Treating Depression and Anxiety With and Without Medication

Effective treatment of depression involves both the medical and non-medical (natural) approach. Depression and anxiety disorder are mainly caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. These psychiatric conditions cannot only be treated with therapy and medication but also with lifestyle changes. A combination of both the approaches (medicinal and non-medicinal) can help in fighting the depression and uprooting it out so that it can never return. If you are, unfortunately, suffering from depression or anxiety disorder, then you should be well-aware of both these treatment methods. So, here is how you can treat your depression and anxiety with and without medication. With Medication When it comes to medication, antidepressants are the most popular treatment option for depression. These antidepressants may not cure depression, but they help in reducing symptoms. There is a variety of range of antidepressants available, and each of them works in different ways. Your doctor prescribes you the right antidepressant based on your symptoms. Some brain chemicals that are linked to depression are serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Most antidepressants work by affecting these neurotransmitters. Different types of antidepressants affect these neurotransmitters in somewhat different ways. Some of the main types of anti-depressants include the following: Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)rnSNRI works by inhibiting the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin. Some SNRI medications include Effexor (venlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), Savella (milnacipran), and Fetzima (levomilnacipran). Common side effects of SNRIs are drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, and constipation. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) SSRIs are probably the first medication your doctor would prescribe you. They especially inhibit the reuptake of serotonin. Examples of SSRIs include Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Celexa (citalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Lexapro (escitalopram), and Viibryd (vilazodone). They have fewer side effects as compared to other antidepressants. However, the known ones are tremors, insomnia, nausea, sexual dysfunction, and tremors. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) These are called tricyclic because they are composed of three interconnected rings of atoms. TCAs work like reuptake inhibitors as they block the absorption of serotonin and norepinephrine into nerve cells. Some of their examples include Elavil (amitriptyline), Norpramin (desipramine), Asendin (amoxapine), Anafranil (clomipramine), Pamelor (nortriptyline), Tofranil (imipramine), Vivactil (protriptyline), Surmontil (trimipramine), and Sinequan (doxepin). Their symptoms are drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, blurry vision, and weight gain. Atypical Antidepressants These medications are called atypical because they don't fit into any other antidepressant categories. They work by affecting norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine levels in different or unique ways. Examples of atypical antidepressants include Wellbutrin (bupropion), Remeron (mirtazapine), Oleptro (trazodone), Brintellix (vortioxetine), and Symbax. Some of their side-effects comprise insomnia, nausea, constipation, vomiting, blurry vision, dizziness, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, and weight gain. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) MAOIs work by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase. Some examples of MAOIs are Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate (tranylcypromine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), and Emsam (selegiline). These medications are not often used because of their dangerous interactions with foods that are high in tyramine. So, it involves strict dietary restrictions. Some other side effects include nausea, drowsiness, restlessness, insomnia, and dizziness. Without Medication Apart from medication, some lifestyle changes can help you treat your depression or anxiety and can make you feel better. And they include the following. Adopt healthy eating habits: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and folic acids can help in reducing depression. Beware as depression may lead you to indulge in overeating. So, eat right in the right quantity. Do exercise regularly: Exercise can boost the chemicals called endorphins that can make you feel good. Regular exercise can help in dealing with depression effectively. Get enough amount of sleep: Depression may not let you get the proper sleep that can have bad repercussions on your health. So, try to get the right amount of sleep. Go early to your bed and avoid any distractions like tv, mobile phones, etc., to get the sound sleep. It can boost your mood and keep your mind relax. Don't sit idle: Sitting idle can bring all wrong thoughts in your mind. So, use your time to do something productive and keep your mind engrossed in activities to avoid depressing thoughts. Spend fun times with your friends and family: Spending good times with friends ad family can be very useful in reducing depression. You can experience the happiness that can help you in dealing with your depression. So, adopt these healthy lifestyle changes along with proper medication to get victory over your depression.