“Can you treat depression without meds?”
I have depression and want to treat it. Can you treat depression without meds?
9 Answers
Its' possible and depends upon motivations in the treatment process. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy is the most commonly used option. Along lines transcranial magnetic stimulation is an option for the treatment of major depression.
There are several ways to treat depression. Clinical oversight is always advised. Careful clinical oversight might require medication for a short-term.
Yes, you can treat depression without medications. One of the evidence based treatments for depression is called Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depression.
Yes, theoretically one can manage depression without meds. Treatment can include: talk therapy; behavioral therapy; meditation; yoga; acupuncture; self help books; support groups. Good sleep and a healthy diet can also provide relief.
Yes, you can. I recommend trying Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and finding a therapist trained in these treatments
Some depression can be treated without medication, through learning coping skills, identifying and changing patterns of irrational (depressive) thinking, and making life changes. However, for some this is a neurochemical issue that therapy alone cannot treat. Should a person present with a plan for suicide, best practices are to try medication management to help improve the mood while in therapy, to minimize the potential for a suicide attempt.
Without evaluation, about what is causing the depression, a "Yes" or "No" answer is difficult to give. Have you consulted a Licensed Psychologist or a licensed psychiatrist? What is their opinion? In case it's not from imbalances in your nervous system or your hormone system then you can work on the issues that are causing the depression. Is this only the first episode? Or is your depression recurrent? There are so many factors that need to be considered. So while you are looking for a licensed provider you may want to start reading "Feeling Good" by Dr. Burns and work on the assignments suggested in the book. In case you are in Florida then call me. Take care and stay safe.
Depending on the extent and the depth of the depression, if it is mild or moderate, behavioral approaches may be the Only treatment needed. In severe depression, a combined approach of behavioral/talk therapy plus medication works best.
Absolutely! Psychologists are highly skilled at treating depression without the use of medications. There are several different treatment approaches to reduce depression symptoms. You can meet with a therapist to discuss the options and decide what’s right for you.
