How to relieve stress/anxiety/depression without medication

xoTalim

I saw a psychiatrist for the first time on Saturday and he prescribed me some antidepressants. I was really wanting to take them until I got them and started reading the long list of side effects that come along with it. I haven't taken any yet, and would really rather not if I don't absolutely have to.

I'm hoping to find ways to try to relieve all the stresses and depression in my life without having to take meds. I've been trying meditation and it helps me to relax, and I'm going to start listening to a sleep hypnosis thing that's for emotional healing and all that. But what are some other ways to fix it? Are there certain foods I could eat that would help? Aside from eating certain foods and meditation though, what else could I do? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!

xoTalim

Bump!

Would love some replies to this. I'd really love to know what all I can do to relieve stress. (:

gmallan

Exercise, one of the best and most under-utilised anit-depressants you'll ever find. Find something that gets you to a place where you forget all your problems and don't think about anything other than the activity. For me it's team sports which have the added benefit of a social aspect. For you it could be running with your favourite music to spurr you along, boxing (another favourite of mine), something dance-based like zumba, hiking with friends, swimming... The possibilites are endless

maca416

Came off my meds a year ago for anxiety & started walking to help with weight loss but soon found that it was helping me cope with anxiety & now I always turn to walking when I feel stressed.

Any exercise will give you a feel good feeling & I find after about 20mins in of walking I start to feel better.

alisonlynn1976

Exercise. Quit watching TV. Spend as much time as possible doing things you like and things you're good at. Work on solving the issues that cause you stress. Get enough sleep. Make sure your diet includes the essential nutrients. Go outside and get exposure to sunlight. Deal with negative emotions, but don't invest a lot of time ruminating on them, find behavioral solutions instead. I think all of that stuff helps. That said, I don't think there is anything wrong with taking medications for a limited time period if that's what you need as a first step in becoming functional. I do think that there are many, many people who take medications long-term as a crutch instead of dealing with their issues.

Qski

I whole heartedly agree on exercise I have been on anti depressants for a long time >10 years it usually takes a long time to find the right one and balancing side effects vs your mental outlook is tough. Unfortunately I have a genetic predisposition and even with new coping mechanisms I just need to take them forever.

I think if things are severe enough they can be a useful tool while working on things.

Having said that I feel that even the benchmark I was at with just meds has jumped up significantly since starting to exercise I feel much more positive in general and have much higher energy levels.

Its a massive difference for 35 mins three times a week and definitely worth the effort

FrankieBenjamin

Exercise is great to get the blood flowing and get the endorphins rushing round, I always feel so much better when in a good exercise routine. Things like yoga can also be great as there is a holistic side here too that concentrates on the meditation, relaxation etc.

Diet wise - cut out the alochol if you do drink (or limit it) and yes there are some foods or certainly vitamins and minerals that are good in your diet in order to help your mood. If you have areas of dietary deficiency or intolerances this could also contribute to low mood. I dont know off the top of my head, but a quick google search turned up some useful info on a similar search previously.

I dont know your perspective on your condition, but be gentle with yourself, this is an illness and not something you should blame yourself for, alternative therapies like reiki - the use of energy around you positively, or massage - a general great de-stresser, could assist with making you feel better too.

I have tried and know others who have tried St Johns Wort with some success ( a herbal remedy) nb it can affect the pill.

Depression comes from an imbalance of seratonin, sometimes this just occurs and sometimes it can be triggered by certain situations, if there is something from your past haunting you I would also encourage you to find a good counselor you can talk it through with.

I also agree with the person above - if a short course of anti depressants is what you need to get you kick started then thats ok, why not talk through the side effects you are concerned about with your doctor?

Good luck!

SLLeask

Which medication has the doctor prescribed you? Maybe someone on here will have had experience with it and can give you their personal experience with it (although bear in mind that everyone is different).

Whilst in a ideal world, all depression could be cured without medication, that is not always possible. If you have a bad headache that a glass of water and some quiet time can't help, you would take paracetamol or aspirin, if you have hypothyroidism you take thyroxin, if you have depression, you have a chemical imbalance that may be bad enough that you need to take medication. It's as simple as that really. There are of course natural supplements that can support the medication and eventually, even after just a short time maybe, medication can be stopped and the depression kept at bay by natural methods. If you only have mild depression then the natural methods may work on their own, but finding what helps you personally may take some time. I personally would recommend taking the medication your doctor has prescribed and also starting more natural methods, when you are feeling stronger, and ONLY with your doctor's knowledge then you can start coming off the medication.

Some of the natural methods, some already mentioned, are: exercise, (Find something you enjoy and do it regularly, natural endorphines will give you a natural mood lift), yoga, (wonderful for calming the body and mind), meditation (which you are already doing), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a professional will help you find ways to deal with your negative emotions etc). Also, bear in mind that some vitamin deficiencies can lead towards depression, especially Vitamin D, so maybe a good multivitamin may help, or get tested for such deficiencies would be even better if you can. Eat as healthily as you can, try and cut out as much processed food and caffeine as you can and see if that helps as those things affect everyone differently and could be a contributing factor.

I am sure other more knowledgeable posters will give more helpful advice, but the above is just my personal experience and may give you a bit of a starting point. Good luck on your journey to full health!

candirose69

Buy a cat! I read recently that cats purring can alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, arthritis and high blood pressure.

As others have said exercise is the best medication for feeling down. However as a mental health prof. myself please please please continue to consult with your Psych about this. You dont ever HAVE to take any med's a doc gives you (and I'm a strong believer that only SOME people need meds to fix depression) but please make sure he/she is aware this is your choice so you both can continue to monitor your mood ect

good luck with your road to recovery