Feeling sad or down is normal from time to time. But when that heavy feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness just won’t shake off, that’s when depression can really start to affect your life. Common factors that can cause depression are genetics, brain chemistry, chronic pain, trauma, and stressful life events.
Many people turn to traditional antidepressants for relief, and for some people they work wonders. However, not everyone finds relief with medications. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, about 10-30% of people with depression don’t experience relief from antidepressants at all. Natural treatments for depression and alternative treatments like TMS and ketamine therapy can provide fast and lasting relief, especially when nothing else has worked.
A Closer Look at Antidepressants
The most common types of antidepressants are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors). These work by increasing two “feel-good” chemicals—serotonin and norepinephrine—in your brain. SSRIs work by helping your brain absorb and hold onto serotonin to stabilize mood. SNRIs work similarly while also increasing norepinephrine to boost energy and motivation.
However, these two medications have their downsides. They can take weeks to provide relief, and often come with side effects like nausea, headaches, and insomnia, and for others, they just don’t work. While they might help some manage depression symptoms, they don’t get to the root of the issue.
Natural Treatments for Depression
Before jumping into medication, it’s worth considering some natural treatments for depression and lifestyle-based approaches. For mild to moderate depression, these strategies can work wonders, especially if you catch your depression early.
Exercise: You might be tired of hearing “exercise to feel better,” but there’s a good amount of science on how exercise affects your physical and emotional well-being. Even 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, 3 times a week, can reduce depression symptoms. It releases endorphins, raises your body’s core temperature, and builds confidence through the sense of accomplishment.
Natural Supplements: Supplements like vitamin B, omega-3s, turmeric, and magnesium can support your mood and mental health. Vitamin B and magnesium help your nervous system regulate, while omega-3s and turmeric reduce inflammation and lower cortisol.
Proper Diet: What you eat affects how you feel. A healthy natural diet supports your brain function. Stick to a diet full of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fish. Berries are a great snack as they are high in antioxidants and prevent neurodegeneration. Avoid sugars, processed foods, and excess red meats.
Sunlight: Vitamin D plays a significant role in brain activity, memory, and mood regulation. It also promotes blood flow to the brain and helps set your body’s internal clock, allowing for better sleep and more energy throughout the day. Take time during the day to get outside—nature can be extremely beneficial for your mental health.
Meditation: Have you ever noticed that when you are in the thick of your emotions, your breathing changes—and so does your nervous system? Deep, mindful breaths can bring your mind back to the present moment and give you a new perspective on your thoughts. Meditation allows you to observe your emotions without getting attached to them.
Socializing: Often, people experiencing depression tend to isolate themselves—but this worsens symptoms. Socializing brings a sense of belonging and community. Even minor actions, such as greeting a stranger, spending time with a friend, or sitting with someone during your lunch break, can help create new connections and improve your self-esteem.
Effective Alternatives to Traditional Antidepressants
Sometimes natural methods alone don’t provide the relief you need. It just means your brain needs a little support to rest and provide space to allow neuroplasticity.
TMS Therapy: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses on your scalp to stimulate blood flow and activate the dormant parts of your brain linked to mood. It promotes neuroplasticity, which allows the brain to rewire itself without the side effects of medication. TMS is especially effective for people who have not found relief in traditional antidepressants and medications.
Ketamine Therapy: Ketamine for depression works by targeting the glutamate system in your brain, which is responsible for learning, memory, and mood. This treatment is typically given orally, via nasal spray, or through an IV administered by a medical professional. Ketamine for depression helps form new neural connections and break negative thinking loops. People often experience relief within hours of treatment, making it especially effective for those who experience severe depression or suicidal thoughts.
If you have been feeling stuck in depression, give these natural remedies a try, and if you need extra support, reach out today. We are here to help you find relief.
Contact Bluewater Psychiatry
If you are ready to experience lasting relief, contact us at Bluewater Psychiatry today! We are proud to be one of only 15 clinics nationwide offering the ONE-D TMS protocol. Schedule a consultation to learn more.