Three Supportive Therapies For Depression

Antidepressants can do a great job of elevating your mood and helping you escape the pits of depression. But they're not a miracle cure. A lot of patients still experience lingering depression symptoms even when taking antidepressant medications. Using supportive therapies, which are treatments used in conjunction with conventional pharmaceutical treatment measures, can help fight off those lingering depression symptoms. Here's a look at three supportive depression therapies you may want to add to your routine.

Chiropractic Care

At first, having your back adjusted to improve your mood may sound a bit strange. But consider that the nerves running through your spinal canal control every aspect of your body's function – including your moods. If your vertebrae are out of alignment and are pressing on nerves that regulate the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin, this could be contributing to your depression. A chiropractic adjustment can alleviate this nerve pressure, leaving you feeling brighter and more cheerful. The association between chiropractic care and relief from depression-related symptoms has been documented in numerous scientific studies.

For a chiropractor, contact an office such as North Star Chiropractic Center.

Aromatherapy

Have you ever smelled a familiar scent from your childhood and instantly felt safer and more comfortable? Maybe you've noticed how you feel more energized after smelling the scent of an orange or a lemon. Smells can have profound effects on emotions and moods, and using this relationship to your advantage is known as aromatherapy.

To harness the benefits of aromatherapy for managing your depression, begin by investing in a few essential oils that are known to elevate the mood. Bergamot, lavender, clary sage, rose geranium, and sandalwood are all good choices. Smell as many as you can – and purchase the ones you find most enjoyable. When you find yourself feeling a bit depressed or down in the dumps, wet a wash cloth, apply a drop of the essential oil to it, and then hold the cloth near your face as you inhale the scent. Your depressed feelings should wane.

Exercise

Maybe all you need to do to fight those lingering depression symptoms is step out the door for a jog once in a while.  The relationship between exercise and improved mood has been well verified by scientific research. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural, mood-elevating hormones. So, when you start feeling a bit under the weather in terms of mood, pop in a workout video, head to the gym, or go for a brisk walk.  Make exercise a part of your daily routine, and you'll probably notice those bouts of depression pop up less often.

Keep in mind that these therapies are not meant to be used in lieu of proper medical treatment for depression. Adding them to your current treatment, however, is very safe and will go a long way to correcting any depression symptoms that remain in spite of taking your medication properly.