Holistic Approaches to Mental Health

Do your loved ones suffer from depression?  Are their antidepressants not providing relief of depressive symptoms?  Are they tired of dealing with unwanted side effects?  

They aren’t alone—more than 50 percent of people who take antidepressants never get relief from depression. Don’t despair.  There are other options to consider.

Here are some successful holistic approaches that will support the mental health of you and your loved ones.

As a first step, take a look at these three areas.

What Are They Eating?

This is an important step that can be essential when fighting depression.

When someone is feeling low, it’s easy to reach for sugary foods for a quick boost. That creates a vicious cycle. They may feel even worse after the sugar high wears off. 

A diet of whole foods is recommended for people with depression. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits provides the proper nutrients needed to balance mood swings. 

Caffeine and sugar are two foods to avoid. Many studies have shown that both contribute to depression. They’re also not the best habits for someone who is trying to live a healthy lifestyle.

Clean Up Their Sleep Habits

One of the most important things to do for depression is to get a good night’s sleep. Depression, insomnia, and oversleeping are interconnected. It’s a cycle that can be very difficult to break up.

To enhance sleep habits, make a sleep plan. Go to bed every night at the same time. A half-hour before going to bed, be sure to turn off all electronic devices. Read a book instead, or listen to soothing music. 

After a while, they will find their body will respond to these cues.

Keep caffeine intake low, and don’t drink coffee or sugary drinks in the afternoon. Meditation and yoga are both excellent holistic approaches to calming their body.

Help them get up in the morning at the same time as well. When someone sleeps in, it can make it harder to go to bed on time at night. 

Exercise Is an Antidepressant

Exercise is one of the most successful holistic treatments for depression. Anything that elevates the heart rate is a great choice. Exercise also produces endorphins in the body, which trigger positive feelings.

Exercise can increase energy and reduce stress. Choose something they can do every day, even if it is a short walk. Regular movement gives them something to look forward to doing. 

Getting outside in nature contributes to mental health. It soothes the nervous system and improves a sense of general well-being. 

Consider TMS Therapy 

This therapy uses magnetic fields to stimulate underactive nerve cells in the brain. It’s called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Sometimes areas of our brain aren’t functioning as well as they should be. That can result in poor mood control and feelings of depression. This creates a condition that is often resistant to antidepressants.

TMS can help. During treatments, patients do not typically experience the same side effects that antidepressants have, such as weight gain, drowsiness, or insomnia.

They will not be sedated and will be able to return to their daily routine right away. It’s a simple, FDA-approved process that has helped many patients. 

Explore TMS For Treating Depression

At TMS Therapy, we are ready to support you in fighting treatment-resistant depression when antidepressants and therapy haven’t provided the relief you’re looking for.

We provide a simple, results-oriented treatment that can help.

Our friendly, professional staff is available to guide each patient. They will ensure you and your loved ones receive the help they need.