Depression Treatment. What Are My Options?

Depression can feel like climbing a mountain and never reaching the top. It is okay to admit you are struggling.  Asking for help is a huge step.

Conventional Treatment 

Medications can help. The first line medications are called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRI's. You've likely heard of them, because they have been around for decades. Some last longer in the blood stream, others are better with anxiety symptoms; there are many options your healthcare provider can choose after listening to your symptoms and needs. These medicines help serotonin stay in the spaces between brain cells longer so that the chemical can be used... and serotonin makes you happy! While the serotonin increases right away, it can be weeks to feel the effect. It's important to know this so expectations are realistic. 

While discussing every medication available would be several posts long, suffice to say there is a second, third, and fourth line medication list as well, if the SSRI's don't help. No one medication works for everyone and it takes patience with both the provider and client as the right medication is sought out. 

Natural Alternatives

Here's the big downside with pharmaceuticals... for many people, they come with side effects. Often they go away in a couple weeks, so hang in there. For some though, they are intolerable. And many people are simply against medications and would prefer a natural supplement. St. John's Wort, B-12, and Magnesium are all examples. Buying supplements can be confusing because there are many brands and you may wonder which dose to use. Plus, supplement companies are not regulated, so how do you know which ones are the safest? We can take the guess work out of this for you by directly ordering from OMHW via trusted sources. If you want to order on your own, we can provide guidance to brands that have been tested for effective ingredients and safety.

Non-medications

We are a society quick to jump for a pill to solve our problems. Taking a pill is easy. But this can cover up the problem instead of solving it. Some of the best treatments involve changes to dietary intake, breathing techniques, and exercise. Lifestyle is a huge factor in wellness, and depression treatment is no exception.  Trained therapists are also vital in helping you with coping skills and working on self-reflection. Something as simple as taking a walk outside can lift your mood.

Functional Approach

When is depression not depression? When other body dysfunctions are present, symptoms of depression can mask the deeper issues. Thyroid dysfunction is one such area and why we address this common sneaky masquerader! With extreme fatigue and brain fog among the symptoms, its important to check for this disorder. Vitamin deficiencies are another area to explore, as well as, insulin resistance. The beauty of functional medicine is that the goal is to fix the underlying issue, not just take a pill to treat it. There lies the difference between finding wellness and treating sickness.

We hope this is helpful information for you as you navigate your path to healing. We are dedicated to listening to your personal story and providing compassionate care.