Depression, Natural Remedies, and...Facebook?

I recently came across an interesting graphic that I would encourage you all to pass along, because if you don’t use Facebook (and I bet you do!) then you at least know someone who does.  The graphic explores how people use Facebook, when, and why.

There has been some recent rumor online suggesting a link between the type, quantity, and quality of social media usage and depression in young people.  An article discussing social media and mental health has been a bit controversial due to a number of comments that should have been more overt about the lack of a causal link, so please don’t take this "link" the wrong way – I’m not telling you to cancel your Facebook account! 

It is no secret that we all benefit from face-to-face communication, plenty of physical activity or musical involvement, and a general variety of activities instead of just unlimited access to peers’ opinions and updates via social media sites, but don't foreswear Facebook for you and your family just yet.  In addition to using it to spread messages that reduce the stigma of depression so that young people seek treatment, Facebook can be used to identify bullies and may even hold some promise for writing therapy for depressed individuals.

But first things first.

Making Sense of Depression

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression – no matter what the cause – it’s time to get help for your depression, but NOT from your network of 350 Facebook friends.  There are tons of depression myths (that you can “snap out of it,” that it means you are weak, etc).  If you are experiencing symptoms such as a loss of interest in activities you formerly enjoyed, a sudden loss of weight or appetite, physical pain or fatigue, new anxiety or fear, or similar symptoms lasting at least two weeks, however, it’s time to talk to a physician or mental health expert, not to update your status.

Facebook can have a place in a healthy social life as a way to stay connected, to keep in touch with people you no longer see regularly, and to reconnect with people who have moved or gone their separate ways.  It is not, however, a substitute for talk therapy and the advice or depression treatment plan developed by a seasoned mental health professional.

Natural Treatments If You are Depressed

If you have already been diagnosed with depression or if you believe you are experiencing only mild symptoms of depression, consult a professional about potential natural or alternative treatments.  In some cases, depression can be treated without medication through talk therapy and complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, water therapy, physical activity, journal therapy (once again, different from posting on Facebook), and a number of other natural or holistic treatment options.

Easing Symptoms of Depression Naturally in Cleveland Heights

Go ice skating.  The Community Center offers year-round skating, and physical activity is one of the best ways to get your brain pumping fabulous chemicals to improve mood, reduce anxiety, increase motivation, and lessen symptoms of depression.

Swim some laps.  In addition to the benefit you will get from the exercise, water may carry its own benefits for depressed individuals.  Hydrotherapy has long been used to treat a variety of disorders holistically, but more recent research indicates that soaking in water, hanging in the hot tub or a massage tub, and other forms of water therapy may provide some benefit for improving mood and treating mild depression. Cleveland Heights High School opens its pool to city residents at pretty affordable rates, so jump in!

Get a massage.  Local spas and clinics like Whole Essentials 4 U offer aromatherapy massage sessions to help you relax and work through physical concentrations of emotional troubles by working out tense muscles and helping open your mind simultaneously.  Painful therapy, I know!

Write for your health.  For as much as I seem to have dumped on Facebook, there are definite benefits to writing for people who may suffer from depression, although I must reiterate that status updates are unlikely to do the trick.  Instead of letting everyone know you are going to bed, try cracking open the journal that is collecting dust on your bookshelf and scribbling a few lines about your mood, your day, your ups and downs, or whatever is worrying you.  Alternately, pen a letter to a friend that goes into more depth than just the cute shirt you bought; talk about your life, how you are doing, what made you think to write to him or her, etc.  Getting the words flowing can help you work through some of the mental roadblocks that are causing your depression, so get creative and keep it up – the best progress in writing therapy is seen with regular sessions!

My Mandatory Warning:

Remember, I am not a physician or mental health professional, so if you are experiencing symptoms of depression, always consult a professional before beginning a treatment plan. If you are already on a treatment plan for depression, consult your provider before altering or adding to your treatment. The information above should not be treated as medical advice.

As a post-note, should you wish to embed the Facebook graphic on your own page, www.helpfordepression.com has granted permission to copy and share the image by embedding the following text: <p><a href="http://www.helpfordepression.com/facebook-depression"><img src="http://www.helpfordepression.com/sites/hfd/files/infographic/images/Face..." width="950" alt="facebook depression" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.helpfordepression.com">Help for Depression</a></p>