Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders in the United States, affecting more than 16 million American adults at any given time. Traditional treatment options typically involve SSRIs, talk therapy, or a combination of the two. Although some people will find relief with the above-mentioned treatments, many people still struggle to manage their depression on a daily basis. If medication and talk therapy aren’t providing you the relief you need, it may be time to try alternative treatments for depression in Denver.
Alternative Treatments for Depression
There are many alternative treatment options that may help you better manage your depression. As you try these various treatments, be sure to continue taking all prescribed medications and meeting with your therapists regularly.
That said, here are a few research-backed and highly effective alternative treatments to try.
- Neurofeedback - An all-natural, non-invasive brain training technique that helps regulate brainwave irregularities that could be contributing to your symptoms
- Mindfulness - The practice of being present and acutely aware of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, without judgment to improve the connections between certain areas of your brain. Many people find that using a mindfulness app helps them better track their progress and practice mindfulness more consistently
- Yoga - A mind/body exercise and spiritual practice that can create new neural pathways
At McWhorter CNR, we are a top chiropractic and neurological rehabilitation center in the Denver metro area. And we are proud to offer neurofeedback to those struggling to manage their depression.
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is perhaps one of the most powerful, yet simple ways to manage your mental health. Neurofeedback measures the electrical activity that’s occurring in your brain in real-time and uses a positive reward system to help you learn how to better self-regulate your brainwave frequencies.
Depression and Irregular Brainwaves
People with depression tend to have different brainwave patterns than those who do not share their struggles. The symptoms of depression have also been correlated to brainwave irregularities.
More specifically, studies have found that in people with major depressive disorder, alpha oscillations, which are brain waves with a frequency of 8 - 12 Hertz, are more asymmetrical—that means the left frontal cortex is overactive.
To really treat the problem at the source, alpha oscillation patterns need to be rebalanced. And that’s exactly what neurofeedback does.
Why is Neurofeedback so Effective in Helping Treat Depression?
Neurofeedback, at its very core, is about rebalancing the brain and helping you learn to produce “regular” or optimal brainwave frequencies. Rather than treating symptoms, you’re addressing the problem at the source: your brain.
Not only that, but neurofeedback can also inform your clinicians about which medications will work best for you based on the findings of your qEEG brain mapping procedure.
And best of all, there are no serious side effects associated with neurofeedback.
Learn More About Alternative Treatments for Depression
If you’re struggling to manage your mental health and interested in seeking alternative treatments for depression in Denver, reach out to us today at McWhorter CNR.
We are proud to offer neurofeedback so you can live your happiest, healthiest life. Contact us today to learn more.