Dealing with depression is difficult. It can drain your energy and make simple things such as getting out of bed or going to work a daily challenge. Although SSRIs can be extremely beneficial in managing your symptoms, sometimes they don’t provide you with the relief you really need. Thankfully, there are other treatment options to consider. If you’re on the search for alternatives to SSRIs for depression, you’ve come to the right place.
But before we dive in, let’s ensure you have a strong understanding of SSRIs and how they actually work.
What are SSRIs?
SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are antidepressant medications. SSRIs are used to help treat depression by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being.
While the exact cause of depression is unknown, scientists believe it stems from an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the body. Often, people with depression don’t have enough serotonin neurotransmitters for proper mood management.
SSRIs work to block the reuptake of serotonin into your brain’s neurons. In doing so, more serotonin becomes available, which improves messages between neurons.
SSRIs are often the first-line treatment for people with depression. Not only are they effective, but SSRIs have mild side effects compared to other types of antidepressants.
Alternatives to SSRIs
If you’re interested in taking a more natural approach to managing your depression, you may be interested in alternatives to SSRIs. Keep in mind that while trying alternatives, it’s important to continue taking your medication until your doctor feels comfortable reducing or eliminating medication. You may find the most relief when you use alternative treatment options in conjunction with your currently prescribed SSRIs.
That said, there is one alternative treatment option that is growing in popularity. It’s called neurofeedback. It’s an innovative form of brain-based training that helps re-balance your brain.
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback, or EEG biofeedback, is a type of non-invasive, all-natural brain training. In the simplest terms, it’s biofeedback for your brain. During a treatment session, you will receive real-time feedback about your brainwaves and the current state of your brain.
When it’s functioning optimally, a reward is given. When it isn’t functioning optimally, that reward is taken away. Through operant conditioning, your brain learns how to better self-regulate.
How neurofeedback treats depression
People with depression often produce irregular brainwave patterns, which makes it difficult to manage mood. Neurofeedback helps your brain learn how to produce the right brainwave frequencies, at the right time, in the right amount.
Learn more about alternatives to SSRIs for depression
If you’re interested in learning more about alternatives to SSRIs for depression, such as neurofeedback, reach out to us today at Braincode Centers.
We use qEEG brain mapping technology to identify areas of your brain that are underperforming and create a customized treatment plan to help treat your depression at its source: your brain.
With options for in-person and remote neurofeedback training, we can help you live a happier, healthier life, no matter where you’re located.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
