Winter is the perfect time to pay attention to your mental well-being! Depression is brewing a storm!
About 17.3 million Americans, or 7.1% of adults in the United States, suffer from major depressive disorder.
According to a JAMA study, COVID-19 tripled depression rates among U.S. adults across all demographic groups. Add to that the fact that people are unable to spend time with their families during the holidays, plus the SAD (Seasonal Depressive Disorder), which is a form of depression that increases in winter when the daylight hours are reduced and you have a perfect storm.
There are many ways to deal with depression.
- How to increase social interaction in a safe way: Humans need social interactions, which can be achieved safely. Call and text your family and friends often. Facetime your closest friends and family. Wear your masks and sit on opposite sides of driveway. Talk to your coworker on the phone as if you were walking into her office.
- Increase the light:The shorter winter days and lack of sunlight can cause depression in some people. Spend some time outdoors when the weather allows. Open your window coverings to let in natural light. If your depression is severe, you may want to discuss light box therapy with your doctor. This small box emits a light similar to sunlight outside that can increase chemicals in your brain that relieve depression.
- Spend at least 30 minutes a day on yourself. You can do anything you like and feel good. You can run, meditate, bathe, listen to your favorite music, or sit on a bench in a park and watch people.
- Exercise Exercise can be important for many reasons. But it is especially so if you suffer from depression. Exercise is the most natural way to improve your mood. Even 20 minutes of physical activity per day can have a big impact on how you feel. You should at least take a quick walk.
- Sleep and a proper diet: It is important to take care of your immunity system by eating a diet rich in nutrients during cold season. Prioritize foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as vitamin D and omega-3 acids. Salmon and chicken contain lean protein that can provide energy and boost mood. Oatmeal, certain fortified breakfast cereals, walnuts, sunflower seeds and oatmeal are all good sources of folic acids, which can increase serotonin levels in the brain. Be sure to get enough sleep every night. All of this is very important for boosting your mood.
- Speak to your doctor. If you feel that your depression is getting out of hand, it’s important to speak to your physician. You can feel better with a variety of therapies, medications and alternative natural remedies. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Your mental health is as important as your physical health and should be treated as such.
Many people find that the holiday spirit helps them deal with depression during the holidays. It can be helpful to take a few moments for yourself during the day. Take a walk, or read a book.
The article 6 Tips for Coping with Depression first appeared on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you find more information on holistic medicine and other holistic therapies?
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person instead of just one aspect of health care. Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient’s health, including spiritual, mental, physical and emotional well-being.
The goal of holistic medicine is to treat the whole person instead of treating individual symptoms. Holistic medicine does not focus on treating the disease, but rather on healing.
Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
There are many options for holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
Why do people with cancer use alternative methods?
Cancer patients often face many challenges as they attempt to overcome their illness. Patients may feel hopeless or helpless, and might lose all hope of recovery. Some symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, weight loss, and fatigue.
In addition, conventional treatments are often not effective against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Nearly half of cancer patients use alternative medicines at some point during treatment, according to studies.
Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It’s easier to manage side effect. They might also prefer it for its lower cost.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:
Natural remedies may be able to prevent a recurrence, according to some patients.
Many people believe that natural remedies could improve the quality and quantity of their lives.
Some believe natural remedies can lower the chance of developing cancer again.
Concerned about side effects, people who have received chemotherapy may choose to use natural remedies as their first line therapy.
What is the distinction between holistic medicine, alternative medicine and holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine considers the whole person-mind, body spirit, soul and spirit. It looks at all aspects of an individual’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental factors often overlooked by conventional medicine. Alternative medicine can be used to treat certain conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, or other medical issues.
What is the difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicine?
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.
Naturopathy, on other hand, is used as a complement to conventional medical treatments. It addresses the whole body and mind as well as the soul. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.
It is important for you to know that some CAM modalities can overlap with conventional medicine. Doctors and naturopaths can both prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths tend to emphasize lifestyle changes over prescription medications.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths can prescribe medication when necessary.
There are differences between naturopathic medicines and other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
- Naturopaths can refer patients to specialists and work with their family physician.
- Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
- Naturopathy focuses on prevention and wellness and offers education about diet, exercise, and nutrition.
- Naturopaths place a strong emphasis on lifestyle factors. These include nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, nutrition, and mental well being.
- Naturopharmacists specialize in the use of botanicals and minerals to treat specific conditions.
- Naturopodists receive individualized care according to the unique needs of each patient.
- Regulation bodies such as the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario issue licenses to Naturopaths.
- Naturopatrists are licensed by provincial regulatory bodies.
- The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors has registered Naturopaticians.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia has licensed Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
- The term “holistic” refers to the belief that all aspects of life – physical, emotional, spiritual, and social – should be considered when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will look at all of these aspects rather than just one.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
liebertpub.com
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
webmd.com
doi.org
How To
What to look for in a qualified holistic doctor?
How can you find a qualified doctor who is skilled in holistic medicine?
The best doctors are those who specialize in the field they practice. In this case, we talk about holistic medicine. This means doctors need to be able treat patients holistically. They must also know how to treat each patient as an individual and not just their symptoms. It is important for doctors to understand holistic health. This is why holistic doctors are so valuable.
A doctor must have a solid understanding of holistic health and complementary and alternate therapies (CAM). This includes acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy and yoga.
Holistic healthcare practitioners should also have the ability to diagnose your condition, and then explain the options available so you can make an educated decision about your treatment options.
Ask if your doctor is certified by professional organizations such as the American Holistic Medical Association or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. NBOHMCA certification is available in many areas, such as naturopathic, acupuncture or homeopathy, clinical nutritional, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and clinical nutrition.
Check out our directory to find a holistic practitioner near you. If one is not listed, you can search online to find a holistic doctor close by.
Check with your local hospital to see if they offer holistic health care.
You can also visit your local library for books and resources on holistic health.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: 6 Tips to Cope with Depression
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/anxiety/6-tips-to-cope-with-depression/
Published Date: Sun, 09 Jul 2023 21:59:45 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you find more information on holistic medicine and other holistic therapies?
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person instead of just one aspect of health care. Holistic medicine addresses all aspects of the patient’s health, including spiritual, mental, physical and emotional well-being.
The goal of holistic medicine is to treat the whole person instead of treating individual symptoms. Holistic medicine does not focus on treating the disease, but rather on healing.
Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
There are many options for holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
Why do people with cancer use alternative methods?
Cancer patients often face many challenges as they attempt to overcome their illness. Patients may feel hopeless or helpless, and might lose all hope of recovery. Some symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, weight loss, and fatigue.
In addition, conventional treatments are often not effective against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Nearly half of cancer patients use alternative medicines at some point during treatment, according to studies.
Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It’s easier to manage side effect. They might also prefer it for its lower cost.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:
Natural remedies may be able to prevent a recurrence, according to some patients.
Many people believe that natural remedies could improve the quality and quantity of their lives.
Some believe natural remedies can lower the chance of developing cancer again.
Concerned about side effects, people who have received chemotherapy may choose to use natural remedies as their first line therapy.
What is the distinction between holistic medicine, alternative medicine and holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine considers the whole person-mind, body spirit, soul and spirit. It looks at all aspects of an individual’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental factors often overlooked by conventional medicine. Alternative medicine can be used to treat certain conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, or other medical issues.
What is the difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicine?
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.
Naturopathy, on other hand, is used as a complement to conventional medical treatments. It addresses the whole body and mind as well as the soul. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.
It is important for you to know that some CAM modalities can overlap with conventional medicine. Doctors and naturopaths can both prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths tend to emphasize lifestyle changes over prescription medications.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths can prescribe medication when necessary.
There are differences between naturopathic medicines and other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
- Naturopaths can refer patients to specialists and work with their family physician.
- Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
- Naturopathy focuses on prevention and wellness and offers education about diet, exercise, and nutrition.
- Naturopaths place a strong emphasis on lifestyle factors. These include nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, nutrition, and mental well being.
- Naturopharmacists specialize in the use of botanicals and minerals to treat specific conditions.
- Naturopodists receive individualized care according to the unique needs of each patient.
- Regulation bodies such as the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario issue licenses to Naturopaths.
- Naturopatrists are licensed by provincial regulatory bodies.
- The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors has registered Naturopaticians.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia has licensed Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
- The term “holistic” refers to the belief that all aspects of life – physical, emotional, spiritual, and social – should be considered when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will look at all of these aspects rather than just one.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
liebertpub.com
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
webmd.com
doi.org
How To
What to look for in a qualified holistic doctor?
How can you find a qualified doctor who is skilled in holistic medicine?
The best doctors are those who specialize in the field they practice. In this case, we talk about holistic medicine. This means doctors need to be able treat patients holistically. They must also know how to treat each patient as an individual and not just their symptoms. It is important for doctors to understand holistic health. This is why holistic doctors are so valuable.
A doctor must have a solid understanding of holistic health and complementary and alternate therapies (CAM). This includes acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy and yoga.
Holistic healthcare practitioners should also have the ability to diagnose your condition, and then explain the options available so you can make an educated decision about your treatment options.
Ask if your doctor is certified by professional organizations such as the American Holistic Medical Association or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. NBOHMCA certification is available in many areas, such as naturopathic, acupuncture or homeopathy, clinical nutritional, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and clinical nutrition.
Check out our directory to find a holistic practitioner near you. If one is not listed, you can search online to find a holistic doctor close by.
Check with your local hospital to see if they offer holistic health care.
You can also visit your local library for books and resources on holistic health.
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