Treating Depression With Alternative Therapies
26th June 2009 by Depressed No CommentsDevelopment in research with new ways of alternative treatments are being used for the different types of depression. It is said that over the last few years, there has been a great number of diagnosed and treated cases of depression and SAD, seasonal affective disorder with alternative medicines and therapies . While looking into cures, a new alternative treatment or therapy has been found for this type of disorder. If you are suffering from depression, and would prefer to use alternative methods, then this form of treatment may be beneficial to you.
Light therapy is the latest among the alternative therapies for depression. Light box therapy for depression has become one of the favorite light therapy treatments used for this disorder. ‘Light boxes’ are used in light therapy treatments. These light boxes provide 10,000 lux of artificial light. Light therapy, often known as or referred to as phototherapy, consists of exposure to particular wavelengths of light, for a specified amount of time.
Light therapy is known to be effective on persons who are experiencing seasonal affective disorder. Winter depression or winter blues, is what this form of mood disorder is usually known as. During the winter season this type of depression can be experienced by the patient repeatedly. The feeling of depression can be experienced year after year. Also, light boxes were proven to help other types of depression as well, apart from seasonal affective disorder.
The good thing about light boxes is that they do not cause skin damage compared to a variety of light therapies, such as those that make use of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is known to damage the skin with prolonged exposure to it. Blue Light Treatment is somehow associated with light box treatment, although compared to blue light, the light box gives a quicker therapeutic response to the individual who uses it. On the other hand, using blue light therapy to treat depression could be as responsive as using light boxes on younger patients, but is not an adequate depression treatment for mature patients.
The response to any form of light therapy usually will show results in about two to four days, but extensive disorders such as depression may take up to three weeks.
There are of course other forms of natural treatment for depression. A natural cure for depression is one that doesn’t rely on prescription medications as a solution. Relaxation techniques, dietary changes, vitamins and supplements are a few other methods. As you can see there are different forms of alternative treatments available, so the choice is yours if you prefer a more natural method.
