What's a good way to deal with depression without medication?

Question:

I'm not too fond of taking pills every day. Are there other ways that are just as effective in getting rid of depression or at least helping it in some way?

Answers:
I sympathize with your aversion to pills. A mood elevator that is commonly overlooked is exercise. It's a fact that 20-30 minutes of vigorous exercise (e.g. brisk walking) daily will improve your outlook and alleviate mild depression. Another piece of advice: avoid refined sugar in any form (sodas as well as sweets) to stabilize your blood sugar. Fluctuating blood sugar can wreak havoc with energy and mood.

Praying is a good way(^_^)

I smoke pot,and enjoy a glass or two of wine.

Exercise

Be selfish and focus on things that make you happy! Also cut out the things that make you depressed because they are like a cancer that can grow and get worst if ignored. If your depression is serious enough find a good therapist who doesn't prescribe medication.

I was on an anitdepressent and it didn't help as I wasn't happy with the things going on in my life. So, I weened myself off the antidepressents and I made some major changes in my life. I changed jobs, as I was VERY stressed there. I quit smoking which gave me more energy. I have been so happy lately just for making those changes and I don't need an anti-depressent now. I'm not sure how old you are or if you attend school or are working full time, but do something that consumes you with happiness and brings you joy. I firmly believe that medication can't help if you are doing something everyday that you are unhappy with. I wish you the best of luck and know you can do it with lifestyle changes.

Exercise is wonderful. It gives you positive energy. Endorphins are a great natural up. Proper diet is another, make sure your body has proper fuel to function properly. See your doctor to rule out any physical causes to your dismay. Recruit a variety of family and friends to support you through this tough spot. If you are into herbal remedy's (still just a pill to take) St. Johns Wort is said to be good. But don't take any ones advice over your doctors and your own feelings in the matter. Hope your day gets brighter! :)

Find activities that you enjoy and schedule those into your daily routine. For me I get up early to run because that reduces my stress levels and therfor my mood. You can always talk with a specialist and not take pills. That may help as well. Or maybe you could join a self help group? I am not an expert so I am sure otehrs will have better suggestions. I wish you all the best in your journey.

Don't think to much of everything.If something good happened, appreciate and be happy with it, but if something bad happened than let it be and make sure it will not happen again… You can also go for vacation, listen music, watch TV, chat with friends…etc.Just make yourself happy with anyway you can and anyway you like, just make sure it's not against the law! ^^

Seeing a psychologist who specialises in depression and cognitive behavioural therapy is just as effective as medication in most patients.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Exercise
Meditation
Relaxation
Sleep
Good Nutrition

hey girl, try exercise, journaling, and get a good night's rest--but don't just suddenly stop taking your medication if you are are any right now, that's very dangerous! alcohol does not help, either.

about 18 or so years ago i suffered from a very deep depression caused by losing everything i had through debts and also my girlfriend was cheating on me and losing my job. all that happened in the same week. this depression went on for 2 years. i refused any medication as i felt it wouldn`t of really helped because the problems i had would still be there. one day i was going through the local paper and found an advert for tai chi. in the advert it said its very good for stress and depression. i had nothing to lose so i tried it. my god it worked a treat. i don`t know wot it did to me but after a few months my depression just disappeared and i was left wondering why i put myself through all the stuff i put myself through. my depression never came back either so maybe try it for urself. i did tai chi for a year and a half. the only reason i stopped was the classes i went to moved out of my area but i made good friends there too. there are exercises in tai chi specifically aimed at depression. missionaries were taught these exercises so they could help try combat depression in africa. one exercise in particular is instantaneous. it`s weird but it actually works. it`s a pushing exercise and wen u get pushed for some reason it makes u laugh. our teacher did it on every last one of us in the class and we all laughed. he didn`t say wot he was doing he just did it then told us after just to prove that it actually works. the tai chi i trained in was traditional yang style tai chi. it really will change ur life if u try it. food for thought for u

What's a good way to deal with depression without medication?

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