one that includes healthy eating, light-to-moderate exercise, time with friends and family, and plenty of down-time. Of course, you will have to work, too! Exert as much control over your schedule at work as you can so as to take your breaks and meals at regular times and to keep your work-flow orderly to avoid stress.
Always practice good grooming, even if you are feeling down. Being dirty and disheveled is depressing. Be sure to bathe or shower daily, brush your hair and your teeth and dress in clean clothes that fit you properly. You will be surprised by how much better you feel when you present your best self to the world.
Be sure to go out every day. Don’t just hang around the house. Go to the park or the library, take in a movie or just go for a stroll around your neighborhood or at the mall. Being around people will help you feel better (even if you don’t like people very much!) Just seeing what others are doing, exchanging a smile with a stranger and being out in the fresh air will help lift your spirits.
Journaling & Alternative Therapies For Depression
Journaling can be a good alternative therapies for depression. Set a specific time to write every day. Sometimes it’s a good idea to write at bed-time to clear your mind before sleep. When you arise, write again. You may have solved some problems or arrived at some epiphanies in your dreams. Your morning writing could bring these happy events to light.
Helping others is a great way to help yourself, and there are lots of excellent volunteer opportunities available. Help with children or the elderly, volunteer at the animal shelter, conduct an arts and crafts class, help with the canned food drive. Working with others and contributing to your community in a positive way is a great way to improve your own sense of self-worth.
Never stop learning! You can join classes, read how-to books, take a course online, join a club that offers field trips, and so on. There are so many opportunities to learn so many things, you will never know it all. There’s no reason to be a stick-in-the-mud. Stimulate your thoughts and brighten your days with learning.
When you take proactive steps to enhance the treatments your doctor prescribes, you are taking control of your own mental health care. You never know! If you change your habits and develop a strong, positive lifestyle, you may very well be able to leave medication behind in the future. Follow these tips to make the most of your depression recovery.