Life’s challenges can be difficult at times, and it’s normal to feel sad. However, when that feeling turns into helplessness or hopelessness and lasts for days or weeks, it could signal clinical depression.
There’s no need to panic. Although it’s a severe medical illness that affects about one in 15 adults every year, major depressive disorder is treatable.
Some of the symptoms you should know about include:
- Being in a gloomy mood
- Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Difficulty sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Having suicidal thoughts
Don’t be too quick to self-diagnose, though; consult with a medical professional.
If you’re opposed to prescription drugs, here are several ways to treat depression naturally.
Manage Stress
You can’t avoid stress in your life, but you can deal with it better before it leads to depression. There are numerous ways to cope with the pressure. One method is to incorporate stress-relieving activities into your daily routine.
When you find yourself overly worried about something, pause and do a few rounds of deep breathing to help you calm down quickly.
If you can spare time to meditate, that’ll take your mind off the problem, and you’ll find relief. Regular meditation can have a positive effect on your overall health as well.
Change the Way You Think
It’s our perception of events that determines our emotions and causes stress.
One issue that bothers many people is worrying about what others think of them. While some judge others, it’s what goes on in our minds that affects how we feel.
If you can look at things differently, you can alter how you feel about them. Focus on the good in your life. No matter how bad your situation is, there’s always something positive you can look at.
Start an Exercise Regimen
Working out is another excellent way to lower your stress levels. Please remember to consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.
Duke psychologist James Blumenthal found that patients who exercised displayed significant improvement than those who took anti-depression medication or did both.
You don’t need to perform a high-intensity activity. Do just enough to sweat it out and get your mind off anything troubling you.
It’s important to make it a habit. You’ll see lasting effects in terms of emotional and physical health.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
You’ll be surprised to know that an improper night’s rest can be a contributing factor to depression.
If you have difficulty sleeping, you can improve the quality of your slumber by practicing what experts refer to as good sleep hygiene.
For instance, keep consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, and make your bedroom conducive to napping.
Natural Antidepressants
While many people reach for prescription medication, you can manage your depression with these natural alternatives:
- St. John’s wort
- SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine)
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Saffron extract
- 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Be warned that these remedies aren’t a substitute for professional medical diagnosis and treatment. The Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve many of the above options.
More studies are necessary, so be sure to exercise due diligence before incorporating any product into your supplement diet.
Beat Depression Naturally
These are simple ideas you can implement to steer clear of depression or find relief from it. You don’t have to reach for a bottle of pills to be emotionally healthy.
Learning how to manage stress and changing the way you think is an excellent start. Try to adapt your habits to include regular exercise and stick to a routine. If you still want to take medication, there is a plethora of natural antidepressants available. With these methods, you should soon see an improvement in your emotional health.
Author Bio
My name is Grace Wilson. I’m a 27-year-old biotechnologist and kind of a bookish girl. Surfing the Internet is my favorite, that’s why I’ve turned to blogging. Following a healthy mindset and lifestyle is what I consider as my life principle. If interested, follow my Twitter.
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