How to Recover From Depression Without Drugs?
Depression is a very common illness afflicting millions of people each year. It can sap your strength, put stress on relationships and make you lose your sense of self. Here are some things you can try to lift your spirits and make you enjoy life again, without drugs or therapy.
On a physical level, most addicts are in a declining or poor state of health. While they are high, they are in a euphoric, pain-free state of mind. They are numb to the damage being caused by their drug or alcohol use. When they become sober, they have no energy and their minor aches and pains intensify. They are physically spent as a result of the severe nutritional deficiencies that accompany long-term drug or alcohol use.
Antidepressants are some of the best treatments we have for depression. But these drugs don’t cure depression in the way that antibiotics cure infections. Instead, they can help ease the symptoms. You will probably need to continue medication even after you feel better. The American Psychiatric Association recommends that people keep taking their medicine for four to five months after they recover. This helps reduce the risk of relapse.
Diet And Nutrition:The effects of additives and colors in our food, can alter our mental health. Explore options with your nutritionist or dietitian, that can aid in your recovery from depression.
Spend time doing the things you enjoy, and avoid doing things you don’t. Socialize with people you like, and stay away from people you don’t. Live every minute like it’s your last.
Work at a place you enjoy and where you like most of the people. It’s depressing if you don’t like your job or the people there.
Acquaint yourself with your mood ebb and flow and embrace it. If you have more energy in the morning, utilize mornings.
Maintain a regular schedule - awake at the same time each morning, take your meds at the same time, go to sleep at the same time.
Exercise:Exercise raises your body image, your self-esteem and balances your hormone levels. Consider a moderate, supervised exercise program, that includes stress-busting yoga, walking, and meditation.
Tricyclic drugs do not seem useful for treating children before puberty, and are of moderate benefit at most for adolescents. Although tricyclic drugs are effective in treating adults with depression, it is not clear whether they are safe and effective for children and adolescents.
Tell ONE friend how you’re feeling. You may feel awkward at first, but this is exactly what good friends are for.
Figure out ONE thing that someone has done that might have triggered your current feelings, and let them know not to do it again.
