A common way of dealing with depression or anxiety is to use a medication such as an SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) like Prozac or Lexapro or Zoloft on an everyday basis. And a popular Rx choice for immediate effect is Xanax or Klonopin. But research shows that using such drugs on a regular basis could actually change your brain for the worse. Non-drug alternatives combined by a well managed medication when necessary will help reduce any potential harm from the drugs and in some cases could even eliminate the need for drugs. Here are five steps to dealing with depression and anxiety, drugfree.
Get the Right Nutrition
The first step is to insure that the needed vitamin, mineral, amino acid, anti-inflammatory supplements and herbal remedies are used. Depending on the condition and particular patient needs, it will include things like B12, D-3, magnesium, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, kava kava, chamomile, and omega-3.
Take Care of Your Body
The second step would be to get the right amount of daily movement, sunlight and sleep.
Learn to Be Present
The third step will include learning to meditate and learn to be present in the moment.
Acupressure
The fourth step, could include something called Tapping or the Emotional Freedom Technique. This involves sequential tapping with your fingertips on various acupressure points about your head, face, and upper body. It’s also called Thought Field Processing. You can learn more about these methods at www.Tapping.com and www.Emofree.com.
New Technology
The last step would be to the use of technology specifically proven effective for anxiety and depression that includes electrical stimulation. This is not Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) that’s used as a last resort treatment for people with severe treatment-resistant depression. This therapy uses a TINY amount of electricity and has been proven to be 94% effective in decreasing anxiety long-term. This therapy uses a patented device called Alpha-Stim Microcurrent, developed by Daniel Kirsch Ph.D., a pain expert, about 20 years ago. Checkout www.Alpha-Stim.com for more info.
There is a new device that has been getting great results called the Fisher Wallace Simulator. When used regular and in conjunction with other natural prescribed holistic therapies, patients have been able to completely stop their depression and anxiety medications. See www.FisherWallace.com
At Psychiatry.Live our Psychiatrists and Mental health professionals believe in combining traditional medication with holistic and proven alternative therapies. Way too many prescriptions are being written for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. When you work with one of our prescribing providers, they take the time to manage your medication and will work with you that could include this or other proven technology, exercise, sleep, bowel health, diet, or cognitive behavioral therapy.
