Natural Alternative Therapies for Depression and Anxiety

Natural Ways Ahead

If you’ve ever wondered if you suffer from depression or anxiety, perhaps consider doing the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales many people don’t realise that there is a label for how they are feeling. Having a diagnosis or label doesn’t need to change who you are or how you feel about yourself, but if your feelings or reactions are bothering you, then you can do a few natural, easy things to combat the negative emotions.

1. Get tested

via Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation

See your general practitioner and request some tests for vitamin D, B12, iron and thyroid function. A simple blood test (which may cause you anxiety in itself!) could reveal a simple biological reason for feeling sweaty-palmed and upset. A full check-up may not go astray, reassure you that you’re in pretty good shape and open the door to having a chat with your GP about your anxiety. Many GPs are moving towards “lifestyle prescriptions” as well, for managing anxiety and depression, so perhaps yours will suggest some easy changes to your lifestyle.

2. Supplements

via All About Vision

Research is slim on the use of supplements. People swear by many supplements and they come and go in fashion. A few actually have good science behind them though, so carefully consider whether they’re worth your money. Have a look at this site for some information about what science there is to support. Supplements with good evidence include fish oil, St Johns Wort, tyrosine, SAM-e, some inconclusive evidence is there for vitamin D (unless you are deficient), lavender and B vitamins.

3. Shed some light on it

Some people may be affected by seasonal affective disorder in both forms, with the winter blues or summer sads being two names for it. If there’s a pattern to when you’re feeling anxious or depressed, have a look at the Mayo Clinic website and consider investing in a natural light source.

4. Cut out caffeine

via Eat This, Not That!

This is a big one. You could be in a vicious cycle of feeling anxious so you don’t sleep well, or your kids pick up on your anxiety and sleep badly, leaving you with even less restorative sleep and turning to coffee. This makes you sleep even less well, and you rely on more coffee to keep you going and then you’re feeling heart palpitations, sweaty palms, shaking hands and scattered thoughts. It can be very hard to do but weaning down off caffeine will improve your anxiety as well. Swap your coffee for a flavoured decaf one, swap to green tea for alternate cups (as the “cup of hot” may be a part of your day just as much as the coffee and you don’t want to change all parts of your daily routine in one move!) or keep a track of how many you’re drinking and cut back on one each week. A gentle taper will avoid withdrawal symptoms and you may notice a reduction in your anxiety symptoms pretty quickly.

5. I like to move it move it”¦

via Yoga Journal

Exercise of any kind is known to improve mental health. Any kind of movement is going to work. Yoga, a walk in the morning, running a half-marathon, swimming, geocaching, dancing the list is endless. Do something even if you don’t feel like it. Find a group to do it with, or program some tunes and do it alone.

Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, reading a book and working through activities, massage therapy and meditation can be effective as well, Be open to suggestions if you are new to these therapies ask a trusted friend or relative for recommendations.

If you are feeling something not in the ordinary, try one of these approaches first. Try them all, in fact, as one of them might suit you well but all of them have benefits.

What things do you do when you’re not feeling yourself? What do you do all the time that may be keeping the black dog or anxious panda at bay?

If you become concerned about your or anyone else’s health please seek immediate medical attention or go to our health hotlines and website post for further resources.*

*SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information.  All information provided is correct at time of publication.