Can depression be cured without medicine

In the U.S. women are far more likely than men to seek treatment for depression—as with all other conditions. Nevertheless, it is extremely important for anyone suffering to take steps to treat depression to the point of remission—and several months beyond, which is the generally recognized standard of care. While episodes of depression may eventually lift by themselves, that may take many months of physical and mental pain, sadness, and disinterest in life, and can be very costly to self, relationships, and work. There is considerable evidence that the longer a depression episode lasts, the more likely are future episodes of greater intensity. That said, there are many effective treatments for depression, including psychotherapy, which aims to correct the errors of thought and belief that unwittingly underlie depression and to facilitate strategies for coping with stress; medication to provide relief of symptoms, including suicidal ideation, or to facilitate intensive psychotherapy; neuromodulation, involving methods of directly stimulating neural circuitry to restore effective communication between key areas of brain function. There are also many natural or lifestyle measures that individuals can take on their own, from diet and simple exercise to joining a chorus and practicing meditation. Studies repeatedly show that psychotherapy is at least as effective as medication, and the most effective treatment for many people may be a combination of both. Any bout of depressio...

If you’re living with depression, you might wonder how long your symptoms will last and if they will go away on their own. Because every person’s experience with the condition is different, there is no average duration for depression symptoms. In other words, how long depression lasts depends on a combination of factors. From a clinical perspective, Sometimes, depression symptoms will last for only a few weeks. For many people though, Regardless of how long you’ve experienced depression, the condition is treatable. In fact, seeking the support of a professional often helps symptoms resolve much sooner. Depression affects everyone differently. Even though there are a few established symptoms of the condition, not everyone experiences them in the same way. For some people, depression symptoms are persistent over the years. For others, symptoms will come and go at times. Some But this is not always the case. Because there are different types of depression, symptom duration varies greatly. For example, a depressive episode caused by In most cases, however, depression requires the support of a health professional. There are many types of depression, and the type you’re experiencing may impact how long or intense your symptoms are. Major depressive disorder (MDD) Also known as clinical depression, Symptoms of clinical depression include low mood, loss of interest in daily activities, lack of energy, and feelings of low self-worth. Some people experience clinical depression only ...

Share on Pinterest Therapy may help a person manage symptoms of depression. Depression is a lifelong condition, as there is no cure. However, this does not necessarily mean that it will affect a person every day of their life. With the right treatment plan, remission is possible. The treatment plan may need adjusting throughout a person’s life. Depression is one of the most treatable It is common for a person with depression to experience Not everyone who recovers from depression will need ongoing treatment, but those who do may have a depressive episode if they stop treatment. Although a person may not have any symptoms of depression for years, a period of It is not always possible to predict the triggers for depression. Some people may find that noting the events, feelings, and situations that came just before a depressive episode helps them pinpoint a possible cause. Being aware of their triggers may help a person avoid depressive episodes in the future. After a depressive episode, a person may wish to review their treatment plan. Medication, therapy, or support may need adjusting. Stress is a common trigger for depression. Managing stress can help prevent symptoms of depression. Some suggestions for managing stress include: • drinking plenty of fluids • eating a healthful diet • getting enough sleep • talking to family or friends • limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption • practicing mindfulness • taking on less responsibility at work It is not always possible to avo...

All medication has a risk of side effects and antidepressants are no exception. Perhaps your husband knows someone who warns against taking a certain medication because when they took it, they just didn’t feel like themselves. Or maybe you’ve seen commercials for medications that warn of a lengthy list of potential side effects, ranging from weight gain to lack of sexual desire. The good news is, with careful monitoring from a physician, side effects can usually be managed. It may mean changing doses or switching medications altogether. If you didn’t have a chance to ask your physician questions about medication options, it may help to do so. You might also inquire about a referral to a psychiatrist—a doctor who prescribes in mental health medications. You can always ask questions about which medication a doctor would recommend to learn what you might expect in terms of side effects so you can make an informed decision. Talk Therapy Like many people, you might wonder how talking to someone could help with depression. But therapists can create custom treatment plans based on your needs and your symptoms. Therapy may include anything from learning how to manage specific symptoms (like irritability) to gaining emotional support for something that happened in the past. Self-Help Strategies There are many other strategies you could do on your own to get help. For example, you might find self-help books about depression to be quite useful. Whether you’re looking for first person...

• Various home and natural remedies can help manage depression. • Exercise and relaxation techniques can boost your mood and help reduce stress. Meditation and yoga combine physical activity with stress reduction. • Some herbal therapies and supplements may help. Always check first with a doctor to ensure they are safe and effective for you. Natural remedies from the inside and out Treating depression doesn’t have to mean hours of counseling or days fueled by pills. Those methods can be effective, but you may prefer natural methods to boost your mood. Exercise, mind-body therapies, and herbal supplements may have the power to affect your outlook and even alter your brain chemistry. Many of these treatments are safe, but aren’t always proven to be effective. Regular physical activity might not be the first thing your doctor prescribes when they diagnose you with depression. However, maybe it should be part of your therapy. A Duke University The study also found that depression was less likely to return in people who continued to exercise after the initial trial. Meditation is a form of relaxation intended to clear your mind by focusing on the breath, a word, or a mantra. Some Mindfulness practices, including meditation, train people to focus attention on the moment. This helps to cultivate an attitude of openness and acceptance, which may have antidepressant effects. Yoga is a mind-body exercise. A yoga routine moves through a series of poses that help improve balance, flex...

There’s no cure for depression, but you still have plenty of options for treatment, all of which can improve your symptoms and minimize their impact on your daily life. You might think, “But if my symptoms go away, that means I’m cured, right?” Not exactly. Symptoms might ease you to the point where you’re able to return to your usual routine, but you could still notice lingering changes in your mood and mindset. Plus, depression often happens in episodes, so it’s possible to have another episode later in life. Below, you’ll find details on expert-recommended treatments for depression, complementary and alternative approaches, and emerging treatments, plus tips to help prevent a recurrence. Some mental health professionals describe recovery from all or most depression symptoms as “ Depression does, in fact, have a high risk of recurrence — but it doesn’t return for everyone. According to • Among non-clinical samples, about a third of people with depression will have more than one episode. • Among clinical samples, more than 75 percent of people with depression will have multiple episodes. According to • At least half of all people with depression will have more than one episode. • About 80 percent of people who have had two episodes will have additional episodes. To sum up: Depression does return for many people, but one episode doesn’t always mean you’ll have another. Treatment, self-care, and coping techniques may help lower your chances of recurrence. But perhaps more i...

There are many ways to counter some of the symptoms of depression that don't involve prescription medications. If you have depression, you might like to try managing it naturally without medication or supplement your antidepressant with other options. If so, check out these natural alternatives and then talk to your doctor about which might make sense as part of your • Give yourself time to unwind before you go to bed; do something relaxing and avoid stressful tasks or thoughts. • Go to bed at the same time each night, and set an alarm so that you wake at the same time each morning. • Have a consistent bedtime routine. • Turn off your devices and try reading a book for a few minutes. In the past, 5-HTP has been contaminated with the same peak-x adulterant that led to eosinophilic-myalgic syndrome and caused nearly 300 deaths in Japan. It is important to note that dietary supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so it is essential to use them cautiously. Research has shown that St. John's wort is more effective than a placebo at relieving symptoms in those with mild-to-moderate depression. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been investigated for their potential impact on depression. One 2015 study found that taking omega-3 supplements may help reduce symptoms of depression in both adults and children, although researchers are not entirely sure how or why. Additionally, research on some of these natural antidepressants remains inconclusive and some ...

Many things can help ease your depression, and they aren’t all drugs. Medication may be part of your plan, or if your depression is mild, you may find that you get enough relief from therapy and lifestyle changes. Always work with your doctor to make sure you get the right treatment for you. 1. Exercise Regular exercise -- the kind that boosts your heart rate -- is good medicine, including for depression. "It increases the flow of blood to the brain, and it might promote production of certain chemicals in the brain like an antidepressant does," says Andrew Leuchter, MD, a psychiatry professor at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine. You can do any activity. And it can be as intense, or easy, as you like. In one study, a brisk half-hour walk, 5 days a week, was a big help to people with mild to moderate depression. It’s fine to do more than that. If your depression is more severe, being active is still a good idea, though you may need other treatments, too. 2. Better Sleep Depression can keep you awake, and a lack of sleep can make you feel depressed. If you don’t get good rest, tell your doctor. You might need tests to see if another problem, such as sleep apnea, is the reason. Simple changes can reap benefits. For instance, don't read, watch TV, use your computer, or work in bed. "The last thing you want to do is engage in an activity when you ought to be asleep," says Amit Etkin, MD, PhD, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist at Stanford University. Try these steps: • Don'...