How To Treat Depression Without Medication

by Jul 7, 20220 comments

Often in antidepressant commercials, we’ll see a person’s gloomy, gray scale life transform into technicolor after taking medication. It makes you wonder if the only way to manage your depression successfully is with medication.

While medication can be helpful for some, it’s not always a necessity. Many people have concerns about taking medication, want to try other methods first, or are simply not interested in another prescription.

The good new is, there are effective ways to manage your depression without taking medication. And they are all things you can start doing today.

Here’s how to treat your depression without medication.

Get Better Sleep

Depression can make it extremely hard for you to fall asleep and stay asleep during the night. So what are you supposed to do?

Try to make a sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time each and every day. It may not be easyy at first, but your body will eventually get used to the routine and adapt to feel tired at night and awake in the morning.

To make things a little easier to fall asleep at night, try creating a bedtime routine that you can do every night before bed. Take a shower, wash your face, and brush your teeth. Limit any screens at least an hour before bed. Also, avoid taking naps during the day or drinking caffeine in the afternoon, as these can disrupt your body’s ability to wind down when you want it to.

Eat Nourishing Foods

There isn’t a one size fits all meal plan or magic fix to cure depression. That being said, you can try to watch what you eat as well as incorporate balanced meals into your day-to-day nutrition.

Depression can cause you to change your eating habits. You might reach for processed, packaged foods because they require no effort. Try to get ahead by planning out your meals each day. This will help you avoid skipping meals or overeating during the day. You can even meal prep ahead of time, so you won’t have to cook a whole new meal every day.

Move Your Body

Regular exercise can help to rewire the brain in a positive way, thanks to feel-good hormones released when we move our body. You don’t have to become a power lifter or a marathoner to accomplish this task.

Moving your body could mean going for a walk outside, doing yoga in your basement, going to a workout class, or hopping on your bicycle. Find what works best for you and what you find fun!

Do What Brings You Joy

Depression can cause you to isolate yourself from friends, family, and loved ones. It can also cause you to not feel excited about the things that used to bring you joy. Instead of waiting for the next time you’re in the mood, try not to dismiss any invitations for activities.

Getting out of the house and taking your mind off of your depression could be just what you need. Play basketball outside, sign up for a cooking class, or create some arts and crafts in your house. Find what fills you up and partake in it regularly.

Seek Help

Friends, family, and loved ones are there for you. Don’t completely isolate yourself from them. If you feel they may not be able to relate to what you’re going through, reach out to an outside third party for help. A licensed and trained therapist can be there for you, listen to you, and also help give you the tools you need to help you cope with your depression.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to treat your depression without medication, reach out to us today to set up a consultation. You’ll be on your way to getting your life back on track before you know it!

Click here for more information on depression therapy.