Depression and seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression can be treated through alternative therapy. Complementary or alternative medicine is considered anything that is outside of traditional Western medical practices such as the use of pharmaceutical medicine like antidepressants.
Alternative medicine can help relieve depression symptoms and can be used alone or in combination with traditional therapies. They are recommended only for those individuals with mild depression and not recommended to be used alone for those with severe or major depression.
Alternative Clinical Treatment for Depression
There are a variety of alternative therapies that are practiced by clinical psychologists, chiropractors, licensed massage therapists and other licensed professionals. Many of these therapies may be covered by health insurance, also. A few alternative clinical treatments include:
- Acupuncture – The use of sterile, thin needles placed in particular areas of the body. This technique originated in China and it is known to bring anesthetic relief to areas of the body, provide pain relief and relaxation.
- Biofeedback – A behavioral therapy program used to teach individuals how to regulate involuntary responses of the body such as heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. This therapy shows a patient how the body responds to the stress and teaches how to voluntarily change their reactions to stress.
- Guided Imagery – A therapy used to teach individuals how to use positive images and thoughts to promote relaxation within their body and mind.
- Chiropractic care – Clinical healing through adjustments of the spinal column as chiropractors believe disease and illness stems from a disruption of normal nerve function. Chiropractors also offer other clinical services such as massage to provide relaxation.
- Hypnosis – A method of placing an individual in a trance-like state to help modify behaviors, uncover suppressed memories and provide relaxation through the power of suggestion by a trained professional. This method has become recognized by medical professional and psychologists as a useful tool in therapy.
- Counseling – Therapy provided by a professional licensed social worker, counselor or psychologist who uses psychological methods to clarify thinking, teach behavior modification and assist with issues that are disrupting an individuals life to lessen the severity of depression. This is also known as psychotherapy.
Complementary Non-Clinical Alternative Therapy for Depression
Alternative therapy for depression also includes options that are from non-clinical sources. They include herbal remedies, massage therapy and few beneficial choices. The alternative options include:
- Massage therapy – Provides relaxation through manipulation of the body's muscles by hand. It reduces pain, relaxes muscles, relieve anxiety and tension.
- Aromatherapy – The use of scents through lotions or inhalants that provide a calming effect and alter mood and behavior. Clary sage is a scent thought to help treat insomnia, anxiety and depression, as well as basil and ylang ylang.
- Yoga – A Hindu discipline or exercise that enhances spiritual enlightenment, provides tranquility and helps an individual achieve body and mind control.
- Meditation – Focus on a single subject and quiet repetition of a phrase or prayer. It is known to provide stress reduction and reduce levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is released in the body during times of stress.
- Herbal remedies – Herbal supplements such as St. John's Wort, Ginkgo Biloba and SAMe are known to alter mood, improve memory and mental function. Caution should be used when taking herbal supplements in addition to any prescription medicine. This should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
At-Home Remedies for Depression
Other alternative therapies start at home. There are a few different things an individual can do or change at home or near home to start on the road to a happier lifestyle. The following are a few simple ideas:
- Exercise – Any form of recreation, enjoyable sport or exercise as simple as walking will help alter mood. Physical activity helps the mind and overall sense of well-being.
- Laughter – Regular enjoyment of comedy and enjoyable media can help with feelings of sadness.
- Spiritual healing – Participation in any spiritual activity can help enhance a person's sense of well-being, provide relaxation and a sense of fulfillment.
- Relaxation – Learning relaxation techniques such a stretching, deep breathing techniques and incorporating pleasant aroma and sounds in the home.
- Diet – Simple dietary changes can also help with mood. Incorporating healthier foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
- Light therapy – A high-quality light box can provide the benefits that mimic sitting out in the sun. Phototherapy can increase Vitamin D levels and other chemicals known to help boost mental well-being.
- Self-help groups – Joining a group with other individuals suffering from the same can provide great group therapy, provide support, feedback and counseling.
Alternative vs. Traditional Medical Practice to Treat Depression
A study performed by the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2001 showed that more than one-third of Americans use alternative medicine treatments for depression each year. The American Journal of Psychiatry also found that more than 60% of patients seeing a psychiatrist for severe depression were also using some form of alternative medicine for depression treatment.
Alternative medicine is beneficial for individuals who do not want major side effects. Some alternative medicine have no side effects at all are are a more natural way to treat depression. Alternative or complementary treatment is also less expensive, especially for individuals with no medical insurance. The downfall is that alternative medicine can take a while to work.
Traditional Western medicine works faster so it is recommended for those with major or severe depression who are facing crisis and need quicker relief. Alternative medicine is not recommended for those who are in a critical state of mind and need quick relief of their depression symptoms.
Depression is a condition that signals the body that something is not right and life is out of balance. Some individuals will find that one alternative measure works well or a combination of therapies is best. It may take time to find what works for relief, but there is hope. A person's choice may be alternative or traditional, but relief with any measure is key to enjoying a better quality of life.
Sources:
Higgins, K. (Nov. 2008) Other Treatments for Depression. Alternative Therapies for Depression
Hoffman, M.D., M. (May 2008) Depression Guide. Home Remedies for Depression
