While the first port of call for information regarding the treatment of depression should be a qualified practitioner, there are certain non-medical treatments and simple lifestyle changes that are thought to help elevate the symptoms.
Readers are advised to consult with a medical professional before embarking upon any of the treatments detailed in this article.
Diet and Exercise for Depression
Several studies have shown that a healthy diet and regular exercise can be a major factor in helping to treat depression.
A diet rich in complex carbohydrates (such as fruits and vegetables) aids serotonin production (known as the "feel good" hormone), which decreases the symptoms associated with depression.
Exercise- such as gentle walking or swimming- also increases the production of "feel good" chemicals and is thought to have an almost immediate effect. Even 10 minutes a day can help in building self-esteem and relieving anxiety. Although many sufferers of depression feel lethargic and unmotivated, exercise can actually increase energy levels.
Some sufferers have also found that cutting back on certain substances such as caffeine, alcohol and sugar can also help.
St John's Wort
Possibly the most well known natural treatment for mild to moderate depression, St John's Wort is one of the leading antidepressants in Germany. Several studies carried out in the 1990s claimed that St John's Wort is not only more effective than some antidepressants but has fewer side effects.
Despite the success some sufferers have experienced by taking St John's Wort, it should still be used with caution; it can interfere with use of the contraceptive pill and influence the efficiency of some prescribed treatments for depression. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking St John's Wort.
Vitamins
Vitamin C deficiency has been known to effect serotonin levels and as such can aggravate the symptoms if the depression is caused by low levels of the chemical.
Low levels of both vitamin B-6 and B-12 can also manifest themselves as depression, so experimenting with supplements of either could benefit some sufferers. A qualified practitioner would be able to give individual advice regarding vitamin deficiency.
Acupuncture for Depression
A report published by the Acupuncture Research Resource Centre and the British Acupuncture Council in 2002 revealed that trials investigating the use of acupuncture in the treatment of depression and anxiety consistently returned "favourable results." Acupuncture should only be attempted by someone who has undergone appropriate training.
Depression can be extremely debilitating, effecting almost every aspect of life for some. While anti-depressants and talking therapy remain the most widely used and effective methods of treating the condition, the above methods can compliment prescribed treatments.
Sources:
St John's Wort 'eases' depression; By Kate Devlin, Medical Correspondent, published 07/10/2008
Depression, Anxiety and Acupuncture: The Evidence for Effectiveness; Published by The Acupuncture Research Resource Centre and The British Acupuncture Council, Feb. 2002
The Depression Diet, By Theresa Cheung, Sheldon Press, Jan 2007.
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