Lets Fight Depression

Alternative treatments are those that doctors and scientific studies either do not recommend or have not been proven to be effective at this point in time.  That does not necessarily mean that they do not work, but there may just be a lack of research at this time.  However, alternative treatments for depression may also backfire so it is important to talk to you doctor before you try any of these treatments.  We will do our best at this website to give you the information about alternative depression treatments without recommending them to you as a consumer.  You need to make your own informed decision as discussed with your medical doctor.  That being said, there are some people who suffer from depression who swear by these treatments although doctors say they are foolish for trying them.  In most cases the alternative treatments are not going to work, but some may actually do what they claim.  We try to take a neutral stance on alternative treatments for depression since the only way to truly find out if it works is to try it which may or may not be unhealthy and could potentially make things worse.  Here are a few of the treatments that others suffering from depression have recommended.  This list is certainly not all-inclusive.

Kris does use some of these alternative treatments for depression even though they may be pointless to take.  He takes herbal supplements and uses a few of the other alternative treatments as well.  He has no proof that these are making an impact on his fight against depression, but he thinks there is a possibility that they might help so he tries them anyways.

Hypnosis

Some people suffering from depression claim that being hypnotized can help them combat the symptoms of depression.  This depression alternative treatment involves being put into a deep state of relaxation by a professional and talking through your problems.  It is claimed that this deep state can help prevent the extreme sadness that comes along with depression.

Kris does not believe that hypnosis helps fight depression, but this is only based on guessing.  He thinks it may be a placebo for some people.  He has no evidence of this; it is purely his opinion.

Herbs and Vitamins

Certain nutritionists claim that taking herbal remedies like Saint John’s Wort, drinking herbal teas, or taking huge doses of niacin can help fight depressions worst symptoms.  However, FDA studies and other scientific studies claim that this is not true.  It is often difficult to determine truth from fact in this area because on one side you have nutritionists and herbal remedy shops that stand to gain a significant amount if you buy their products whereas on the other hand you have the pharmaceutical companies who will not be able to sell you their antidepressants if you use these herbal remedies instead.  Until there is more non-biased research, the best thing you can do is discuss this treatment with your doctor.

After Kris’s research, there does not seem to be nearly enough evidence to support the claim in either direction.  Kris does however take many of these herbal remedies including niacin and herbal teas even though he has no proof that they are actually impacting his fight against depression.

Vegan Diet

Naturalists and many nutritionists would like you to believe that a vegan diet can fight the negative effects of depression.  This is not scientifically proven, but it makes a lot of sense because all natural food does not have many of the preservatives and other added chemicals that have a link to depression.  However, there is not necessarily any proof that someone who already has depression will be cured through a purely vegan diet.  That being said, there are some people out there who have had fantastic results by switching to this diet including much higher levels of energy which may give a person the ability to fight off those depression feelings since they are happier.  This is certainly an alternative depression treatment that is up for debate.

Kris enjoys eating meat and snacks far too much to ever adopt a vegan diet.  For those who could stand to this healthy of a diet, it is highly recommended since it will also help improve healthiness throughout all aspects of your life even if it doesn’t help fight depression.

Meditation and Yoga

Relaxation has been claimed to help fight off depression and meditation and yoga are two ways to pure your body into a pure state of relaxation.  Yoga will also help give your body the exercise it needs to produce extra endorphins which can help fight off depression.  Scientific studies do not have much to say about these two forms of relaxation and exercise so there is no real way to make an informed decision.  Both of these two promote a healthy lifestyle, but they may not relieve your depression symptoms.  If you are going to try these alternative treatments, then it is recommended that you are also seeking prescription treatment through your psychiatrist.

Kris recommends meditating and doing yoga if you like doing these things.  He has not had any specific results that can pinpoint helping his depression symptoms, but both of them are enjoyable and can be very healthy.  Is this the cure-all for depression?  Kris definitely does not think so.

Acupuncture or Aroma Therapy

These very alternative treatments are said to fix the symptoms of depression.  There is no evidence that either of these works other than some people whose story may or may not be legitimate.  The only way you should engage in these treatments is if your doctor tells you to do so.

Kris feels that both of these treatments for depression are scams.  They are both incredibly expensive without any proof that they work.  Generally if something is this easy, this expensive, and without much scientific evidence then it is a scam.  If your doctor recommends this, you may consider seeing a different doctor.