10 Natural Remedies for Depression

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10 Natural Remedies for Depression

10-natural-rememdies-fro-depression

People experience periods of sadness, loneliness, detachment, irritability, and other variations of moodiness at different points during their life. Depression occurs when these feelings become a consistent state of being rather than a passing mood. 

Signs of depression:

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
  • Fatigue and decreased energy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
  • Irritability, restlessness
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
  • Overeating or appetite loss
  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
  • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Remedies for depression range from making lifestyle changes or dietary adjustments to prescription medications provided by a professional. If you are seeing a specialist, he/she will prescribe a treatment plan for you. Aside from that plan, there are steps you can implement to help improve your daily symptoms.

Natural Remedies for Depression:

  1. Physical activity – Exercise can relieve depression by altering the mood-regulating brain chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin. It is a natural mood enhancer.
  2. Sleep – Sleep impacts our daily health and mental wellness. Getting the right amount of sleep is important to the mind, body, and spirit. See the chart below for the amount of sleep you should be getting each night.
  3. Healthy eating – Choose whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains as well as lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Avoid alcohol which is a depressant. Add supplements to your daily diet (omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and vitamin B12). Try to eat three meals a day at about the same time.
  4. Get into a daily routine – Develop a schedule for your daily activities and try to stick to that schedule.
  5. Set goals – Make sure they are small and obtainable. Add more goals as you start to feel better, but don’t overdo it.
  6. Challenge negative thoughts – Change how you think about yourself. Try to focus on the positive.
  7. Get some Vitamin D – Expose yourself to sunlight or take a Vitamin D supplement.
  8. Meditation or Yoga – Relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation have all been used to relieve symptoms of depression and reduce stress. These mind-body techniques can promote feelings of joy and well-being.
  9. Stay away from caffeine –  Caffeine will give you a quick boost in your mood, but you’re going to come crashing down after it wears off.
  10. Try to have fun – Involve yourself in activities that boost your mood. Hang around family and friends. Do those things you enjoy and stay away from those you don’t!

Many people live with mild to moderate depression without seeking medical help. Depression can be managed and sometimes alleviated by finding natural remedies that work.  Although medication is sometimes necessary, it’s not the only answer. Often times, changing your behavior — your physical activity, lifestyle, and even your way of thinking — can naturally treat depression.

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3 comments

  • I’m a huge proponent of healthy eating and being active. If I’m feeling down I usually force my family for a walk to help get fresh air and cheer up 🙂

  • Ron Leyba

    Wow. What an eye opener for me. Based on this, I think there are times that I feel really depressed. What surprised me more is your note about caffeine. I am a heavy coffee drinker so I guess I must limit it to just few cups a day.

  • That sleep chart is interesting. I noticed I function best when I get 9 hours of sleep, but unfortunately it’s usually more like 7-8.

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