How Does Holistic Therapy For Depression Work?
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Depression can majorly and negatively impact a person's mood, relationships, and ability to work and earn money. For these reasons, people experiencing these symptoms often want to relieve depression and find help. Those looking for help might be interested in both conventional and alternative therapies aimed at treating depression symptoms.
Symptoms of depression
According to the Office for National Statistics, about one out of every six adults in Great Britain experiences depression symptoms that can be categorized as moderate to severe. In the US, one in five people are thought to live with a mental illness like a depressive disorder.
People often equate depression with sadness, but many other symptoms are involved in this mental health disorder. People who have depression or are becoming depressed may experience the following symptoms:
- Sluggishness
- Irritability or anxiety
- Difficulty feeling emotions like pleasure, joy, or grief
- A lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
- Feelings of guilt, despair, worthlessness, or loneliness
- Thoughts of helplessness or hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts about death or suicide
- A desire to withdraw from others
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- A markedly reduced or increased appetite
- Physical aches and pains
- Poor personal hygiene
- A lack of energy
- A tendency to complain or criticize
- A preoccupation with negative events or their own perceived failures and inadequacies
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7. If you are experiencing trauma, support is available.
The term "depression" is a commonly used description, but there are multiple diagnoses that might fall under this general term. Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are all listed as types of depression in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Bipolar disorder, prolonged grief disorder, and other disorders may also involve depression symptoms.
Conventional depression treatments
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. Do not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
What is holistic therapy for mental health treatment?
Holistic therapy is a broad term that can describe virtually any treatment or practice that falls outside of conventional mental health treatments. A holistic approach addresses the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. However, trying holistic therapies for a severe mental illness may be most effective alongside conventional treatment, like medication or psychotherapy. When a person does not have a mental illness but wants to improve their mood or well-being, they may try holistic therapies as stand-alone practices.
Types of holistic therapy for depression
A wide variety of holistic therapies can be used to treat depression. In some cases, these treatments are referred to as complementary, alternative, or integrative therapies or treatments.
Exercise for mental health
A systematic review of 10 research studies found that exercise is an effective therapy for depression, both as a single therapy and when used in combination with another treatment. The study authors recommend that people wanting to exercise for depression aim for moderate-intensity aerobic exercise three to five times weekly. Nutritious eating is often recommended alongside increased exercise, but these studies didn’t look at food. The research studies covered in the review considered many types of exercise, including bicycling, running, yoga, tai chi, stretching, and strength training. Most participants in the studies were between 18 and 65 years old.
Complementary medicine therapies
Complementary therapies for depression often include chiropractic care, acupuncture, and nutritional or herbal supplements, among other treatments. Chiropractic care involves manipulating the spine, and some experts suggest that it can help with depression by regulating the autonomic nervous system and reducing stress hormones.
Some research suggests that acupuncture may also ease depression symptoms. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific pressure points on the skin. Research suggests that certain supplements may help with depression, including omega-3 fatty acids and St. John's wort. Research doesn't support the use of SAMe or inositol in every case. Before trying any dietary supplements, speak with a doctor and ensure no interactions with medications you already take. In addition, note that some supplements may reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. For example, any product with activated charcoal as an ingredient can make birth control ineffective, and St. John’s wort may make some antidepressants not work as well.
Meditation and mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness techniques may help with depression and treating anxiety disorders. Mindfulness practices incorporate Eastern meditation techniques, such as those that originated in Buddhism, and apply them in a way that isn't viewed as spiritual. Some meditation approaches involve breathing techniques. Others involve listening to guided instructions, while others involve sitting in silence for a specified period.
Bodywork therapies
Bodywork therapy is often used to describe treatments involving hands-on human touch, which can also be called manual therapy. For example, massage therapy, Reiki, craniosacral therapy, Rolfing, and others are all bodywork therapies. Some types of bodywork therapy don't involve human touch but other types of sensory stimulation, such as chair massage and floating therapy. Some research suggests that massage can help depressed patients with mild depression and reduce anxiety. Bodywork may also treat other mental health disorders and promote brain health.
Art and music therapies
Art and music therapies are two separate types of therapies that involve creativity. Unlike other holistic therapies, only professional therapists conduct art and music therapies. These techniques include talking, passively enjoying art or music, or actively creating it. In addition, studies show these therapies may provide at least short-term relief for people with depression, perhaps by allowing them to express emotions non-verbally.
Do alternative therapies have side effects?
With so many alternative therapies being available, each can involve different side effects. Some alternative therapies pose little or no risk, while others may have potential side effects. Asking your doctor's opinion before beginning a particular alternative therapy could help you determine if it's a good choice.
Potential side effects of alternative therapies for depression treatment
A study of British adults found that about 46% of those using complementary and alternative therapies experienced side effects. Many of these side effects were diarrhea, nausea, or other digestive-related problems stemming from supplement use. Some felt dizziness or pain from chiropractic care or aches and pains from massage therapy.
Alternative mental health support options
People interested in holistic therapy for depression may also pursue talk therapy alongside any holistic therapies they try. Online talk therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can be a convenient option for many because it doesn't require a person to travel to a therapist's office. Instead, online therapy allows people to connect with a professional therapist through video chat or in-app messaging.
Online therapy vs. holistic therapy for symptoms of depression
Online therapy refers explicitly to talk therapy conducted through the internet, while holistic therapy describes any therapy or treatment that falls outside of conventional expectations. Some online therapies may incorporate elements of holistic therapies, such as meditation, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, or guided imagery. If you are seeking online therapy and want to choose a therapist incorporating some of these elements, consult with providers before starting.
Research has found that online therapy can effectively treat depression. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 studies concluded that people who underwent online therapy improved symptoms on par with in-person therapy. The systematic review and meta-analysis that determined online therapy is as effective for depression as in-person therapy made that determination by comparing the severity of people's symptoms before and after online therapy, as well as against the severity of symptoms of those who did in-person therapy or no therapy at all. Severity was assessed through questionnaires asking about the main symptoms of depression, including mood changes, changes to weight or appetite, trouble sleeping, fatigue or tiredness, difficulty concentrating, or feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
Takeaway
What is the most popular holistic therapy?
Reflexology is thought to be the most popular type of holistic therapy. Other holistic or alternative medicine approaches include massage, aromatherapy, mindfulness meditation, and yoga. Holistic therapy aims to cultivate the mind-body connection through integrative approaches that address all the aspects of a person.
Do holistic therapists prescribe medication?
Only a doctor can prescribe prescription drugs, and this can be especially important because concerns like serotonin syndrome and folate deficiency can arise in response to certain drug interactions. Some holistic therapists are doctors and can prescribe SSRIs (a common treatment for depression) and other medications as part of their holistic perspective.
When is depression considered untreatable?
Depression is viewed as treatment-resistant when depressive symptoms don’t improve after a person has tried at least two first-line antidepressants. However, this doesn’t mean that depression is untreatable. There are many different treatment options available for mood disorders, even if the first few things you try don’t seem to work.
Who needs holistic therapy?
Holistic therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of people, from those with moderate depression to those who want to improve their mood and energy levels. Numerous studies suggest that many people with mental and physical health conditions have experienced positive outcomes after undergoing holistic therapy.
What is an example of holistic therapy?
In general, holistic therapy involves addressing multiple areas of a person’s health in order to treat the whole person. It may involve prescribing supplements, such as vitamin D or B vitamins, along with other medications. Traditional talk therapy, mindfulness practices, yoga, massage, spiritual counseling, and nutrition counseling recommend certain foods may be a part of holistic therapy as well. A person’s treatment plan usually depends on the specific points of difficulty they’re experiencing.
What is the last resort for depression?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is sometimes used as a treatment for depression that hasn’t improved with other treatment options. Although this treatment is considered safe, elderly patients may experience an increased risk of certain side effects. Ketamine therapy is another option for treatment-resistant depression.
Is depression a disability?
Depression can constitute a disability in some cases. When depression symptoms significantly impact a person’s ability to work, it may be possible to receive Social Security disability benefits.
What degree do you need to be a holistic therapist?
Therapists of any kind typically need a master’s degree. Holistic therapists usually need additional training as well.
How effective is holistic therapy?
It can be difficult to find specific figures on the efficacy of holistic therapy because treatment plans vary so much from person to person. While each individual’s experience with holistic therapy is different, this modality has helped many people with a variety of mental and physical health conditions.
Is holistic care expensive?
Holistic care can be expensive in some cases, especially if the practitioner doesn’t accept insurance. Some holistic providers offer sliding-scale fees for those who struggle to afford care.
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