subject: Combatting Anxiety and Depression Without Medication [print this page] Combatting Anxiety and Depression Without Medication
Many who suffer from an anxiety disorder and depression take medication to relieve their pain. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants, tranquillizers and sleeping tablets for your condition. But, there are healthier alternatives that can be used in attacking anxiety and depression.
Exercise is very important for many reasons, but even more so if you suffer from anxiety or depression. Many of you use the excuse that you just don't have the time to exercise. But, exercising doesn't have to be done in a gym or health club. It can be a 20 minute walk around your neighborhood or running up and down your stairs. Also, regular exercise boosts your endorphins; those happy hormones that get the good feelings going in your body. Endorphins boost self-esteem, and reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. The key is that you need to exercise regularly to benefit from it. Make a schedule and stick to it. If you can't do 20 minutes every day, try it three or four times per week. And make sure you do cardio to get your heart rate up a little bit. Once you get the hang of it, you'll start to feel better and will look forward to your little exercise break.
Social support is also extremely important during tough times, and especially if you're dealing with anxiety and depression. It's likely that you just want to be left alone when you feel anxious or depressed. Though, try to remember that loneliness is actually one of the causes of depression, and if you already have it, sitting alone could worsen the situation. So think about getting involved in some groups, even if you don't quite feel up to it. You can start by volunteering. Service to others is a great way to feel better about yourself and humanity, it also} takes your mind off of how bad you may believe things are.
Also, talking to a friend about how you feel is a great way to alleviate some of your anxiety. You don't need to go out, a friend or even a professional who will lend an objective ear.
Meditation and relaxation can be very effective when it comes to treating anxiety or depression. Relaxation techniques can include breathing exercises, stretching, aroma therapy and other activities that help you relax. Meditation is an important part of relaxation. Meditation may help you get your anxiety disorder or feelings of depression under control. A daily practice of meditation or relaxation techniques is a healthy way to quickly recover from anxiety or depression
The above information about attacking anxiety and depression without medication does not substitute medical advice given by a mental health or medical professional. For more information on anxiety or depression, please visit http://www.anxietyhealthandresources.com
