Depression is a word that is thrown around very easily these days, but in reality, most people don't understand what depression is. Life is a combination of moments, some are happy, and some are not. We all go through tough times that take an emotional toll on us, but sadness and depression are very different things.
Depression is much worse than simple sadness or a bad mood. It is a complete inability to feel happiness. Self-hatred, fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, and loss of interest in everything are staples of depression. In fact, in severe cases, depression can also lead to suicidal thoughts and self-inflicted harm.
Treatment of depression:
Though depression seems hopeless and never-ending, trust me, it can be cured. Depression is 100% treatable, but it can be very challenging. Most people have a misconception that pharmaceutical antidepressants are a cure for depression when, in reality, they are nothing but a temporary solution.
Furthermore, the side effects of these medications are concerning, and patients also tend to develop a dependency on them. Therefore, here are eight ways in which depression can be treated without using medication.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is widely regarded as one of the most effective long-term solutions for depression. CBT is a form of psychotherapy, and its objective is to recognize negative thinking patterns and eliminate them.
In CBT, you will talk to a psychotherapist, who can help you find the root cause of why you are depressed, and help you find a silver lining, and eliminate your negative thought patterns.
However, it can be challenging to attend these therapy sessions and get the full benefit when the patient's mind is overloaded with negative thoughts. Therefore, this is where alternative antidepressants can come in quite handy.
Using cannabis:
Cannabis is widely known as a recreational drug, but the awareness about its medical impacts is also the highest it has ever been, several states have even started legalizing weed. One of the most common medical benefits of cannabis is that it can be an alternative to antidepressants.
On the hormonal level, if we generalize the effects of depression, we can say that a lack of pleasure hormones causes it. Well, the cannabinoids in weed, THC, and CBD, interact with our endocannabinoid system and cause dopamine to be released in the body, which is a feel-good hormone and helps in the temporary suppression of the symptoms of depression. If you respond well to this type of therapy, a psilocybin-assisted therapy could also prove very useful to you.
This can make it easier for patients to engage in constructive psychotherapy. Therefore, visit budmail.com to order cannabis strain, extracts, and other weed-related products online.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
An overall healthier lifestyle can be quite helpful in defeating depression. It would help if you tried to eat healthy foods, which can positively impact our mind. Furthermore, try to add foods that have mind boosting supplements and nutrients in them.
For instance, you should start eating fish at least once a week because they have omega-3 fatty acids, which are very important for your mental health.
Moreover, you need to ensure that you are drinking enough water because, believe it or not, dehydration can also increase the risk of a depressive episode.
Maintaining a healthy sleep cycle:
Sleep deprivation is one of the most common causes of depression. It can have severe implications for one's mental health. Excessive sleeping is also a common symptom of depression.
Insomnia and depression have quite a paradoxical relationship in a way that depression makes it difficult for the patient to sleep, and sleep deprivation also increases the risk of depression. Therefore, it is a very slippery slope that you'd want to stay away from.
For a healthy mind and body, a balanced amount of sleep is necessary, which, according to experts, is about 6-8 hours every day. Therefore, take some steps to help you sleep better, get a massage chair, or use some cannabis before you sleep.
Exercise:
I know that depression can sometimes be physically crippling as well, as you don't even want to get out of bed; however, some level of physical activity is essential for a healthy mind. If you are prone to having major depressive episodes, exercise can help in decreasing their frequency.
Firstly, when we do light and aerobic exercise, several endorphins and hormones are released in the body, which makes us feel good; furthermore, when we exercise and follow a healthy life, we feel better about ourselves and have a sense of accomplishment, which can be helpful in the overall treatment of depression.
Massage therapy:
Massage therapy is another effective way of countering depression. Massage therapy is relaxing and soothing; it can help us relax and eliminate stress, which is an instigator of depression. Furthermore, massage therapy involves human touch, which can cause serotonin to be released in our bodies.
Serotonin is another feel-good hormone that is usually quite low in people with depression.
Adopting an emotional support pet:
Another useful and alternative way to help in the treatment of depression and suppress its symptoms is to adopt an emotional support dog. These unbelievable pets will show you love and affection, even if you are finding it difficult to love yourself.
They are trained to understand when their owners are feeling sad or having a panic attack, and they can help them relax. Furthermore, studies have shown that petting an animal can calm your mind.
Taking care of an animal is also a responsibility that helps depression patients develop some routine, which can be the first step toward treatment.
Visiting an emotional support group:
Another common and excellent way to combat depression is to join an emotional support group for depression patients. Though your friends and family members' support is incomparable, it can be difficult for a person who has not been through depression to understand what you are going through truly.
At a support group, you will meet other people going through depression; more importantly, you will meet people who have defeated depression. This will give you hope and be very beneficial for your treatment.