5 Natural Ways To Treat Depression
Depression is a common problem that affects many individuals at some point or another in life. Depression can have many symptoms associated with it, such as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, dread or anxiety about the future, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. In some severe cases of depression, pharmaceutical approaches may be appropriate – however, in many cases, a natural approach to treating depression symptoms can be very effective. Here are 5 natural approaches to treating depression:
1.      Address your diet. Focus your eating around a diet of fresh vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.  Reduce your intake of processed foods and sugars. If you struggle with reduced appetite, try carrying around healthy snacks and eating small mouthfuls of food throughout the day. If you have the opposite problem and tend to overeat, make sure you aren’t eating while distracted, like when watching television. Try setting a cut off time, beyond which you eat nothing more for the day.
2.     Try natural supplements. Start with a good, food based vitamin and a calcium supplement if you do not eat a large quantity of calcium rich foods. Take fish oil, which has a lot of physical benefits, including improved brain health. You can try 5 HTP (hydroxytryptophan), which is a precursor to serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. Often taken in conjunction with 5 HTP, L-theanine is a good natural anti-anxiety supplement that doesn’t cause drowsiness.
3.     Adopt a doctor approved exercise program. Cardiovascular exercise is ideal for the purpose of relieving depression. Ideally, you will work up to 45 minutes per day, 5 days per week, but don’t let this recommendation intimidate you. Any exercise is better than none.
4.     Talk things out with a counselor and/or trusted friends and family. A counselor can offer an unbiased, trained perspective that can be very valuable. Friends and family can help you feel less isolated and offer you emotional support.
5.     Practice other forms of self care. Try making a list of small things you enjoy, objects or activities. Each day, do something for yourself off your list and cross it off. When you have completed all the items on your list, create a new one.
