Do you sometimes feel yourself slipping into a black hole of misery? But you don’t want to resort to allopathic medicine before trying to cure depression naturally?
Natural depression treatments that are DIY and simple to incorporate into your busy life are the most cost-effective and healthiest option.
In the USA, on average, just an hour-long therapy session without insurance costs between $138 and $300. And this does not include the anti depressants and hospital costs if needed. (Verywell Mind)​​ (Mira Health)​.
Milder depressive episodes, or depression linked to a temporary situation or nutritional deficiency need to be acknowledged and treated, and this is where the management techniques discussed below will be extremely useful.
Tip – don’t put pressure on yourself! See what natural depression treatments make sense to you and try one or two.
10 Natural Depression Treatments
1. Diet
Diet can play an important role in depression. Here are some useful points:
- Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol as they can affect your mood.
- Balance your blood sugar intake by eliminating refined carbohydrates, eating small frequent meals, and avoiding sugar.
- Eat mainly unprocessed food and avoid preservatives and colorants.
- Include cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, or mackerel in your diet. Eat nuts and seeds.
- Eat plenty of anti-depression foods every day. These include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Herbal Supplements
- St John’s Wort: For milder depression, St John’s wort has been shown to be as effective as tricyclic anti-depressants, but with considerably fewer side-effects. Ask your pharmacist about dosages.
- Sceletium: This is a plant found in southern Africa and is known for its anti-depressant and mood-enhancing effects.
- 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): 5-HTP is made from the seeds of the griffonia plant. More research is needed on this natural cure for depression, but it has been found to be very effective for depression linked to too little serotonin activity or that has a seasonal pattern.
3. Nutritional Supplements
- Multi-vitamins and minerals are a good place to start. Try to choose a product with the optimal amount of each nutrient rather than one which covers the bare necessities. It is a good idea to add a vitamin C supplement (between 1,000 and 2,000 mg) and a B-complex. Again, ask your pharmacist for advice.
4. Exercise
Studies have shown that as little as 30 minutes of exercise (e.g., brisk walking) three times a week can help to relieve depression due to increased levels of serotonin and endorphins. The benefits of exercise are many. And it is one of the natural ways to treat depression that is easy to do.
5. Laughter
There is no doubt that laughing elevates the mood. Watch funny movies, spend time with children, play games, discover what makes you laugh and use it! Enjoy the positive effects of laughter.
6. Spending Time In Nature
Being in nature acts as a natural depression cure because it increases your exposure to negative ions, which leave you feeling tranquil and energized. Increased exposure to sunlight can also positively affect your mood. Go to the beach, visit a waterfall, enjoy a hike, have a picnic. Have a look at my best places for relaxation.
7. Touch
Touch has been shown to be useful in treating depression, whether the depressed person is being touched or doing the touching. Give those around you hugs, go for massages, and other touch therapies as often as possible.
8. Sleep
We all know the effects of lack of sleep have on the mood. There are ways to help yourself if you can’t get to sleep.
9. Reduce Stress
There are many ways to manage stress. Take time for yourself, have a bath, read a book, spend time in nature, enjoy a treatment, do yoga, and learn to just be. Various relaxation techniques can be learned to help reduce stress. Practicing mindfulness for beginners is a good place to start.
10. Nurture Relationships
Don’t underestimate the importance of family and friends when you are dealing with depression. A good support structure, a shoulder to lean on, the feeling of being loved and needed all help with alleviating and preventing depression. If you are feeling depressed, try nurturing or repairing your close relationships.
We have looked at a range of natural depression treatments, but it is still advisable to seek the advice of a health professional when using natural depression cures. Your health practitioner will be able to advise you on any supplements and the correct dosage for you.
Conclusion
Last but not least, always remember that help is available and that there is sunshine at the end of the tunnel.
By incorporating these natural depression treatments into your lifestyle, you can find a natural cure for depression that suits you.
Whether through diet, exercise, or spending time in nature, there are many natural depression treatment options to explore.
Remember, the journey to treating depression naturally is personal, and finding the right combination of natural depression treatments can make a significant difference in your well-being.
More Useful Information
- Symptoms Of Stress Due To Bereavement
- Stress And Anxiety
- Take A Depression Test
- Signs Of Teenage Depression
- Depression Warning Signs
- Positive Affirmations For Self-Confidence
Go from Depression Treatments to Stress And Depression
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