Depression: 10 Home Remedies

With symptoms that can lead to life-threatening consequences, depression is a serious disorder and a difficult one to overcome. Many people diagnosed with clinical depression are put on a string of medication to balance serotonin levels in the brain. Prescription drugs can be expensive to maintain and may contribute to unwanted side effects. There is no quick fix to regaining control of moods, but there are natural remedies accessible to anyone worth trying.

10. Healthy Diet

If food is an issue, eating high fat or high sugar meals could lead to a vicious circle of mood swings and trigger feelings of guilt for not choosing better options. Healthy eating is good for overall health, but some foods in particular, like eggs and sour cherries, as well as fish oil, coconut oil, and flaxseed oil help boost serotonin levels. These are healthy fats, unlike the saturated fats found in processed foods.

9. Nix Caffeine

Eliminating coffee could be a difficult one for those who rely on a cup of java to get going in the morning, but for people affected by depression, the quick energy fix will be followed by a crash. The resulting low is more difficult to overcome, especially when mixed with either physical or emotional exhaustion. Studies have shown the chemical process of how serotonin functions in the brain is affected in people who drink coffee.

8. Meditation

Meditation is the practice of training the mind to think differently in order to promote relaxation. It can be helpful for overcoming depression because it requires a person to be in a quiet space and reflect. Those new to meditation can start with two to three minutes per day and work their way up to longer practices. It starts with proper breathing and letting go of all thoughts. There is no one way to meditate and can be customized to individual preferences.

7. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese alternative medicine using needles inserted into various body parts. It has been used for centuries for relieving pain, aiding fertility, and a range of conditions. For depression, a trained practitioner will place a needle into the skin to help the body release endorphins and create a feeling of happiness or calm. Some people find one or two treatments beneficial while others go for regular sessions.

6. Chamomile Tea

This herbal tea is recognized for its calming properties and is used by people seeking help with sleep. Those suffering depression are often affected by insomnia or difficulty staying asleep, so drinking chamomile tea before bed may prove effective. It appears a flavonoid in the tea is responsible for the resulting relaxation. A tea bag or loose leaves are steeped in boiling water for about five minutes, and for flavor, milk and honey can be added.

5. Therapy

Talking about problems or personal issues with an unbiased listener can help battle depression in some people better than keeping these thoughts inside. The private setting is peaceful, and one can let go of feelings in a supportive atmosphere, confident the information will not leave the room. A therapist can become part of an effective team of professionals, agroup of other coordinating remedies, or as a sole solution. It just takes trust for a strong relationship to take hold.

4. St. John’s Wort

This is a wild plant known for its use in treating depression. This yellow-flowered plant belongs to the Hypericaceae family. The name comes from its traditional day of harvest, St. John’s Day, on June 24. Some studies prove its effectiveness, while others do not. Most often taken in pill form or liquid, St. John’s wort can also be made into tea. There are side effects from St. John’s wort, especially when used in combination with prescription antidepressants.

3. B-Vitamins For Mood

A deficiency in the B-vitamins, particularly B12, has been linked to mood changes and depression. The vitamin is found predominantly in many types of meat, but vegetarians and vegan can get it in spinach, bell peppers, nutritional yeast, and supplements. Vitamin B works in the brain by creating mood-enhancing chemicals, including serotonin, dopamine, and epinephrine, so a lack of it can affect both physical and mental health. Those at risk of deficiency should consult a doctor.

2. Magnesium

An elemental mineral essential for healthy living is magnesium. Its role in the body is to help with more than three hundred functions, including those related to the nerve and muscles and heart beat. It is necessary for our energy levels and maintaining brain chemicals, so without enough, mood can be compromised. Getting the recommended daily amount through food is possible since it is found in nuts, cereals, and many vegetables, especially leafy green ones.

1. Exercise

Possibly one of the greatest treatments for depression is exercise. Whether outside or in a gym, exercise is the best way of ensuring endorphins are released in the brain. Endorphins are necessary for feelings of happiness and are almost guaranteed mood-enhancers. One does not have to be a professional athlete to benefit. A walk around a park, an indoor ice skating session, or a weight lifting circuit will all help get those endorphins active, and their addictive tendencies help people stick to their fitness plans.