Non-Medication Types of Depression Treatments

For many people, taking medication is the most obvious treatment option for depression. However, medication may not work for everyone and some people prefer to avoid medication. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for non-medication treatment types that can help you manage your depression.

Lifestyle Changes 

Much like many other chronic conditions, lifestyle changes can make a big difference in the symptoms you see. For depression, it’s helpful to increase your exercise levels. Exercise releases endorphins, serotonin, and other chemicals that make you feel better. Adjusting your diet is also beneficial. When you eat foods full of nutrients, it gives your body what it needs in order to function and it boosts your energy levels. You can also improve your depression symptoms by getting plenty of sleep, increasing your social interactions, and reducing stress. 

Psychotherapy 

Talking with others is a great way for you to process your symptoms and learn more about how to handle your depression. A therapist can give you tools to improve your symptoms and deal with depressive episodes. You can learn how to reframe your negative thinking, improve your social skills, and even process the root of your depression. You can learn what triggers your symptoms, how to handle them, and how to make changes that address the root of your depression. During therapy, you can also learn how to set healthy boundaries and handle stress more effectively. Psychotherapy or talk therapy can be done individually, in couples, or even in small groups. 

TMS Therapy 

With any other types of treatments, the work needs to be done by you. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy or TMS therapy is a treatment that physically addresses your depression symptoms. With this therapy, a helmet containing an electromagnetic coil is placed on your head. An electric pulse stimulates the part of your brain that regulates mood. Pulses help regulate communication within the brain. They pass painlessly through the brain. TMS therapy will improve your depression symptoms after repeated sessions and many patients see significant results after only four weeks. It’s a safe, comfortable, and non-invasive treatment. 

Depression treatments will not affect everyone in the same way. You should try a variety of treatments to see what works best for you. Combining several treatments may also help improve your symptoms. 

TMS therapy is a good option if other treatments have not been helpful. Click here to learn more about TMS therapy.