Holistic Approaches to Depression

Treatment in New York

1. Nutritional Psychiatry and Supplementation

Nutritional psychiatry highlights the importance of diet with respect to mental health, and the gut-brain connection. 

• In New York City, there is an emerging presence of integrative psychiatrists and nutritionists that assess dietary restrictions as well as recommend some promising nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins (B6, B9, B12), magnesium, vitamin D, and probiotics which are known to promote cognitive function and mood. 
• Food sensitivities, fluctuating blood sugar, and gut dysbiosis can contribute to depressive moods. 

2. Mindfulness-Based Interventions

According to the evidence base, mindfulness-based interventions are a viable selection for mental health and depression management therapies. 

• In New York City, many therapists and wellness centers offer structured practices, like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) – which are umbrella categories that include some of many mindfulness-based approaches. 
• Many clinicians offer loving-kindness meditation, breathwork, and pranayama as integrated practices as well. 
• These mindful-based approaches allow individuals to observe their thoughts without judgment and reduce rumination while building emotional regulation. 

Mindfulness training assists patients in staying embedded in the present experience, relaxes their nervous system, and promotes self-awareness and self-compassion for their mental health journey.

3. Yoga and Movement Therapy

Yoga and movement therapy are useful in promoting an emotional release and regulating activity in the nervous system, so can be helpful for depression. 

• Yoga is easily accessible across NYC to support clients from all backgrounds, and can help lower cortisol levels, support GABA activity-a neurotransmitter that is responsible for slowing brain activity, which can lessen feelings of social isolation. 
• Nationally, trauma-informed yoga and yoga for mental health are growing common, especially in mental health clinics and wellness studios. 
• Ultimately, these modalities can provide a safe and supportive space for healing from trauma and emotional distress, allowing clients to see the change in their body and to use movement therapy in empowering ways to support their emotional regulation and wellbeing.

4. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In New York City, acupuncture is one of the most popular and recognized natural methods of managing a person’s mental and emotional health. 

• Acupuncture stems from TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and is classified as a complementary and alternative medicine. 
• Licensed acupuncturists seek to restore the balance of one’s qi, or life force energy, by stimulating key points located on specific meridian lines in the body, which are thought through TCM to influence one’s emotional health and well-being. 
• Acupuncture is sometimes referred to for helping to stabilize a person’s mood, improve sleep, decrease anxiety, decrease physical pain or tension, and/or impact overall well-being. 
• Other forms of TCM (in particular herbal medicine, moxibustion, and cupping), acupuncture is one of the most accessible treatments for mental and emotional health.

5. Massage Therapy and Somatic Experiencing

Massage therapy is not just about relaxation but also helps restore a healthy nervous system, release chronic tension in muscles from stress, and lead to the release of endorphins and elevate your mood. 

Somatic experiencing as a body-based therapeutic practice helps you connect again with physical sensations, while releasing trauma from the body. 

• In New York City, massage therapists and somatic practitioners who team up with mental health professionals to collaboratively and interprofessionally coordinate integrative treatment options that are tailored to the person served. 
• These types of holistic approaches foster emotional healing and physical well-being, which is especially useful for people coping with depression and trauma.

6. Spiritual Counseling and Energy Healing

Spiritual counseling and energy healing can be a profound support system for individuals that feel disconnected or somewhat lost. 

• In New York City, you can find a myriad of practitioners that offer services such as Reiki energy healing, spiritual life coaching, shamanic healing, chakra balancing, and much more. 
• All these practices will help an individual re-align with their inner self and return to a state of well-being and purpose. 
• These modalities often address the spiritual aspect of depression, and through emotional release, self-awareness or connection to a force greater than oneself, all important aspects of healing when traditional practices feel ‘not enough’.