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You are here: Self Help & Improvement > Self Help Information > Depression Treatments
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Alternative Depression TreatmentsPart 3There are many alternatives
to dealing with depression aside from the standard treatments such as
antidepressant medications and therapy. The treatment methods that will be
utilized are determined based on a variety of factors, including the severity of
the depression, the factors causing the depression and the lifestyle of the
person who exhibits the symptoms of this illness. |
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Treating Bipolar Disease With Alternative Medicine
Bipolar Disease is a severe form of depression and mania that involve two
opposite states of mind. A person who suffers from this disorder will be quiet,
moody and morose at times, and then become and extremely energetic. This may
also manifest itself as outgoing, productive, lively and also agitated, hyper
and/or angry. The term bipolar is defined as two opposing extremes, so a person
with this disease may even seem to exhibit two distinct personalities.
While there is no actual cure, there are forms of alternative medicine for
bipolar disease. Lithium is the most commonly prescribed medication to treat the
symptoms and stabilize the moods of people with this illness. Some studies
suggest that a lack of the nutrients provided by B Vitamins may be at least
partially responsible for a person developing these symptoms, so many experts
recommend taking vitamin supplements to help reduce the effects of the disease.
Another form of treatment involves maintaining a healthier lifestyle, including
a proper diet, meditation and an overall holistic approach to recovery.
When looking into treatments for this disorder, or any form of depression, it
is important to be wary of any disreputable websites for alternative medicine.
Reputable sites will provide tips and suggestions for treatment, whereas
disreputable sites are usually designed to sell products that are advertised as
being a cure or the only viable solution to a medical problem. Avoid these sites
and keep in mind there is no known cure.
Sunlight Treatment
One of the most common forms of depression is known as SAD, or Seasonal
Affective Disorder. This affects people during the fall and winter when the sun
is not visible for long periods of time. The lack of sunlight can cause people
to feel lethargic and unmotivated, and feeling extremely unhappy. Some people
simply wait it out and feel better when spring arrives, or take antidepressants
to help them cope, but for many these methods are ineffective or simply cost
prohibitive if the medications are not covered by their insurance provider.
Light therapy has become a common alternative form of treatment for people
with SAD. The patients are treated by being put into an environment with an
artificial light source that is designed to be extra bright and simulate actual
light from the sun. Often a patient will only need a short time in this light to
experience a full recovery and be able to go on with their everyday life.
Depending on the severity of the illness, patients may require daily, weekly or
monthly light treatments.
Avoiding Depression
Perhaps the best way to fight the effects of depression is to do everything
possible to avoid it. This involves a holistic approach and a healthier
lifestyle, including a balanced diet, plenty of exercise and avoiding anything
that can lead to it to begin with.
You can get a jump on not ever starting certain habits that can bring on
lifelong imbalances in the system from a younger age, when the body and brain
are still developing. For example, studies have shown that smoking often causes
depression in teenagers. Research has shown that teens who previously exhibited
no symptoms of depression were at least four times more likely to develop them
after they started smoking.
Depression can have so many varying causes that it may be impossible to avoid
completely. However, by taking steps to lead a healthy and productive lifestyle,
people can reduce the risk of experiencing severe forms of depression. Those who
are forced to deal with this illness can find many methods of treatment
available to them. From standard practices such as counseling and medication, to
alternative methods like St. John's Wort, herbal supplements, an exercise
regiment and acupuncture, those who are faced with depression can find the help
that they need to get better and start feeling like themselves again.
Please consult your health care practitioner for more information.
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