Holistic depression care is considered whole-person treatment. It honors all the ways depression can affect a person’s mind, body, and spirit.
Some holistic depression treatments include mindfulness, exercise, dietary changes, and nutritional supplements.
If you prefer alternative therapies and a collaborative approach, holistic depression treatment may be a good fit for you. Look for a licensed provider who has extra training in holistic approaches.
When it comes to managing the symptoms of depression, every person needs to find what works for them. Some people are drawn to traditional therapies or antidepressant medications. But others may prefer a more holistic approach for depression. This means viewing this mental health condition through multiple lenses. It's about treating the root cause of someone's depression, not just their symptoms.
Holistic depression care can be a great fit for people who prefer natural or alternative remedies. For example, your provider may recommend things like yoga, mindfulness, or nutritional supplements. They may also suggest adjusting your diet, exercise routine, or sleep habits to balance your mood.
A person might also seek holistic support if they haven’t found relief using the usual methods. But regardless of why someone chooses this path, holistic depression care can open new doors for healing.
Understanding holistic care for depression
Sometimes referred to as alternative, complementary, or integrative therapy, holistic depression care can take many forms. While they may vary in how they’re applied, these techniques are designed to reflect that depression isn’t just a condition of the mind. It’s something that affects a person’s social, physical, and emotional well-being too. Holistic providers create treatment plans that reflect this multilayered perspective.
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Holistic ways to approach depression
Holistic depression treatments are becoming more popular across the world. Unfortunately, there’s limited research on their effectiveness (compared to more traditional therapies). But some of the most evidence-based holistic depression treatments include:
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of slowing down to notice what’s happening in the present, and research shows it can help reduce the symptoms of depression. You can practice mindfulness on your own, whether it’s a formal practice or just tuning into your breath.
But it can also be an integral part of therapy, like with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT can help interrupt negative thought patterns and prevent recurring depression.
Exercise
You might know that exercise benefits your physical health. But research shows it can have a powerful effect on our mental well-being too. According to a 2024 study, exercise reduces depressive symptoms such as inactivity and withdrawal. It can also inspire a sense of purpose and life satisfaction, improve sleep, and more.
Whether it’s yoga, jogging, biking, or another type of exercise, movement can help you manage your depression. Just be sure to check with your doctor before starting a new routine.
Nutritional psychiatry
What you eat may affect how you feel. Nutritional psychology is the study of how diet impacts mental health. Nutritional psychiatrists explore the connection between depression and an imbalanced gut microbiome. They may recommend dietary changes or nutritional supplements to help you balance your gut and manage depression.
Supplements*
Some people find relief from depression with the help of over-the-counter supplements.* If you’re interested in exploring supplements, a holistic practitioner can help you find ones that may support your treatment goals. It’s important to discuss supplements with your provider, as some may interact with other medications.
*A note on safety: Countless herbal supplements on the market make a variety of claims. Please note that supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way as “conventional food and drug products.” For your safety, always check with a medical provider before taking an herb or supplement to manage your mental health.
How a holistic provider guides depression treatment
Holistic providers use a patient- or client-led approach. This means that they see their clients as collaborators. They value their input and use their feedback to shape the treatment process. Holistic providers also work with other professionals, like holistic psychiatrists, to support your overall well-being.
In the traditional model, providers are the “experts.” But holistic healing places providers and the people they serve on equal ground. Holistic depression treatment is collaborative. Your provider(s) will create a care plan that reflects what wellness means to you.
If this approach sounds like something you’d like to explore, the first step is to find a holistic provider. Look for someone licensed in their field who has additional holistic training. If this isn’t clear from their bio or website, feel free to ask them about it. Most providers will be more than happy to share how they use holistic principles in their work.
Caring for your mental health is a lifelong process and healing can take time. You may need to experiment with different supports to find what works for you.
Throughout this process, your provider will be your guide and advocate. So don’t hesitate to ask questions or speak up if something isn’t working for you. They can recommend alternatives and offer support as you work toward recovery.
Some people think holistic care means ignoring medication or traditional therapy. But many holistic providers use a mix of approaches and may work alongside your primary doctor or therapist to support your complete well-being.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
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Holistic treatment for depression addresses the root cause of the condition. It's not just about lessening its symptoms. Holistic healing uses a client-led, multidisciplinary approach, including things like mindfulness, exercise, dietary changes, and supplements. It’s always best to talk to your provider(s) about safe options for holistic depression care. But if you prefer alternative approaches or if traditional supports haven’t worked for you, you may be a good candidate for holistic depression treatment.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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