Treatment for Depression

With nearly 18% of the American population suffering from depression or anxiety disorders, finding the right type of anxiety treatment can take time. Those who suffer from anxiety or depression can become overwhelmed at the variety of anxiety treatments available. Some available treatments are counseling, prescription medication, herbal remedies, exercise, meditation, and yoga. While different treatments work for one person, they may not work for others. Speaking with a qualified medical professional is extremely important to determine the correct form of treatment needed.

Counseling as Anxiety Treatment

Counseling can be a very effective method of anxiety treatment. It allows people who suffer depression and anxiety due to lifestyle choices or post-traumatic stress disorder to understand and overcome the root of the issue that has caused their depression or anxiety. There are several different types of therapies to help treat depression. One of the main types of therapies is called cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps to identify various circumstances and the anxieties or depressions they cause. During therapy sessions the patient confronts his or her anxieties and learns to understand and overcome them.

Prescription Medications

At times prescription medications are a necessary anxiety treatment. There are a wide variety of anti-anxiety and anti-depression medications available. In order to begin treatment with prescription medications, a person must consult with a medical professional who will perform a series of tests to help determine the correct medication and dosage. The most commonly prescribed anti- anxiety medication is Alprazolam, or Xanax, which treats the chemical imbalances in the brain. Another commonly prescribed form of medication is Selective Serotonin Reptuake Inhibitors. SSRIs block the brain from re-absorbing serotonin, a neurotransmitter, and are used for treating obsessive compulsive disorder. Most prescription medications can have potentially bothersome side effects.

All Natural Alternatives

Many people are not comfortable with the idea of taking prescription medications and seek out all natural alternatives instead. There are several different herbal anxiety treatments available through local apothecaries and even through the vitamin and supplement section of local grocery stores. St. John’s Wort is one of the most common herbal supplements taken as an anxiety treatment. It is a mood elevator and often alleviates feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Magnolia bark is another herbal supplement taken to treat depression and anxiety. In several studies it was proven to be five times stronger than Diazepam for reducing anxiety. Most herbal anxiety treatments are side effect free.

Exercise Away Anxiety

Exercise is another effective anxiety treatment. Scientists have proven that exercise is a mood elevator. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as pain killers and stress relievers, which reduces stress and anxiety. It also helps reduce insomnia which in turn reduces stress. While exercise works for some, it may not work for others.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are often used as anxiety treatments for a variety of reasons. Most importantly meditation is the practice of calming the mind and releasing stress. Through controlled breathing a person is able to release feelings of stress and anxiety. During a yoga session a person is guided through a series of poses called asanas. These poses combined with the controlled breathing of meditation have the benefit of both a physical activity and a self-soothing technique. Many people who have used yoga and meditation have reported a decrease in their stress and anxiety, making both yoga and meditation effective anxiety treatments.

With such a wide variety of anxiety treatments available it can be difficult to decide which is the correct method to use. As with all things involving health matters, it is important to speak with a medical professional to help evaluate personal levels of anxiety and depression. Once a medical professional is consulted, the correct anxiety treatments can be put into effect and the road to a happier, healthier self can begin.