It is clear that antidepressant medications help many people find relief from an otherwise a very debilitating ailment. However, they do not work for everybody all the time. For many people it takes a while before the correct dosage is determined because the effects of antidepressant medications are variable from person to person. Therefore, there might be a long waiting period before the individual feels the beneficial effects. Other times, these drugs even produce the opposite effect and make people more depressed. People can also develop dependency, over dose on them or abuse them. These drugs can also be harmful for children and pregnant women and their unborn child because it is not yet clear how these drugs affect a developing brain. Another major drawback with medications is that they do not address or deal with the root of the problem, they just mask the symptoms.
There are other types of treatments that are not as invasive as drugs and do not produce the same side effects as antidepressant medications. For example, psychotherapy can be used to explore unexamined beliefs and childhood events that lead to the depression. Transpersonal counseling embraces modern western psychotherapeutic thought as well as allows individuals to explore spiritual, mystical, and shamanic realms for healing.
Other alternative and complimentary types of therapy that are shown to be very helpful in treating depression are yoga and mindfulness meditation practices (click on video or go to http://centeronpeace.com/index.php/category/blog/, acupuncture and herbs. Lifestyle changes like adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly are also beneficial. Other non-traditional approaches include: healing touch, prayer, non-local intention, homeopathy, qigong and shamanic healing practices. One thing is clear though, when dealing with depression it is very important to work with a trusted professional; because you can’t treat depression on your own. You need a professional’s help regardless of the route taken.
As a therapist and holistic healer I try to encourage my clients to use more holistic approaches first when dealing with depression or anxiety especially if they are pregnant or are under 24 years of age. But if I come across people who are adamant about taking medications first, I always want to encourage them to become educated and fully aware of the implications of these drugs before they take them or give them to their children. I also always say consult as many different doctors and health care practitioners as possible and ask many questions. Then get second and third opinions on those opinions. Once all the information has been gathered and the pros and cons have been weighed then decide on the meds.
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