Stress can commonly lead to anxiety and depression. Lowering your mental and physical stress can improve your overall health and well-being. Oftentimes anti-depressants are the immediate solution for treatment, which may suppress symptoms but come with other side effects and don’t necessarily address the root of the problem.
There are many alternatives, less invasive treatments that are more integrative in their approach. From CBD products and herbal supplements to exercise, yoga, and guided relaxation therapy, there are many different practices that can help reduce symptoms of depression and boost your overall well-being. Seek medical advice first to see which treatment plan works best for you.
1. CBD products
CBD has emerged in the past few years as an increasingly popular treatment for mental and physical ailments. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. Most CBD products have such low levels of THC that there is no high from using them, maximizing the benefits of CBD. Although there is still growing research around CBD, some research is beginning to suggest that CBD oil and other CBD products can be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of depression. CBD is linked to reducing anxiety and stress levels, which may in turn reduce depression.
CBD comes in many forms. If you are looking to take CBD as a daily supplement, organic CBD gummies are one of your best choices. These gummy bears contain natural ingredients, including CBD hemp extract, and taste delicious too! If it is your first time using CBD edibles, do a little research on the types of gummy bears and try a few types of these fruity CBD gummies to see which works best for you.
2. Therapy and Counseling
Depression is complicated and comes in many shapes and forms. Talking with a professional can be a highly effective way of understanding the type of depression you struggle with, which ultimately leads to a more effective treatment. At a treatment center, you can find many types of therapy individualized to your needs. Rather than suppressing symptoms with medication, a trained professional can help you to understand the root causes of and triggers to your depression and work through past traumas that may be impacting your mental health. Centers for depression treatment Los Angeles offer integrative programs that also offer services like life coaching to help you build mental and emotional strength.
3. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of medicine that cures illnesses by sticking fine needles into specific points in the body. The needles stimulate areas of the body and help it to overcome imbalances, which encourages healing. Although it is not fully understood how it works, acupuncture has proven to be a successful and non-invasive way to treat physical ailments such as chronic pain and mental illnesses like depression. In a recent clinical study, acupuncture showed to be effective at reducing depression after three months of treatment.
4. Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation help you become more connected to yourself. Both practices teach you breathing techniques. Your breath connects your mind and body and can both energize and calm you down, depending on which effect you are seeking. The postures and movement in yoga strengthen you and open up your body, while meditation helps you to clear your mind and detach yourself from your emotions. When practiced regularly, the combination of yoga and meditation can be a powerful way to improve your overall well-being and everyday life by bringing you into the present.
5. Massage
Massage promotes relaxation through touch, while also relieving stress. Different types of massage like Swedish and deep tissue help relax muscles, which in turn release tension. The body releases dopamine and serotonin during a massage, which can improve sleep and symptoms of depression. An hour-long massage also lowers cortisol, which the body produces in response to stress. Finally, a massage creates an emotional balance by providing a nurturing environment for you to relax and find a mind-body connection, which might be just the cure for your mental health needs.