Question about treating depression

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2003
Question about treating depression
4
Wed, 02-02-2005 - 10:47am

Is it possible to treat anxiety/mild depression without medication? Has anyone done it successfully? And if so, how? I am not at the point where I feel I need meds but I do have anxiety and it is causing some (mild) depression. Most days I feel okay, but there are mornings when all I want to do is stay in bed. I have been going for a walk everyday after work and that really helps a lot. I am just curious as to what other people do to make themselves happy.

Jessica

Avatar for jukie33
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 02-02-2005 - 11:44am

Some of the non medicinal remedies I have heard of are Yoga, meditation, prayer (my favorite), and

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2004
Wed, 02-02-2005 - 11:59am

I always commend anyone who wants to treat anxiety without medication. I have a PRN for anxiety but don't use it very often. The methods I usually use are crocheting (of course, when I'm home is the only time I can do this), deep breathing, taking a shower, cleaning a drawer, shelf, or small closet. I do something that will totally distract me from what I'm doing. Talking on the phone might help too. Or, I love turning some disgusting hard rock station up as loud as I can stand it. Good luck.

Sara

Avatar for gobfuse
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-29-2003
Wed, 02-02-2005 - 12:50pm

Sometimes I go through cycles, where I'm at the point where you are (not exactly depressed, but a bit 'off' for me), and I know if it goes on much longer, I will get depressed with anxiety. I think sometimes it's just brain chemicals, and no matter how much you fight them, sometimes your body needs a boost, that way.

I'm glad the walks are working for you, because they can stimulate your endorphins, and I agree that some methods mentioned in this thread work, some better for others. However, I have been taking Prozac for a few years now, and it feels so good to have something you can take that doesn't make you have to 'fight' all the time. Life shouldn't be miserable like that. Of course, some people don't believe in pills, but I've found what I'm on to be, I guess, possibly a life-saver for me, and I feel it has not inhibited my creativity (I like to write) or my life - it has just made it better.

Good luck, sorry I wasn't more helpful,

Julie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Thu, 02-03-2005 - 7:46am

Hi Jessica!


Yes there are ways to treat depression without turning to meds.

*hugs