What are some natural ways to treat depression and anxiety?
I have been living with extreme depression for years. In 2007 I experienced my first bout of panic attacks and anxiety developed as well as hypochondria. I won’t take western medication unless I absolutely have to. So instead I look more towards natural methods of healing. What are some ways to help control and prevent depression, anxiety, panic attacks and especially hypochondria? Advice, personal experience and links are welcome! Thanks!
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
I lived with depression for decades, tried different kinds of anti-depressants, but nothing seemed to work until I tried St. John’s wort. I’m still upset that no doctor thought to try it in that time, it’s usually the first thing tried in Europe rather than expensive medication.
I wasn’t expecting anything at all, but the effects were immediate and dramatic. I had been living with depression for so long, I didn’t remember what not being depressed was like. I remember thinking, "So this is what anti-depressants are supposed to do."
I also take Valerian root and melatonin for sleep and depression and fish oil which promotes brain function and has tons of positive physical effects. At the same time, I quit using vegetable oil and margarine, switched to canola or olive oil and real butter.
After 7 surgeries I gave up on modern medicine for helping me and learned about easy yoga and meditation. It sounds weird but if I stop meditating for a few days I end up sick again. It helps me calm down and be more aware of the choices I make.
i have panic attacks and they actually caused me to have seizures. my mom is agaisnts all the medication they try to give you, so we went to therapy. I found a therapist who really worked with me to talk about what triggers my panic attacks and how to work through them in order to understand them and get past them. i really recommend trying that. the best way to find the right one is to go around to local therapists and meet them for a session and see how you feel about them. i went to 2-3 till i found the one with the right vibe (don’t know what else to call it) for me. they’re trained to help with depression and anxiety. i don’t know how your panic attacks go, but talking with a therapist can help tailor a solution especially for you. depression is something i don’t knwo much about, so i can’t help yout here. sorry. please seek help as soon as possible tho! no one should have to go thru this alone.
Homeopathic remedies for anxiety/panic attacks/stress/depression (bereavment)/mood swings
Anxiety/panic attacks & stress:
Sudden with restlessness and fear of death, Panic Attacks, Aconite 30x or 200x, ½ hourly (3 doses).
Prolonged with periodic and panic attacks Arsenic Alb. 200x, 4 hourly (3 doses)
With fainting spells; profuse sweating; worse in the morning Sulphur 30x or 200x, 3 hourly (3 doses).
Makes patient walk fast; due to anticipation Argentum Nit 200x, 3 hourly (3 doses).
Worse lying in bed and closing the eyes, Carbo Veg 30x or 200x, 4 hourly (6 doses).
Anxiety aggravated by upward or downward motion; going in an elevator; worse till 11 P.M, Borax 200x or 1M, 3 hourly (3 doses).
Anxious about business even when seriously ill, Bryonia Alba 200x, 3 hourly (3 doses).
Full of apprehensions in the evening Causticum 200x, 3 hourly (3 doses).
Anxiety and fears in the evening with restlessness and palpitation Calcarea Carb. 200x or 1M, 3 hourly (3 doses).
Anxiety worse while lying still. Sad music ameliorates the complaints Manganum Acet 200x, 3 hourly (3 doses).
Anxiety due to fright, fear,exciting news; stage fright; worse while appearing for examination or interview etc Gelsemium 30x or 200x 3 hourly (6 doses)
Mood Swings, Anxiety due to grief or shock in the subconscious mind Ignatia 200x or 1M, 3 hourly (3 doses),
Anxiety; better after eating Anacardium Or 30x, 4 hourly.
Depression & grief (bereavement):
Severe shock due to sudden death of loved ones; restlessness, anxiety and fear Aconite 200x, 10 min (3 doses).
Prolonged mournings; cannot overcome the loss of loved ones and/or Mood Swings. Ignatia 1M or 10M, 6 hourly (3 doses).
When the grief is in the conscious mind; patient weeps; does not like sympathy, Natrum Mur.200x or 1M, 6 hourly (3 doses).
For chronic grief and indignation Staphysagria, 200x or 1M, weekly (3 doses).
Depression with suicidal thoughts feeling of worthlessness, Aurum Met 30x, three times a day half hour before meals.
*** Homeopathic remedy dosage
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.
I suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take 2-3 drops of selected remedy in ¼ th glass of water, preferably empty stomached, 3 doses 8 hourly and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
You require to visit a good Herbalist or still better visit a qualified Ayurvedic Consultant. There is a process called PANCHAKARMA, in Indian Ayurveda which totally cleanses your body and dispels the acute stress syndrome. Thereafter, the doctor would put you on drugs like Jatamanasi(Indian Valerian root), Brahmi, Aswagandha, Gotu kola, Guduchi, etc. The choice of drugs and dose would depend on your body constitution. Self-medication would not be advisable for your disorder.
I take the herb blend Panicyl. Much better than the antidepressants I use to take that made me sick and tired all the time. Hope this helps!
One of the best ways that you can prevent and control depression and anxiety yourself is daily exercise. Another way is to get out in the sunshine, since studies have shown that sunshine helps to curb depression.
Make an appointment with a licensed, qualified naturopath. There are so many things that can be done to help you — it is a pity to continue to suffer. St. John’s wort is an herb used for depression, but it must be given under the supervision of a licensed naturopath or herbalist. There are also herbs used for treating anxiety, but here again you must be under the care of a naturopath or an herbalist. Another thing that is helpful is Bach flowers.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.