Here are nine natural ways to treat depression. Always check with your doctor to determine if these treatments are right for you and if they can be used together -- especially if you are already taking antidepressants
Psychotherapy can help alleviate symptoms caused by depression (such as hopelessness and anger) so that you can regain a sense of happiness and control in your life. The key to psychotherapy is to find what works for you and your condition
Studies report that St. John's wort, an herb, and SAM-e, a synthetic form of a chemical that occurs naturally in the body, are effective in managing depression. Consult your doctor before taking these dietary supplements because they can have adverse interactions with some medications
In addition to all the great health benefits of exercise, it's a mood booster. Exercise has been found to work as well as medications for mild to moderate depression, but it may take longer to take effect. And it has been found to be better than medications in preventing a recurrence of depression.
Foods rich in B vitamins and omega-3's may boost your mood -- whether you've been diagnosed with depression or not. Make sure that you consume enough omega-3's by eating two servings of seafood per week or by taking fish oil supplements. Salmon, tuna and trout are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Also, adding folic acid to a prescription antidepressant may help the medication be more effective. Folic acid is present in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, asparagus, broccoli and spinach.
Yoga is a tool for quieting the mind, and it can help alleviate symptoms of depression. When your emotional state is weighing you down, try active poses in yoga that will move energy through your body. Standing poses that require balance can help center the mind as well
One problem associated with sleeplessness is a depressed mood. Getting a good night's sleep is key to your depression treatment. Going to bed and getting up at about the same time every day helps to reinforce your body's sleep-wake cycle.
Also, make sure your bedroom is dark when you're ready for bed and that you keep a distance from certain technological items. Light and electromagnetic fields from electronics, cell phones and electric blankets can interfere with the amount of melatonin you produce. Melatonin helps regulate your circadian rhythm ("internal body clock") when your eyes are exposed to darkness.
Learning to focus the mind can be beneficial when you are trying to treat your depression. Meditation helps to control spiraling negative thinking, such as thoughts of failure or worthlessness
Besides being physically relaxing, massage may also cause the body to produce fewer stress hormones and may also increase the body's production of painkilling endorphins and the mood-altering hormone serotonin
Acupuncture is used as an alternative treatment for various conditions. Some studies suggest that acupuncture can help restore the body's emotional balance by stimulating the flow of energy. Not to mention, it can help decrease physical pain that is associated with depression.
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