As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, some Baton Rouge residents may be realizing that their depressed moods were the effect of the wintry days, torrential rains, and overcast skies that have been plaguing Louisiana over the past few months.
But for the many Louisianans who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, you know that a change in season isn’t enough to banish the ills. You’ve discussed chemical anti-depressants with your doctor. You’ve tried one. Or two. Or ten. But none of the medications are working. At least, not for very long.
Every brain responds to chemical anti-depressants in its own way and, unfortunately, the medication’s effectiveness decreases considerably with each trial. So you get stuck in a cycle of filling a costly prescription, taking it routinely, and—after a few weeks or months of coping with its nasty side effects—realizing this medicine isn’t working the way it used to. Now you’ve got to consult your physician and start the whole process over again. A vicious cycle indeed.
So let’s break it.
Here are a few non-chemical treatment methods for depression you can start using today:
B-Vitamins: Found primarily in lean poultry, egg yolks, liver, and fish, B-vitamins have been shown to play an essential part in the production of mood-regulating brain chemicals. According to a recent study, higher levels of B-vitamins have been linked to more effective responses to major depressive disorder treatment. In addition to eating a diet rich in B-vitamins, taking an oral vitamin supplement or B-12 shot may help boost your B-vitamin levels. However, vitamin supplements can interact with some medications, so please consult your physician before changing your routine.
Is It Your Thyroid? The tiny organ at the base of your neck regulates your metabolism, as well as other bodily processes. When the thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones (hypothyroidism), many functions in your body can slow down. Hypothyroidism can manifest itself as weight gain, fatigue, insomnia and depression. Hypothyroidism can develop over the course of time and can interfere with treatment of existing depression. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of hypothyroidism and have your thyroid tested today.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Don’t be afraid to vocalize your struggle with depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used alone or in conjunction with chemical anti-depressants and other depression treatments. CBT is a collaborative effort between you and your therapist to change thinking patterns and behaviors associated with depression. CBT focuses on attainable structured goals over the course of 14-16 weeks. With the trained therapists and psychiatrists available in Baton Rouge, there’s no need to tackle it alone. Find someone you trust and start the conversation.
But maybe you’re looking for something more?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is an FDA-approved non-invasive approach to depression treatment. TMS utilizes magnetic pulses to stimulate the structures in the brain responsible for depression. No anesthesia or hospitalization is required. With Brainsway™ Deep TMS, now available through the trusted physicians at the Psychiatry Associates of Baton Rouge, there are none of the nasty systemic side effects you’ve muddled through with chemical anti-depressants, because TMS doesn’t enter your bloodstream. And you don’t have to worry about the effects of missing a dose or forgetting to refill a prescription.
You’ve struggled for years with the roadblocks of chemical treatment. When anti-depressants and counseling aren’t enough, let Brainsway™ get your life back on track.
