When it comes to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, a lot of people believe that the best approach can be to veer towards antidepressants. There has been a major rise in the use of antidepressants in recent years due to the common triggers, such as chronic stress, and over the last decade or so it has become almost the norm to use antidepressants. Some people may want to avoid using antidepressants. For these people, what are the natural treatments or alternatives?
Botanicals and Natural Herbal Remedies
There’s a wide variety of options out there. Cannabidiol in the form of CBD or CBG drops have been shown to help with calming the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Additionally, other botanicals like St John’s Wort or Kava Kava have also been shown to help with depression. It’s important to discuss the use of these remedies with a medical professional in case of any dangerous interactions with prescription medications.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been shown to improve well-being by stimulating the healing processes in our bodies. Some people can benefit from acupuncture due to its unblocking properties. As acupuncture is now available in traditional medical treatments, it’s not something that is classed as an alternative therapy anymore.
Different Types of Meditation
Many people have tried meditation as a way to calm themselves, but have not benefited from them. The solution could stem from using the right type of meditation. There are three main types that can prove beneficial to people with mental health concerns:
- Mindfulness. This is where people learn to increase their awareness and accept they are living in the present moment.
- Guided meditation. This could involve forming mental images of places or focusing on their bodies and relaxing each part one at a time.
- Transcendental meditation. This is an approach that involves repeating a mantra and is one of the most widely practised forms of meditation.
Diet and Nutrition
The modern world means we have more access to foods that cause us harm. There is be more focus on the role of gut bacteria in our mental health. Having a healthy diet with probiotic-rich foods like kefir and sauerkraut can help to promote a better balance of gut bacteria. Also, avoiding overconsumption of processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol has also been shown to help minimise anxiety symptoms.
Sleeping Properly
Sleep disturbance has been identified as one of the main symptoms of depression and anxiety. Many people try to sleep better by sleeping more, but the solution may stem from having better sleep hygiene. For example, having a night-time routine, keeping the bedroom dark and cool, and avoiding devices in the run-up to bedtime can have an impact on sleep quality.
Dealing with our mental health can have a profound impact on our ability to thrive in the modern day. Naturally, people want a quick fix, and those who are looking to improve the quality of their lives without using antidepressants can find they would benefit from a more natural approach.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
