Are There Alternatives to Antidepressants

Natural Antidepressants Can Also Address And Treat Depression

If you are struggling with depression and not finding relief from antidepressants, or finding it difficult to deal with side effects, there are other options available. In addition to talk therapy, there are various treatment alternatives and lifestyle changes that can help relieve depression symptoms without relying on daily medications. While no treatment is guaranteed to work for everyone, trying a variety of different options could help you find the combination that works for you.

These two depression treatment options are widely available at mental health centers across the country such as Bespoke Treatment, and are effective for millions of people every year:

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy that utilizes a small device to deliver magnetic pulses into the brain. TMS is highly targeted, meaning the pulses can be sent to the specific area of the brain related to depression. With this targeted approach, TMS has been proven to relieve depression symptoms in over 60% of patients, and relief can last for many months after the treatment course is finished. This option is especially effective for treatment-resistant depression that doesn’t respond to traditional antidepressants.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment that aims to retrain the brain and address persistent negative thought patterns without the use of medication. During neurofeedback, electrodes are attached to the scalp to monitor brain activity in real-time and provide responsive microcurrents. By mapping brain waves, patients can identify patterns associated with positive thoughts, as well as negative thoughts and feelings like anxiety and depression. With the help of microcurrent feedback, the brain is encouraged to adjust its wave activity and form new, healthier patterns.

A neurofeedback course typically consists of one to two sessions per week until the patient experiences significant improvement. Boosting sessions can also be scheduled for further improvement. During neurofeedback, patients simply sit in a comfortable chair and relax for a few moments, as the electrodes provide microcurrents that are undetectable to the individual, but still picked up by the brain.

IASIS microcurrent feedback is a widely used form of neurofeedback that is known for its rapid results. This method involves short feedback sessions and has shown meaningful improvement in patients after just three sessions.

Antidepressants Can Help But So Can These Natural Antidepressants

In addition to these treatment alternatives, many people choose to make lifestyle changes or use natural remedies in order to aid their recovery or optimize their treatment. These are some evidence-based natural ways to help relieve depression symptoms:

Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression, as it releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood-boosting chemicals. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, five times a week.
Light Therapy: Exposure to bright light, especially in the morning, has been shown to be an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the winter months. A light box that emits 10,000 lux of bright light can be purchased online or in many stores.
Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment and accepting feelings, thoughts, and sensations without judgment. Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health and have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, as well as flaxseeds and chia seeds.
St. John’s Wort: St. John’s Wort is a natural herb that has been used for centuries to treat depression. While more research is needed, some studies have shown that St. John’s Wort can be as effective as certain antidepressant medications in treating mild to moderate depression.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is important for overall health and has been linked to better mood and a reduced risk of depression. Good sources of vitamin D include sunlight exposure, fatty fish, and mushrooms.
Social Support: A strong social support system can be a powerful tool in the fight against depression. Spending time with friends and family, joining a support group, or participating in community activities can help alleviate symptoms of depression and improve overall well-being.

If you are dealing with depression, relief doesn’t have to come from antidepressants; The road to recovery looks different for everyone, and it’s important to have a variety of coping tools on your side.