A member asked:

How can i overcome depression?

15 doctors weighed in across 10 answers
Dr. Randy Baker answered

Specializes in Holistic Medicine

Many options: Counseling,exercise and meditation often help.Many natural therapies like SAMe, St. John's wort, 5-HTP and Curcumin are as effective as meds. Classical homeopathy can be very effective. Vitamin & mineral deficiencies may cause depression. Hypothyroidism and food allergies can cause depression- I had a patient not helped by any meds but avoiding gluten cured her.And anti-depressant meds of course.

Answered 6/7/2020

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Depression: Start with a medical evaluation to rule out medical causes of your symptoms. Medications are sometimes indicated. Talking therapy to include Cognitive Behavioral therapy or psychotherapy can be effective. Aim for daily exercise, 8 hours of sleep per night & good nutrition w 5 servings of veggies & 4 of fruit per day. Try tai chi, yoga, Qi Gong, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing

Answered 6/7/2020

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In addition: Get on a routine,sleep 1st , pick a wake up time and stick 7d/wk,30min regular exercise daily.Avoid as much as possible inflammatory foods-dairy,grains, sugar.Eat on a regular schedule,healthy protein, healthy fats and lots of green leafy vegetables. Essential fatty acids (check EFA panel-then supplement prn)Good multivitamin. Optimal hydration(1/2 body wt in OZ/d). Optimize VitD and bright light

Answered 6/7/2020

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Depends on diagnosis: Depression is a generic term for many types, some being relatively short lived. Adjustment disorders and single incident ptsd can be treated efficiently. Recurrent major depression and bipolar disorders take longer. Mindfulness based cognitive therapy and energy psychology are effective approaches, generally combined with medication.

Answered 5/15/2016

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Acupuncture/ meds: In addition to the information provided by dr. Gallo - acupuncture can be used to treat depression. Medication approaches include antidepressants and mood stabilizers. However, some depression will response to talking therapy alone.

Answered 1/8/2013

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Some suggestions.: 1st - ensure you have a healthy life style - aim for at least 8 hrs of sleep/ night, 3 meals per day, daily physical activity & little to no alcohol. 2nd - avoid isolation. 3rd- see your physician for an evaluation to ensure that you have no underlying medical conditions that are contributing to this. 4th - encourage you to work with a therapy to overcome your depression. Meds might be needed.

Answered 2/1/2015

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

You can start by: Seeing your physician to evaluate for medical causes of depression. Counseling ; /or medication my be recommended. Alk about feelings ; address problems. Don't avoid them. Aim for 7.5 - 8 hours of sleep/ night. Daily physical activity is optimal in a green space. Eat healthfully. Cut out junk carbs, caffeine ; alcohol (or moderate). Try qi gong, tai chi, acupuncture, acupressure, homeopathy, >.

Answered 11/24/2013

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Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Many ways: Some ways on your own: increase aerobic exercise, especially in nature or a green space daily. Eliminate alcohol and processed foods -- eat healthy protein, veggies, fruits, and complex carbs. Connect with others. Help is also available through your primary care doctor, to check on possible medical causes ; refer to psychologist/psychiatrist as needed. Psychotherapy ; medications can help too.

Answered 11/25/2013

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Your Dr can assess: For mood disorder ; underlying medical conditions that may be causing symptoms. Talking therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy or insight oriented psychotherapy) is important for lasting change. Psychiatric meds may be indicated. Don't isolate. Spend time w people. Use your support system. Get out. Don’t stagnate at home. Get at least 8 hrs of sleep/ night ; eat healthfully. Daily aerobic physical.

Answered 5/12/2015

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Depression: Confide in those close to you to try to uncover the origin of your low mood and then develop a plan to cope more effectively. Exercise daily, eat a plant based diet, get at least 7 hours sleep every night. Best

Answered 5/26/2016

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