Talk Therapy a Preferred Alternative to Citalopram
According to research such as that of Gautam et al, published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, talk therapy is a preferred option for the treatment of depression, especially indicated where there is a low tolerance for medication. Especially notable, the relapse rate for patients treated with CBT is lower compared to patients treated with medications alone.17
Physical Exercise Reduces Depressive Symptoms Naturally
Physical exercise can be a powerhouse of a healing agent for mental health, yet its therapeutic value may be grossly underappreciated in mental health treatment settings. Individuals in a depressed state tend to be more sedentary which can have a life-shortening effect all by itself. Even if a very mild exercise regimen is implemented, it can have major positive impacts on better mood and overall health and well-being, a valuable goal for anyone struggling with the burden of depressive symptoms. In their comprehensive review of numerous studies on the subject of exercise as a treatment modality for depression, Murn et al point out that many studies have shown that 3 weekly moderate exercise sessions for several months produce medium to large reductions in depression, with a 22% greater remission rate compared to medication-based interventions.18
That is exciting news that can be applied right now, today in your healing journey. If you find the task daunting, do not let your despair dampen your dreams for a better life. There may be groups of like-minded individuals in your area that you can reach out to through a local community center or other neighborhood support groups, and you may find strength in numbers that helps you to move forward. You can help them and they can help you with group walks, forest bathing walks, light jogging, or cycling right in your own neighborhood.19
Physical Relaxation Therapies: Effective Alternatives to Citalopram
Therapeutic massage, acupuncture, Reiki, Qigong, and yoga have all been demonstrated in controlled studies to have significant positive results in depressed patients of all ages. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry concluded that massage was significantly effective in alleviating depressive symptoms.13 Qigong demonstrated improvements in depression in 7 out of 10 published studies, with 2 studies reporting results as effective as exercise and one with results comparable to a full rehabilitation program.14 Acupuncture has also been shown to be an effective non-pharmacological treatment based on a review of 29 different studies published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, reporting clinically-relevant improvements in depressive symptoms.15 Authors Richeson et al found Reiki significantly effective for reducing symptoms such as pain, depression, and anxiety.12
In the British Journal of Sports Medicine, Brinsley et al reported in their review of 19 studies and over 1000 patients that yoga produced a significant reduction of depressive symptoms, better than treatment as usual (medication) and that the level of relief further increased commensurate with the frequency of treatments given over a period of time.11
Sunlight’s Effects on Depression and Cognitive Function
A daily walk in the sunshine might be more powerful than anyone expected! In 2009, the Journal of Environmental Medicine published a study of sunlight exposure in over 16,000 participants using data collected and prepared at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, to compare outcomes in the depressed vs non-depressed individuals in the cohort. The participants’ locations were placed on a geo-grid that coordinated NASA’s calculations of solar radiation in their area for a 2-week period. Authors Kent et al found a significant increase in cognitive scores in the depressed after this 2-week exposure to natural sunlight. In the non-depressed, cognitive scores remained the same after 2 weeks of exposure to sunlight.9
Bright artificial light has also been shown to enhance subjective awareness, according to the research of Vandewalle et al, published in the Journal of Current Biology.10
Increased exposure to sunlight was associated with improved mental health in a Japanese workplace risk-management study that focused on operating room nurses whose work schedule allowed for very limited exposure to sunlight.27
Lifestyle Changes — Improving Mental Health Naturally
Better lifestyle choices can help turn around the dwindling spiral that a person may find themself in, whether that is a job they dislike, bad food choices, lack of physical activity, drug or alcohol use, or similar factors that may be contributing to the symptoms that they are suffering from. Sometimes a person can want to revamp and restructure their life, but an overwhelm of symptoms makes such an undertaking seem impossible.20
Correcting nutritional deficits and better diet choices can be powerful tools for mental health. Supplementation can play a vital role in reducing or eliminating unwanted symptoms that may be ruining one’s quality of life. You can research safe non-pharmaceuticals such as Omega-3 fatty acids, passionflower, magnesium, amino acids, and many others that may alleviate energy deficits, insomnia, or other symptoms linked to depression without introducing drug dependence or side effects.21
Sometimes we need help to get our plans to materialize. Many of our clients have had success working with a Life Coach, CBT counselor, nutritionist, exercise coach, and other practitioners who are trained to help you plan and realistically implement such sweeping changes. Please review the Alternative to Meds services overview page for more information on options for lifestyle interventions.
Toxin Removal — Natural Alternative to Citalopram
At Alternative to Meds, we have found that removing toxins from the body is a vital necessity in supporting natural mental health. Sauna, colon hydrotherapy, mineral and ionic footbaths, and other methods provide comprehensive deep cleansing of heavy metals, past drug residues, chemical exposures, food additives, and other neurotoxic elements.
Detoxing the home and workplace is strongly recommended for anyone in this age of chemical overuse, to avoid bombardment with neurotoxins, mycotoxins, endocrine disruptors, and allergens that can have disastrous effects on both mental and physical health.22-24
Nutrition for Natural Mental Health
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be corrected with supplementation and diet. Decades of medical research have clearly shown that many “mental disorders” are actually synonymous with specific nutritional deficiencies.
Three common deficiencies seen in mental health patients are Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and minerals.25 Lab testing is done at Alternative to Meds Center to pinpoint these and other deficiencies so an individual’s nutritional profile can be exactly corrected and brought into balance for relief of symptoms.
Diet provides another strategic tool for attaining and sustaining natural mental health, for the reduction and elimination of symptoms. Alternative to Meds Center provides a delicious menu of meals, snacks, and smoothies based on orthomolecular principles, prepared gourmet-style using clean, mostly organic locally produced ingredients, avoiding sugars, processed foods, additives, caffeine, and other mood-disrupting elements.
Alternatives to Citalopram Inpatient-Style
What could be more valuable than resolving mental anguish or fear, and re-gaining clarity and joyful interest in one’s own life?
Our Equine-assisted therapy is one of the more popular options for our clients, and we teach our clients pain and stress management techniques. Over 40 therapists and medical doctors are ready to deliver personalized, compassionate, and competent care for maximum client comfort. Many genres of treatments can blend together in tailoring an individual’s program.
Alternative to Meds Center is a world-class inpatient center that offers the most comprehensive, evidence-based options for treatment available anywhere.
Alternative to Meds Center has been helping people with alternatives to citalopram and other drugs as well as medication tapering help for more than 15 years. Please call us to find out more about inpatient treatment in our pristine, retreat-like facility. We can answer your questions about insurance coverage, things to do and see in the area, length of treatment, and provide any other information you are interested in. Our safe and effectively designed citalopram alternatives treatment offers our clients the opportunity to regain natural and sustainable mental health.
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