Depression is one of the most common types of mental illness. More than 21 million adults in the United States, or 8.3% of the population, live with depression that affects their life.1 It impacts how people think and feel and can seriously interfere with daily responsibilities, relationships, work, and more.
Thankfully, depression is also a highly treatable condition. You can learn to manage your symptoms through specialized mental health treatment programs. Medication and psychotherapy are the two primary ways to treat depression, usually in tandem with one another.
However, some people wonder, “Do I need medication for depression?” While there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to mental health treatment, many psychiatrists prefer to make use of medication. If you want to try dealing with depression without medication, though, there are some important things to consider before you proceed.
Dealing With Depression Without Medication
Psychiatrists use medications to manage symptoms of depression so that psychotherapeutic approaches will be more effective. Antidepressants are the most commonly used medications when treating depression. They change how the brain produces or uses chemicals that affect mood and stress levels. These medications make symptoms more manageable while learning to implement more healthy and effective coping skills.
Not everyone wants to take medication for depression, though. Some people want to know whether dealing with depression without medication is possible. Although many psychiatrists recommend a combination of meds and psychotherapy, you may be able to manage your mental health without relying on medication.
Effective Solutions for Depression
Though the Food and Drug Administration has not approved any alternative solutions for depression, not all of them require you to take medication. Using psychotherapy alone to overcome your depression is not the best solution either, though. There are some natural products and ways you can try dealing with depression without medication.
Some of these alternative options for dealing with depression without medication include:
- Yoga
- Art
- Music
- Vitamin D
- St. John’s wort
- Morning light therapy
- Brain stimulation therapies
- Exercise in general is a great method to increase neurotransmitters that help regulate depression
You should always consult your primary care provider or psychiatrist when seeking alternative solutions for depression. It’s important to consider whether you have any other conditions or medications that may interfere with your choice to avoid certain types of treatment programs. Talking with your physician will provide some insight and guidance as to whether you will benefit from alternative solutions or whether you need a structured residential environment.
Finding Help for Depression
Again, depression is a highly treatable condition, especially when using a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Programs like those at Pasadena Villa provide an evidence-based path to mental wellness and provide alternative solutions, including some of those listed above, as well as other options for dealing with depression without medication.
Are you interested in learning more about the programs available at Pasadena Villa? Call us today at 407-215-2519 or submit an online contact form to speak with an admissions specialist, find the program that’s right for you, and begin your path to freedom from the chains of mental illness today.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Major Depression.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Depression.
