Self Help for Depression Works!
About fifty percent of all Americans will experience some form of mental health disorder in their lifetime.. Perhaps the most common mental health difficulties is depression. Millions of anti-depressants of several varities are prescribed every year, and Prozac, known generically as fluoxetine, has become a household word. While anti-depressants do offer some persons temporary relief from some of the symptoms, over fifty percent of those who takeantidepressants don’t experience any significant relief from depression with their use. Additionally, of 50% of the adults who take antidepressants, sexual dysfunction is a side-effect, and the most common reason for the discontinuation of SSRIs, of which Prozac (fluoxetine) is the most common.
While depression commonly has been described in terms of a “chemical imbalance,” which psychiatrists and others attempt to correct by prescribing what is determined to be appropriate medication, there is much more to mental health than that. Urie Bronfenbrenner, a respected scholar in psychology, demonstrated thatmental health is the result of a complex interaction of genetic, physical, environmental, and also social. Our mental health isn’t simply a chemical imbalance by any means.
Keeping that in mind, then, there is no simple answer for depression or for major depression, there is no ”miracle pill” or wonder drug as Prozac was once thought to be, and in order to recover from depression, can take a lot of hard work and effort. While antidepressants can help some get through a crisis, it is generally acknowledged that they are overprescribed, and their positive benefits are not long-term. Rather, they usually have a limited life span and so, aren’t necessarily the best course in terms of lifestyle, that it, they are better not to be used as a long-term, lifestyle drug.
There is much that can be accomplished in overcoming depressionthrough self help and this can be true for major depression as well. For most mild to moderate depression, it is recognized that exercise can be one of the most effective therapies, one that many swear by. One older man who had with mild to moderate depression found that exercise several times a week, kept his mind clear and to be free from depression. Many persons have found that brisk walking is an effective therapy, when practiced daily, or at least four times a week. Effective exercise, needs to be to the point that one breaks a sweat, and for at least thirty to forty minutes for each session.
For many, diet can be one factor, even in such disorders as ADHD and bipolar disorder. Cutting back on sugar, refined carbohydrates such as in most junk foods, cutting out all alcohol consumption, if one suffers with depression or bipolar disorder, or, essentially any mental health disorder, is essential. Cutting out smoking as a habit is also very important for good mental health as well.
Some other lifestyle changes that can effectively help in depression, cutting out television and movies as a source of diversion, and replacing them with other positive, but active, physically, and/or mentally challenging activities. Why? Because watching television and films as a way of life, can dull the mind. The news is often times depressing, some movies can be either depressing, or mind-dulling. Violent movies, or movies with violence can be like a drug, in that they over-stimulate the mind, and then there can be a corresponding low, in the absence of that artificial stimulation. TV lends itself well to depression, and the passive nature of watching television can dull the mind, it can be difficult to get the mind kick started again. If watching 1-4 hours of television a day is a way of life, cutting out television can make all the difference for some in winning the battle with depression, and with some other mental health disorders.
Time spent watching TV can be replaced with time engaging in art work, learning languages, which strengthens the mind, exercising, walking or hiking, getting out and exploring the outdoors, and so on. Reading is more strengthening to the mind when compared with watching television, which is generally mind dulling. Reading the newspaper or news magazines to keep informed is a better choice than the television news. These are just a few ideas for those who are battling depression, other ideas can be found on our website.
This article was produced by John Samuels of the Association for Natural Psychology. Please also visit our bookstore. Natural psychology, self help for treatment of mental health disorders, natural cures of mental health disorders, depression treatment without drugs, positive parenting, raising and teaching special needs children, and a variety of related subjects are considered. You can also see our new book,
Overcoming ADHD without Medication: A Parent’s and Educator’s Guidebook on Amazon, Alibris and other online locations. The Association for Natural Psychology is a New Jersey non-profit corporation.
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