When it comes to depression, many people immediately think of taking antidepressant medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While antidepressants can be effective for some, they’re not your only option. In fact, there are a number of different ways to treat depressive symptoms that don’t involve medication.
Whether you’ve tried medication and experienced lingering symptoms or the side effects of antidepressants were intolerable, there are other options for treating depression may be right for you. Here’s a look at some of the pill-free alternative depression treatments that can help alleviate even the most severe symptoms of depression.
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1. TMS Therapy
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to target specific brain regions that are responsible for depression. TMS is FDA-approved for depression, plus it’s covered by most insurance.
During TMS treatment, patients relax in a private treatment room and remain awake and alert. A TMS magnet is positioned over the head of a patient, and they often report that the pulses feel like taps on the head. Each treatment session lasts about 20 minutes, after which patients can immediately return back to their daily routines.
TMS is usually given 5 days per week for 4 to 6 weeks, and is both non-invasive and non-systemic. It has fewer side effects than other treatments, and in some cases, there are no side effects at all. Patients choose TMS because unlike medications, which affect the entire body, TMS therapy treats mental health at the source. TMS is especially appealing to those who want to fight depression without taking medication, who have treatment-resistant depression, or who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressants.
However, despite the benefits of TMS therapy, it is not for everyone, including:
- Those with a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device that cannot be turned off.
- Individuals with an untreated seizure disorder.
- Those with an active metal implant in their head.
Related: Does TMS Work Long-Term for Depression Treatment?
2. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a form of treatment that involves talking with a therapist to identify and change negative thought patterns. Seeing a therapist for depression is usually offered as a first line of treatment and can be effective on its own, or it can be used in combination with other treatments.
There are many different types of psychotherapy, each with their own benefits, but some of the most common modalities include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for depression is a type of therapy that helps you to identify and change negative thinking patterns. It also teaches individuals healthier and more adaptive coping skills.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of therapy that combines cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help you manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and develop distress tolerance skills.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT is a type of therapy that focuses on your relationships with others and how they may be affecting your depression.
- Psychodynamic therapy: This form of therapy focuses on your early childhood experiences and how they may be affecting your current mental health.
Related: TMS and CBT for Anxiety and Depression
3. Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine is a medication that is most commonly used as an anesthetic in surgical settings. Since the early 2000s, however, ketamine has been designated as a “breakthrough therapy” by the FDA, and can be prescribed by a psychiatrist for mental health treatment. Ketamine can rapidly — often within an hour or two — lift the symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other conditions. After a short series of repeated doses, this effect typically extends out for weeks to months.
There are two main types of ketamine therapy for mood, anxiety and chronic pain: IV ketamine infusions and Spravato — also known as the nasal spray, esketamine.
IV ketamine therapy
In IV ketamine therapy, ketamine is delivered at a slow and controlled dose under the close supervision of a nurse practitioner who will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. Typically, patients receive a course of 6 to 12 ketamine infusions over 2 to 4 weeks. The frequency and number of sessions are individualized, but most patients experience positive results from ketamine after their first infusion. Subsequent infusions help prolong the positive effects.
Spravato
Each Spravato treatment session lasts about 2 hours, after which patients should have someone available to accompany them home safely. During the treatment, patients administer the Spravato nasal spray themselves under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Each ketamine infusion lasts about 40 minutes, after which patients should have someone available to accompany them home safely. During the infusion, patients experience deep relaxation and typically wear an eye mask in a dimly lit room with aromatherapy.
After patients administer Spravato, there is an observation period of at least two hours where blood pressure is monitored, during which patients can rest comfortably. The frequency and number of sessions are individualized, but patients typically receive Spravato twice weekly for weeks 1 to 4 followed by once weekly for weeks 5 to 8. Week 9 and thereafter, Spravato may be administered once every other week for maintenance.
Ketamine’s response rate is more than double that of traditional antidepressants and it can show improvements rapidly — sometimes in hours to days — compared to antidepressants, which take weeks to exert their full effects. Additionally, ketamine can have transformative effects on an individual’s perception of the world by having a dissociative effect on one’s ordinary reality. Through this mechanism, it can induce or enhance feelings of creativity, sense of purpose, insight, inspiration, gratitude, empathy, connection with others and the world, and openness to new ideas.
Ketamine is well tolerated, and comes with minimal side effects, which include:
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Dissociation — feeling disconnected from reality.
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within minutes to hours, but its important to consult a professional to determine which type of ketamine therapy is right for you.
4. ECT
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an FDA-indicated treatment for depression that has been used for decades and involves passing electrical currents through the brain to trigger a seizure. ECT is usually given 3 times per week for 2 to 4 weeks, and is generally indicated for severe depressive symptoms. Despite its benefits, it does come with some side effects, including:
- Confusion.
- Dizziness.
- Headaches.
- Jaw pain.
- Muscle aches.
These side effects are usually temporary and go away within a few hours. ECT can also cause memory problems, but these typically resolve within a few months. ECT is considered a safe and effective treatment for depression, but it is not right for everyone, and TMS therapy may be a more effective and safer alternative for you. Consult a mental health professional to determine which treatment modality is right for you.
5. Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a depression treatment that involves sending electrical impulses to the vagus nerve — located in the neck and connected to the brain — to improve brain function. VNS is usually given as a series of treatments — typically 5 times per week for 6 weeks — and it is generally well tolerated but can cause some side effects, including:
- Dizziness.
- Hoarseness of your voice.
- Pain or tingling in the neck.
- Swallowing problems.
These side effects are normally temporary and will dissipate on their own. When considering if VNS treatment is right for your depression diagnosis, your doctor will take into account your medical history and any other medications you are taking. VNS is not appropriate for everyone, so make sure to speak with your doctor to see if it is an option for you.
6. Light Therapy
Light therapy, or phototherapy, involves exposure to bright light. This form of treatment can be effective for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or even for women struggling with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It’s typically given for 30 minutes per day, either in the morning or evening.
Some of the most common forms of light therapy include:
- Bright light therapy: A special type of lamp is used to emit bright light.
- Dawn simulation: A device is used to gradually increase the amount of light in the room over the course of 30 minutes.
The most common side effect of VGS is eye strain. Additionally, you can buy lamps for your home that are specifically designed for light therapy.
Related: Understanding and Supporting Depression in Women
7. Exercise
Exercise is not typically thought of as a treatment for depression, but it can be an effective way to improve your mood. While not officially indicated by the FDA, numerous studies underscore the profound benefits of physical activity for mental health, including the release of endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It is important to find a work out routine that you enjoy and that you can stick with, and many people find that group exercise classes are a good way to stay motivated and held accountable.
Related: Understanding the Impact of Untreated Depression
How To Choose the Right Depression Treatment for You
Antidepressants can be life-changing, but they don’t work for everyone. The best way to treat symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions is to work with a mental health professional to come up with a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and health goals.
Remember, there’s more to overcoming depression than medication. In fact, there are many benefits to getting off of antidepressant medications as well as holistic approaches, so it’s important to find one that is right for you. If one treatment doesn’t work, don’t give up, as there are many other options available. It is important to be patient and work with your mental health professional to find the best course of treatment for you.
Related: Best Antidepressant for Teens
When To Seek Professional Help for Depression
When it comes to physical health and mental health, it’s important to be proactive. If you think you might need help and depression is persisting, don’t wait to find treatment. If you’re not feeling like yourself or if your symptoms are interfering with your day-to-day life, it’s time to seek help.
Of course, it’s normal to feel sad, lonely, anxious, or stressed from time to time — it’s part of the human experience. But if you’re not sure why you’re feeling this way or if these feelings are simply not going away, it’s worth communicating your struggles to a professional. This is particularly true if your symptoms become debilitating and cause you psychological stress, and by reaching out to a mental health professional, they will be able to inform you of the best treatment options available so you can benefit from improved mental well-being.
Related: 6 Lesser-Known Signs of Depression Relapse
How Neuro Wellness Spa Can Provide Depression Treatment Without Medication in California
Neuro Wellness Spa offers a range of depression treatment options, such as TMS therapy and talk therapy, which are effective at relieving symptoms of depression. Our mental health providers will do a thorough assessment of your symptoms, mental health goals, and any other co-occuring mental health conditions and determine which of our treatments are right for you. Contact us today to get started!