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You are here: Self Help & Improvement > Self Help Information > Depression Treatments
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Alternative Depression TreatmentsPart 2The use of natural and
organic methods in the physical treatment of depression are thought of as the
best way to actually cure it by more and more healthcare professionals. They
argue that while medications such as antidepressants only alleviate the
symptoms, they do not actually deal with the root of the illness. Natural
methods, however, are designed to heal the illness itself. |
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Dietary and Herbal Treatments
So… how to cure depression by natural foods? Is that even a question that
makes sense? A growing number of health professionals think so. It is widely
known that eating food full of refined sugars and carbohydrates are the source
of many problems. Foods that contain these ingredients, which are man made and
not natural, are addictive and the cause of bad health both physically and
mentally. A poor diet is seen as a major contributing factor of depression. It
can lead to increased weight and obesity, a lack of energy and even heart
problems or other medical maladies. The food we eat constitute the building
blocks for our bodies and our minds, so a proper diet is of the utmost
importance to everyone. Many doctors and dietitians recommend a diet that is low
in fat and high in vitamins. Some will also go onto say that having a diet that
contains only organic foods or as many organic foods as possible will help even
more.
Doctors also commonly suggest taking dietary supplements that include Vitamin B,
Omega 3 oils and herbal products. Perhaps the most commonly prescribed
supplement for dealing with depression is St. John's Wort. It has been shown to
help reduce anxiety. St. John's Wort works by balancing the chemistry of the
brain, which will elevate the mood of the person taking it, and help them to
feel happier and increase a sense of well being. Since it is natural supplement,
it will not have side effects like most prescribed medications.
Exercise
Research has proven time after time that aside from a proper diet, exercise is
one of the best ways for anyone to feel better and alleviate depression. It
promotes a healthy lifestyle and activity that stimulates both the body and the
mind. Not all medical experts agree on exactly why it works, but most do concur
that it is effective.
Studies have been conducted to compare and contrast the results of patients who
took antidepressants with those who only utilized a proper exercise regiment to
deal with their feelings of depression. The findings showed that the people who
were given medication noticed a reduction in their symptoms faster than the
others, but the people who continued to exercise on a long term basis showed a
better rate of success overall. Whether it is the endorphins that are released
by physical activity or the feeling of accomplishment that comes with an ongoing
physical routine, all experts agree that people who are more active are less
likely to suffer from depression.
Recovery Model of Treatment in Mental Health
The recovery model is basically the belief that patients have the ability to
fully overcome any mental health issue permanently, and effectively be cured
from an illness. This method of treatment is sometimes viewed as being similar
to other types of recovery programs such as for alcohol or drug treatment. Some
basic steps are followed in the recovery model, including acceptance of a
problem, participation in finding a solution, and changing of lifestyle to find
a more balanced way of life.
One of the most important aspects of this method is
that is relies heavily on patients to make decisions for themselves and to
actively participate in their own process. The patients are strongly encouraged
to give input as to what types of treatment they wish to pursue, whether it be
dietary, herbal supplements and vitamins, exercise, acupuncture, holistic
methods and/or any other practices. While the healthcare professionals who
supervise this method of treatment will not allow any patient to do anything
that could cause them harm, they are obligated to respect the wishes of their
patients and adhere to the requests they receive. The guiding principle behind
this theory is that it gives the patient a more active roll in their own health
and recovery, and will therefore make them responsible for their own improved
lifestyle and well being on a long-term basis.
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| Continue reading the next self help article on
alternative depression treatments - part
3 | |
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