Alternative Remedies for the Treatment of Depression

Yes, there are alternative methods for the treatment of depression.

I just found an interesting video on YouTube that covers some alternative remedies for the treatment of depression. The young woman in the video appears to genuinely believe that the advice she gives will benefit someone who suffers depression. I agree with most of what she has to say, but strongly disagree with a couple of her recommendations. However sweet and sincere she is, my guess is that she’s never experienced a suicidal bout of depression.

It’s a short video, so take a look and then I’ll tell you what I agree with and what I disagree with…

Okay, as stated above I agree with most of the content of video. A diet that contains a healthy variety of nutrients is a good idea for everyone, not just for those suffering with depression. I also agree that supplements such as  L-Tyrosine and 5-HTP can help reduce the symptoms of depression. However, a healthy diet and supplements only provide a sort of “band aid” effect and don’t do much to cure the underlying cause of depression.

Here are other points with which I agree:

• Let go of the past and learn to live in the present moment is right on target

• Getting out in nature is an excellent recommendation – our bodies are composed of the same elements found in nature, so connecting with nature can be very healing on many levels

• Advice to follow a spiritual practice is helpful. It truly doesn’t matter what your beliefs are, it is your belief and faith in a higher power (the Source that created all things) that is the important thing. Prayer and meditation are powerful.

• Creating a strong bond with family and friends without being dependent on them in a needy way

• A pet can be a tremendous source of comfort

Now, here are the points I take issue with:

“Love for life can pull you out of a depression” is a tricky thing. Do we really have the right to expect that someone will love us our entire lifetime? What if someone we believe will love us forever dies? It isn’t a good idea to give responsibility for the way we feel to someone else.

Asking the questions “What makes me sad? What causes this horrible part to my life that makes me feel like this, and then change it” is a form of thinking that will most likely cause us to feel that we are a victim of life’s circumstances. Also, this line of thinking keeps you focused on external circumstances and the cause of depression is not external.

She states that if you’re in a job or a relationship that isn’t satisfying, just change it. This brings to mind one of my favorite quotes:

“The significant problems we face in life cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.”  ~ Albert Einstein

In light of the quote above, my advice would be to deal with the depression first, and once you’re feeling better, give consideration to whatever changes you think are necessary. It’s funny how the same circumstances look different when you’re feeling good as opposed to when you’re experiencing the symptoms of depression.

I hope this video and my comments have given you some food for thought.