Mild Depression Treatments
Mild depression can cause some of the same symptoms as those of full-fledged depression, but they are generally less extreme. The patient may feel sadness and some loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, but will still continue on with everyday tasks. There also may be anxiety, obsessive tendencies or phobias. Treatments for mild depression are required to prevent the condition from getting worse and to help bring spirits back up.
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Diet
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A healthy diet can help with mild depression. Avoid foods that can cause or aggravate mood swings, such as excess sugar, caffeine or alcohol. These ingredients can cause an imbalance in which one reaches a high and then crashes, causing mild depression symptoms to worsen.
Sleep
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Getting enough sleep is an essential part of treating mild depression. Make sure to sleep a good eight hours or so each night. However, sleeping too much, such as more than 10 hours per night, could be a sign of worsening depression. Also, try to maintain the same sleep schedule each night. Varying your routine could disrupt sleep and worsen mild depression symptoms.
Relaxation
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Find time to relax. Unwind after a hard day with a hot bath, a favorite hobby, or just relaxing in a comfortable chair. Bringing a few minutes of "vacation" to daily life can improve one's mood and help lessen mild depression. Meditation and deep breathing also can help create a sense of calm and relaxation.
Vitamins
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B vitamins can help with mild depression and anxiety. Take a B complex vitamin daily to help balance the neurotransmitters in your brain. Other vitamins that may help lessen anxiety include magnesium, calcium and potassium. Consult with a doctor prior to taking vitamin supplements to treat mild depression.
Saint-John's-Wort
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Saint-John's-wort is an herb that some people take for the treatment of mild depression. It can work well and is not too expensive. Mood can improve in a matter of three to six weeks. After consulting with a doctor, take 900 to 1,800 mg daily.
Exercise
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Exercise can help folks with full-blown depression by boosting the feel-good chemicals in the brain, so it can certainly aid those suffering from mild depression. Daily exercise is the best option. Try enjoyable activities--perhaps swimming, an outdoor sport, or walking with a friend. Exercising with a pal can also improve your mood.
Psychotherapy
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If other treatments are not having enough of an effect, you may wish to see a therapist. A therapist can teach you how to think positively and might use therapeutic tools, such as hypnosis, to break the cycle of negative thoughts.
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