I Survived Depression - so can YOU!

In my last post I talked about a treatment for illnesses including depression that dealt with changing one’s environment to change one’s inner self.  In this post I’m going to talk about changing one’s physical being or inner self to heal their depression.  Over the last several years I have been on several anti-depressive medications that for the most part have all worked well in elevating and stabilizing my mood.  Without these medications I probably would not be in the recovery phase that I’m currently in.

However, regardless of the fact that I find medication extremely helpful there is a growing sentiment that is very much against the use of anti depressant medications and in most cases rightly so.  Even as someone who believes in medication it was not an easy thing to agree to.  I don’t even like to take an aspirin, but my use of medication had a lot to do with finally giving up control and accepting my depression.  But, the reasons for not taking medication are very valid and range from physical reasons to side effects.

You see, I consider myself lucky, anti depressant medications don’t work for everyone.  If you are someone who suffers from depression and for whatever reason does not want to follow the usual course of action, which at least in western civilization is medication and talk therapy, there are alternatives.  Just understand that from my experience the more severe your depression is, the greater the chance that you will need anti depressant medications to find relief.  However, if your depression is not that severe here is a look at some of the other alternatives you can choose to try. 

St. John’s Wort whose actual name is Hypericum Perforatum is a plant with yellow flowers. It’s these flowers that get crushed up and made into pill or capsule form that contain the active ingredient.  It usually takes about four to six weeks to feel the full effect of the St. John’s wort. Side effects may include dizziness, dry mouth, indigestion, and fatigue.  Studies have confirmed that St. John’s wort is effective in treating mild to moderate depression.

Several years ago, before I accepted the fact that I have depression, I used to go on and off medication.  It was during this time that I tried St. John’s wort.  After using it for several weeks, I did feel a difference, but not as much so as the medications I had previously been on.

SAM-e which is short for S-adenosylmethionine has been widely used in Europe for many years, but only available in the US since about 1996.  Just like St. John’s wort  SAM-e  is used to relieve depression and elevate mood except SAM-e is considered more effective than St. John’s wort.  SAMe comes in tablet form and is a synthetic form of a compound formed naturally in the body.   SAM-e usually takes three to five hours to reach full effectiveness after ingestion.  Also, it usually takes about a month before  SAM-e becomes fully effective.  Like St. John’s wort one of the main benefits of SAM-e is the relatively few side effects associated with anti depressants. SAM-e is also used for joint pain and fibromyalgia.

Omega-3 fatty acid which is contained in fish oil has been shown beneficial in the treatment of many illnesses including depression especially bipolar disorder.  However, not that much research has been done and much more is needed to confirm these results.  In one high profile study which involved 20 participants, 10 were given omega-3 fatty acid and 10 placebos.   Of the 10 who received the omega-3 fatty acid, 6 claimed to have significantly reduced depression.  The idea to treat depression with omega-3 fatty acid originated when it was realized that countries that consume large amounts of fish have reported many less cases of depression.  Omega-3 fatty acid can be consumed either by a nutritional supplement or simply by eating fish several times a week.  The best fish include salmon, sardines, tuna and trout.

As one who really does not like the use of medications, I really prefer any alternative.  As for anti depressants so many people have experienced side effects that almost anything would be better.  The three alternatives that I have mentioned have had very good results.  The problem exists that although these alternatives are good in treating mild depression, they have not had good results in treating depression that is moderate to severe. 

When it comes to depression there are only two therapies that receive any recognition.  They are talk therapy and medication.  Unfortunately with medication it can be very difficult to find the correct one, there may be side effects and many of the latest medications only work for a limited amount of time before they stop working.  Talk therapy is useful, but takes a long to show progress.

Here is one strategy in the battle against depression that you may have overlooked. 

Although not yet mainstream, Music Therapy has shown some very impressive results.  Research is still limited, but a review by the Cochrane Collaboration, a not-for-profit group that reviews health care issues has given great hope to the treatment.

The current studies indicate that music therapy may be able to improve mood and has low drop-out rates,” said lead author Anna Maratos, an arts therapist for the National Health Service in London. “While the evidence came from a few small studies, it suggests that this is an area that is well worth further investigation….We need to find out which forms have greatest effect.”

For centuries people have been inspired by music. Music has always been a great healer.  Even the Bible mentions how David played the harp to relieve King Saul’s depression. 

It works on the principle that music is capable of controlling the processes and chemical balances within the human brain.  Experts agree that it’s the rhythm or the beat of the music, that although we are not conscious of it, has a calming effect on the human mind.  They point out that this calming affect many have originated way back in our mother’s womb.  It was our mother’s heartbeat that we associate with as a safe protective place.

Even though music has been used therapeutically for many years, music therapy did not appear as a profession until 1950 when the National Association for Music Therapy and the American Association For Music Therapy came into being.  In 1998 to two associations merged and became The American Music Therapy Association or AMTA. 

A music therapist usually holds a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree in music therapy.  They also receive specialized training in behavioral science and basic medicine as well as music.  A music therapist has to be certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists.  Then once they pass the national music therapy certification examination are considered Music Therapist - Board certified, (MT-BC).
 
Once the therapist accesses the individual client’s situation, the therapist provides treatment which includes creating, singing, moving to, and listening to music.  In cases of depression music therapy also includes spoken words to provide inspiration. 

Even though the results have been mostly positive there are some drawbacks with music therapy.  There have been some cases where by resurfacing old feelings music therapy has increased depression instead of alleviating it.
 
There is also another drawback in the fact that music therapy is very expensive due to the lack of general awareness. 

With all the side effects of anti depressants and the drawbacks associated with talk therapy, alternative treatments may be the way of the future.  Although much more research is needed, the use of alternative therapies such as art therapy, aroma therapy and music therapy may be very helpful in treating a wide range of illnesses including depression.