If I am Depressed, Do I Need Medication?
/Clients often wonder if depression always requires medication treatment to go along with it. The short answer is, no. Depression is a feeling of overwhelming guilt, sadness, isolation and loneliness. It comes with waves of negative thinking, including but not limited to thoughts about our worth, our purpose and our life. It can take you down a spiral of negativity that you can get stuck in.
Thankfully, depression does not have to last forever and medication is not always the first or even best option.
Depression treatment can start with therapy, and continue with changing life habits, such as:
Getting plenty of sunlight and vitamin D: Sunlight helps our bodies produce Vitamin D. By being outside, specially in the morning hours we help our body recognize the time and to start helping us feel awake. This is part of our sleep, wake cycle and contributes to us having a productive and positive day. Get your Vitamin D levels checked!
Getting plenty of restful sleep, REM sleep to be precise: Sleep. Such a nice thought. Getting restful sleep can help keep our depression away. Sleep helps us detox our brain, keeping our brain working at the best rate possible. Without sleep and REM cycles, our body can not recover and regenerate. This makes not only depression prevalent, but illness, such as dementia, alzheimer’s and cancer.
Moving your body and walking: Depression wants us to stay still, lay win bed and do nothing. By moving your body, gently, you can start to get your blood flowing and your mind working in the best way possible. Our bodies need movement to help our lymph highway to flow. Our lymph system is responsible for illness and immunity. Movement can help you say goodbye to depression and keep illnesses away.
Connecting with loved ones: Texting, calling or emailing the people you love is a great way to help you overcome depression. Take the time to spend at least one minute a day trying to make the effort to connect. This can help your neurotransmitters release happy chemicals in your body.
Enjoying time relaxing and clearing your mind: It sounds cliche, “self-care.” But it is not, self care is exactly what someone who has depression needs. They need time to love themselves and every aspect of who they are. Self-care is a potential depression reducer.
If needed, potential herbal supplements or medications: Herbal remedies to help depression include but are not limited to adrenal supports, SAMe, minerals, Vitamin D, B vitamins, Aswhaghanda and more. Medications can also play a role in treatment, but are not an end all be all. As always please consult your treating physician to see which supplements or medications may be right for you.
Depression is dreaded and people do not want to get stuck in the depression cycle. Having the ability to use resources, besides medication can be helpful in helping you overcome your depression. Our counselors are trained in helping clients overcome negative thinking and can help you regain control of your life.
