If you suffer from depression, then your healthcare provider may recommend various depression therapy options. These may include cognitive therapy, antidepressants, and even anti-anxiety medications. While these treatment options can be very effective in enhancing your mood, your therapist may suggest alternative therapies to augment your traditional treatment methods. Here are some alternative treatments that may enhance the effectiveness of your conventional depression therapeutic treatment plan.
Dietary Interventions
The foods you eat may play an important role in your mood. For example, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna, may lower the risk for mood disorders such as depression. Walnuts and almonds are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, these nuts are also high in magnesium, which is another essential nutrient that may play a role in the management of anxiety and depression.
It is important that you get your recommended daily allowances for vitamins and minerals because nutritional deficiencies may also heighten your risk of depression. If you are unable to tolerate foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, ask your doctor about taking fish oil and magnesium supplements. While dietary interventions may help brighten your mood, it may take weeks before you notice an improvement in your depression symptoms.
Pet Exposure
Exposure to animals is thought to be an important component in a depression therapy treatment plan. Your mental health professional may recommend that you adopt a dog or a cat if you don't have one. If you are unable to take care of an animal, volunteering at an animal shelter can prove therapeutic. Not only will you be around animals, but you'll also be giving back to the community, which may also lift your mood and give you hope for a brighter future.
Holding or petting a dog or a cat may lower your blood pressure, ease anxiety, slow your heart rate, and improve the quality of your sleep. People who do not enjoy good quality sleep patterns may be at a higher risk for depression and anxiety than those who enjoy high-quality sleep.
If you suffer from depression, see your doctor as soon as possible. He or she will refer you to a mental health specialist for further evaluation and appropriate treatment. At your appointment, discuss the above alternative treatment options so that your provider can determine if they might be appropriate options to add to your depression care plan.
