Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Overcome Severe Depression Without Drugs







Overcome Severe Depression Without Drugs


Depression can become severe and debilitating and may require the use of medication to treat it, but many times you can treat depression without the use of medications. The use of natural remedies, as well as participation in counseling, can help address the many symptoms of depression. So if you are trying to treat your depression without the use of medications, try the following suggestions.


Instructions


1. Become knowledgeable about depression. Understanding the symptoms of depression can help you recognize when you need help. Periods of sadness that last longer than 2 weeks and which interfere with daily functioning, feelings of worthlessness, an inability to concentrate, a loss of pleasure in most activities, significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and thoughts of suicide are all recognizable symptoms of depression.


2. Build a support network. The difficult part about depression is the desire to isolate yourself when what you really need is support. Making your friends and family aware of your depression and asking them for help means you don't have to do it alone. Call on them when you are feeling overwhelmed.


3. Utilize natural remedies to treat depression. Regular exercise, meditation and relaxation techniques, and massage are all effective tools to treat depression. Spending time outside allows you to reap the benefits of natural sunlight as well.


4. Participate in your recovery. Research the causes of depression by using reliable websites like the one listed below to help you gain a better understanding of the illness. Seek out a counselor and support groups to help you work through your depression. Look for recommended techniques like journaling and volunteering as ways to begin taking control of your depression.


5. Get professional help. Many times depression can become so debilitating you cannot fight it alone. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your depression is preventing you from functioning, seek out a psychiatrist who can perform a medical evaluation. Clinical depression is often due to an imbalance in your brain chemistry and may not be able to be controlled without medication.

Tags: your depression, symptoms depression, treat depression, about depression, Depression Without Drugs, depression without medications