Flor Serquina questioned: Depression anxiety sleep disorder treatment usually involves a trip to a psychiatrist and a daily dose of sleeping pills and/or anti-anxiety medications. But, there are alternative means available to you to face this disorder without resorting much to medications. If you have the will power, patience and courage to fight depression, you can succeed using these alternative means.
Sleep disorder goes hand in hand with depression and anxiety.
It has been documented by psychiatrists that nearly all of those who are suffering from depression and anxiety have sleep disorder. The reason for this is said to be physiological in nature.
Whenever a person is depressed and nervous, his body is in what doctors call a “fight or flight” mode. This means that the body is full of epinephrine. Fight or flight response occurs naturally in a person whenever he faces a hard situation that threatens his being. It is a natural or instinctive survival response of humans to adversities.
For instance, when there’s a fire, the body will produce epinephrine to be able to go quickly, be more alert, have heightened senses and save strength. So, if an nervous person is in a fight or flight mode, he would have difficulty sleeping. With less sleep, this also means that the hormonal imbalance will continue to disrupt the normal processes of the body.
With these, it means the best depression anxiety sleep disorder treatment is something that confronts anxiety. And thus, the alternative mode of treatment for this disorder shall focus on attacking anxiety.
1. Get vitamin E and B complex supplements.
Vitamin B complex is known to cool the nerves. This is best taken at night. But do you know that Vitamin E can also help you sleep at night? These two wonder vitamins are the best alternative to depression anxiety sleep disorder treatments and medications. They naturally help the body to relax and be ready to sleep.
2. Avoid sugar and caffeine.
Sugar and caffeine perk a person up, which is why pancakes and coffees are best taken during early mornings. But, since your anxiety has increased your levels of epinephrine, you don’t need anymore of those things that will perk you up. Avoid sugar and caffeine at all cost. As an alternative to coffee, try chamomile tea. This is caffeine free and soothes the nerves, too.
3. Learn how to meditate.
You don’t need to be a guru to learn how to meditate. Just attend a couple of yoga sessions that will teach you the basics on right breathing and meditation techniques. Meditation will slow down your heart rate and will cool your mind. If you can, continue what you have started with yoga. It will do you excellent.
4. Get counseling.
Counseling is vital for your speedy recovery. Even without medications you can hire the services of a therapist to help you manage your illness and give you a chance to voice out your feelings and emotions to help you deal with your anxiety and depression without dread.
A therapist can give you more recommendations as to what other alternative means of depression anxiety sleep disorder treatment is available to you. And if you are already into alternative treatment, you can question your therapist if you are on the right track and share with him your progress.
5. Tire yourself with exercise.
Instead of spending your time thinking, tire yourself with exercise. Release that excess epinephrine through working out. Walk, run the treadmill, swim, jog — these are some of the many cardiovascular exercises that can help you release that excess energy. Do this at night, three hours before your scheduled sleeping time. This way, after a tiring exercise session, your body is ready to relax and sleep to recharge for the next day.
These are just a few of the many alternative depression anxiety sleep disorder treatments that you can choose from. If you find any of these alternative treatments to be sound and helpful for your condition, discuss with your therapist how you can incorporate them in your program towards being well.
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