How to Deal with Depression Naturally

If you are depressed and want alternatives to taking prescribed medication, there are several approaches you can use to try and treat the condition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Try regular aerobic exercise, such as running, dancing, biking or swimming. Exercise triggers the release of natural endorphins, which are naturally occurring chemicals in the body that raise mood levels.
2. Try to express your feelings by writing, visiting a talk therapist, painting or playing a musical instrument. Active expression is a great way to release negative feelings and begin to get control of your moods.
3. Try using a heat lamp, sun lamp or sitting in the sun for at least ten minutes a day. Sunlight and its equivalents contain vitamins proven to improve mood.
4. Get eight hours of sleep each night.
5. Practices such as yoga, meditation, controlled breathing and Tai Chi are helpful for some people in getting control of their anxiety, depression and mood swings.
6. Make sure to eat a healthy diet. Too much sugar, carbohydrates and/or fat can leave you feeling drained, depressed, lethargic and tired.
7. Some studies have shown that Omega 3 and 6 oils and fats help improve mental chemistry. You can get these nutrients by taking fish oil, eating flax seed products, eating salmon, walnuts and avocados.

Tips & Warnings

• Try a variety of these steps to see which are the most effective.
• Please see a professional immediately if you have the desire to harm yourself or others.