Ways To Treat Depression Without Medication

Ways To Treat Depression Without Medication

You already know that you’re depressed. You also know that the longer you avoid treatment, the worse your symptoms will get. You’re fully aware of the consequences.

There’s one main reason you’re avoiding seeking help. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t nervous about seeking help because you’re worried they’ll just prescribe you pills and send you on your way again.

You’re not a fan of medication. We get it. The good news is that medication isn’t the end-all-be-all solution for depression. Depression is completely treatable without the use of medication.

Here are some of the ways you can treat depression without medication.

Fuel Your Body Properly

Aim to fuel your body with the proper foods. Reach for protein, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid food high in sugar and fat. Try to make balanced meals instead of binging on snacks and sweets or skipping meals altogether. Make yourself feel good from the inside out.

Prioritize Your Sleep

Depression can cause your sleep schedule to get thrown out of whack. Try to prioritize your sleep as it’s essential for rest and recovery. You want to make sure you have the energy to make it through your day. Aim to go to bed at the same time each night and to wake up at the same time each morning. Yes, this includes weekends. This small act can help your body naturally fall into a routine and know when it’s time to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning.

Stay on a Schedule

Sleep isn’t the only thing in your life that should be on a schedule. Depression can cause you to isolate or withdraw, even from loved ones and activities that you enjoy. Try to stay consistent with a schedule or daily routine to avoid this from worsening. Write down your schedule. It could consist of things like your job, time dedicated to reading, self-care, or hanging out with friends. Find a schedule that works for you and stick with it.

Move Your Body

Exercising helps to release endorphins which naturally reduce stress and boost one’s mood. If you’re not a fan of exercising, that’s okay. You can move your body in whatever way works best for you. Go for a walk outside, roll out a mat and knock out a yoga session from YouTube, lift weights at your gym, or attend a class at your local fitness studio. You don’t have to become a marathoner or a bodybuilder. Get your heart racing and your blood pumping. The benefits will follow.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a great way to help bring yourself back to the present moment. A lot of anxiety and depression symptoms stem from worrying about the past or events in the future that haven’t occurred yet. Try to practice mindfulness and ground yourself in the present moment. Mindfulness can be done in any of the ways below:

  • Deep breathing
  • Meditation
  • Repeat a mantra

Seek Additional Support

It is possible to treat depression without the use of medication. Don’t let a fear of having to start medication stop you from going to therapy and getting the help you need and deserve. A therapist will work with you to find the root cause of your depression, identity any potential triggers, and help you find ways to cope in order to reduce any signs or symptoms in the future.

Although there are different things you can change in your daily routine to help with your depression, therapy is one of the best treatment options. If you’re interested in learning more about therapy for your depression, reach out to us today to set up a consultation.

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