Episode Transcript
If you’ve ever been on antidepressants and experienced adverse effects, you may have sought more natural approaches. Meditation is one such natural approach. But can meditation replace antidepressants outright? Let’s talk about that. Welcome to Making Friends With Depression.
Hello friends, and welcome back to another edition of Making Friends with Depression. I am your host, Charles Minguez.
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Before we dive into the show, I want to share some background information, so listeners know why I’m doing this podcast and where I’m coming from.
My History With Depression and Mindfulness
My history with depression and mindfulness goes something like this. I’ve lived most of my life with major depression and schizoaffective disorder. I was first diagnosed at 13, and I’m now in my 40’s. So, mental illness and wellness have been a big part of my life.
I have spent over twenty years studying mindfulness. I started with yogic philosophy at the Yoga Life Institute. But over time, I found my way to Buddhism. I’m a practicing Buddhist and sometimes teach beginner meditation classes.
As my healing progressed, I volunteered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, also known as NAMI, and facilitated meetings for adults experiencing poor mental wellness.
My story, plus my lived experience, is something that I hope others find inspirational. My motivation, however, is to give back and help others. This podcast is one way that I can do that.
I Am Not a Therapist
But listen, I’m not a therapist or a counselor. The content on this show is not meant to be taken as medical advice. I’m only trying to inspire hope by sharing my story and the techniques that helped me during my healing process because I think you’ll find them helpful too.
Now for today’s show. Can Meditation Replace Antidepressants?
Why Would Someone Want to Stop Taking Antidepressants?
Before we talk about meditation versus medication, I think it’s important to talk about why someone would look for alternatives to antidepressants. It’s important to discuss this so those on medication who want to explore other options feel empowered to make the right decision. And it’s important for their friends, family members, and loved ones to understand why someone might want to make what seems like a bold decision.
Many antidepressants on the market today, unfortunately, have negative side effects including suicidal ideation. Which sounds counterintuitive when you might have started taking a medication due to that very symptom. Other negative side effects can include, but aren’t limited to:
- Feeling and being sick
- Feeling agitated, shaky, or anxious
- Insomnia
I know from personal experience just how bad these side effects can be. At one time, I was on a variety of medications including Lithium, Risperidone, and Wellbutrin. While on those medications, I gained a ton of weight, consistently felt like a zombie, and regularly experienced suicidal ideation. I decided that I needed to try something different. When I found mindfulness I wondered, can meditation replace antidepressants, and here’s why.
What Happens in The Brain When You Meditate?
When you meditate a few things happen in the brain, but one of the coolest things is that it begins to calm your sympathetic nervous system. This is your fight-or-flight response. Someone who experiences anxiety and depression may have their sympathetic system overloaded due to perceived threats. When this happens stress hormones flood the brain wreaking havoc on your body and emotions.
Meditation helps to kickstart the parasympathetic system and with more meditation practice and training, it can help reduce pain, depression, and anxiety.
Another incredible thing that happens in the brain when you meditate is increased levels of neurotransmitters and hormones.
A study done in 2015, showed that meditation increased GABA (a hormone that promotes feelings of calm and well-being), increased the production of serotonin (many antidepressants are designed to uptake serotonin to the brain), and increase melatonin production (which helps regulate sleep).
An interesting side note: GABA and Melatonin can be purchased as supplements at your local health food store or online. Antidepressants are written as scripts then we buy them at a pharmacy. And studies are proving that meditation gives us these three things for free.
A Potential Complement to Medication
Now listen, I’m not saying that you should just totally give up your medications. That would be totally irresponsible and not healthy. I’m also not saying that meditation can totally replace medication. I think it’s more appropriate to say that meditation complements medication. And I think there are still instances when medication is needed.
When I decided to go off my medications, I decided that I would stay on the Risperidone while cutting back on the others. I knew that the Risperidone was helping me and at the time it wasn’t something I was ready to stop taking. There’s nothing wrong with taking medication and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to try new treatments, but we have to be smart.
Learning How to Treat Depression Naturally
If you’re considering cutting back on your medications or wanting to come off them completely, here are some suggestions on going about it without causing harm to yourself.
First, don’t go cold turkey. Deciding to abruptly stop taking your meds isn’t a good idea. You could experience heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and even insomnia. You can also become sick with flu-like symptoms.
Second, talk to your doctor or doctors. Exploring non-pharmaceutical ways to treat your depression is a massive change and can have a big impact on your overall well-being. You should be having conversations with a care provider, so they can support you in the best way possible.
Third, continue to check in with your doctors and with yourself. If going a more natural route isn’t working, be honest with yourself. There’s no shame in taking medications.
Can Meditation Replace Antidepressants?
So, can meditation replace antidepressants? Probably not 100%, but meditation can produce similar effects in the body and the mind without the harmful side effects associated with antidepressants.
If you’re considering going off your meds, remember don’t go cold turkey and have ongoing, honest conversations with your doctors. There’s no shame in taking medications.
If you’ve tried a more natural approach to treating your depression, let me know by dropping me a line at makingfriendswithdepression@gmail.com.
Support the Show!
Thanks for being here. I appreciate you listening. If you’d like to learn more about what was discussed in today’s episode, visit my website, Making Friends With Depression. You’ll find today’s show transcript and resources.
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Ok, thanks again, and until next time friend, many blessings!
[…] A study done in 2015 showed that meditation increased GABA, increased production of serotonin, and increased melatonin production. These hormones and neurotransmitters help promote overall well-being and sleep. […]