Treatments for Depression You Should Try in 2014

The number of reported cases of depression in the UK is on the rise, and experts believe that this is only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. One of the metrics used to measure this increase is the number of prescriptions for antidepressants that are written each year, and that brings us to another issue altogether.


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A strong contingent of people are wary of taking drugs to deal with depression. They have the drive and dedication to work on their emotional imbalance, despite the fact that they are uncertain how to proceed. To that end, we’re going to look at a few new practices to implement in 2014, along with some natural remedies that may be able to enhance the body’s ability to regulate its moods and emotions.

New Practices to Implement:

Morning walks
Taking a walk first thing in the morning accomplishes two important things. First of all, exercise eases the symptoms of depression. It accomplishes this by releasing endorphins and neurotransmitters that – in so many words – are going to make you feel better. It also offers psychological benefits on top of that, including increased confidence and a tendency to engage in more social interactions.

The second benefit of taking a morning walk – indeed, the very reason we’re recommending walks in the morning – is early exposure to sunlight. Sunlight has been demonstrated to signal the body to begin its daily production of serotonin. Increasing your exposure to sunlight isn’t difficult; it just requires getting out of doors when your day starts. Along those lines, taking a morning walk could be a two-punch depression buster.

Professional counselling
Depression is a serious illness, and there is absolutely no substitute for seeking professional help. There are many therapists offering depression treatment in East London, and they’re ready to work with you in developing a personalised regimen of treatment.

Some people are wary of professional treatment, because they assume that it will involve pharmaceuticals. However, drugs are little more than a tool used in a comprehensive approach to treatment. Most therapists will be encouraged by the fact that you would rather overcome depression without the use of pharmaceuticals. Make this clear during your first session, and they’ll be able to put tailor an effective drug-free treatment that relies instead upon your commitment to getting back on your feet.

Mood diary
A mood diary is a means of keeping track of the things that are happening in your life and the way that they make you feel. The underlying goal of a mood diary is to put your thoughts and feelings into perspective. By recording everything that happens – both the good and the bad – you are likely to realise that things are not nearly as bad as you have been assuming.

Natural Remedies:

Vitamin B6
Essential to the production of dopamine and serotonin, vitamin B6 can help the body regulate its mood cycles. Relatively few people have a genuine B6 deficiency, as it’s found abundantly in poultry, fish, potatoes and many fruits. However, some people who are undergoing hormone replacement therapy or taking oral contraceptives may experience a borderline deficiency. Seeking out foods rich in vitamin B6 certainly won’t hurt, and it has the potential to make a serious difference.

Magnesium
Like vitamin B6, magnesium helps the brain produce serotonin. The difference is that the average person is much more likely to be deficient in magnesium. Furthermore, the stress and anxiety of depression actually prompts the body to consume more magnesium than usual. Green vegetables, nuts and whole grains are all rich in magnesium.

Acupuncture
The data is incomplete, but there is peer-reviewed research to suggest that acupuncture may be able to offset the symptoms of depression. See the report on this University of Arizona study for details.


Author Bio:
An organisation with a network of more than 33,500 psychotherapists and/or counsellors across the country, The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy is a leading specialist in helping people find the right depression treatment in East London.