Treatment Of Depression

Psychotherapy may be helpful, but it should be used in conjunction with other approaches in order to address both the mind and the body.

Traditional drug therapy, while common, can produce negative side effects and tends to treat symptoms rather than causes of depression, something that is important for the long term.

Exercise can increase a person’s energy level and produce feelings of revitalization and accomplishment. A person who is having difficulty getting started can begin with simple movements. Once the effect of the activity is felt, it can be increased to a level and type appropriate for that individual.

A diet centered on raw, fresh vegetables and fruits, and a balance of proteins is recommended to ensure that the proper amounts of amino acids necessary for proper brain functioning are being ingested. Complex, rather than simple, carbohydrates (like sugar), should be the focus.

B-complex vitamins, niacin, and magnesium are important in preventing and overcoming depression.

Interaction with others may help to overcome depression. Volunteer work, in particular, can help distract the person, as well as get him or her into something rewarding.

Some herbs have effects similar to those of antidepressant drugs, without drug side effects. St. Johns wort is widely used in Europe for this purpose, and double-blind studies have supported this herbs antidepressant effect. People have also had success with valerian, skullcap, hops, passionflower, Chinese schizandra berry, wild oats, and calamus root.

Light therapy can aid in the mild depression associated with the winter season. The homeopathic remedies aurum metallicum, ignatia, natrum muriaticum, sepia, and pulsatilla are used for cases of acute, temporary depression.