An Alternative Medicine for Depression?

Some depression sufferers may experience unpleasant side effects like headaches, nausea, and drowsiness from prescription drugs. Others may be wary of taking them from the beginning. Those people may want to consider a possible alternative medicine for depression. This could include taking any number of herbal or vitamin supplements, or taking part in physical or mental exercises in an attempt to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of depression.

If you’d like to try supplements, two to consider are Omega-3 essential fatty acids and St. John’s wort. Omega-3s, some scientists believe, may increase a particular type of brain matter that is often smaller in the brains of depression sufferers. You can take Omega-3 capsules or try foods including fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. St. John’s wort is yellow flowering plant native to Europe that has been used for centuries by people who believe it helps alleviate depression. It can be consumed in capsules that can be purchased in many grocery, drug, and vitamin stores.

If mental or physical exercises might be more appealing to you, there are several to try. Meditation, yoga, acupuncture, guided imagery, and massage all may help your depression. Some mental health researchers believe these methods might work because promoting physical wellness and peace will encourage the same mentally. Therapy is another non-chemical option that may help you deal with your depression and is worth exploring.

If you think you suffer from depression, visit your doctor to talk about the problem and the solutions you’re interested in exploring. He or she can help you decide whether a possible alternative medicine for depression is right for you.