3 Offbeat Depression Treatments to Try
Posted on: 27 April 2018
One of the frustrating things about depression is that no single treatment works for everyone. Prescription medications work for many, but they may not work for you. Talk therapy, similarly, has a high degree of effectiveness—but it is not 100 percent effective. If you are suffering from depression and struggling to find a treatment that works, you may need to "go off the deep end" and try a few offbeat options. Here are three of them to consider.
1. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a treatment that involves exposing your body to very, very cold temperatures—around 200 degrees F—for a short period of time. You basically enter a cold chamber, the temperature is lowered, and you wait there for a few minutes. There have been studies conducted that concluded that depression sufferers who underwent cryotherapy several times a week showed an improvement after just three weeks of treatment.
Researchers suspect that the treatment works because it triggers the body to release endorphins, which help combat depression. Although being exposed to extreme cold may sound unpleasant, many patients actually find it to be an enjoyable experience and an instant way to boost their mood. It may also help you get better sleep, which should further fight depression symptoms.
2. Magnet Therapy
There are some researchers who believe that magnets can have a profound effect on the nervous system, helping to redirect impulses and alter the release of neurotransmitters. So, wearing magnets on certain areas of your body may help fend off your depression. A magnet on each wrist, worn by way of a bracelet, is a good starting point. If you visit a practitioner who is an expert in magnet therapy, they can also select the right strength magnets for you and tell you exactly where to wear them—based on your unique symptoms and body makeup.
3. Fasting
Fasting has its pros and cons. It can be dangerous if undertaken without supervision, so do not embark on a fast alone. Rather, seek out a medical professional who has experience supervising people as they fast. Giving your body a break from having to digest food may help your nervous system reset, leaving you feeling less depressed when you break the fast. If you do not think you can handle fasting with water alone, there are juice fasts that allow you to drink only juice for several days.
Consider the treatments above if you have had a tough time finding an effective treatment for your depression.
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