Do you suffer with depression? If so, you know that the major depression symptoms are numerous:
- You feel sad, alone and hopeless
- You don’t want to participate in activities you used to enjoy
- You may overindulge in drinking, overeating, or smoking in an attempt to elevate your mood
- You experience several physical symptoms of depression such as insomnia, weight loss (or gain), lack of concentration and fatigue.
- Thoughts of suicide may plague you and you may fear that you will never feel happy again.
The more depression symptoms you have, and the longer you suffer from them, the more hopeless you may feel — but there are natural ways to treat depression that can make all the difference.
How to Fight Depression Naturally
Many doctors prescribe anti-depressants for depression treatment, to no avail. If you are a person who feels uncomfortable with taking medication for your depression you may have begun a search for alternatives to depression medications, such as more natural cures for depression.
There are many natural ways to treat depression, such as:
- Getting more sleep and regular exercise
- Adopting a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including proteins, vegetables, nuts and seeds
- Minimizing carbohydrate and sugar intake
- Taking natural supplements such as SAM-e, fish oil, vitamin D, 5-HTP and St. Jon’s Wort.
If you feel more depressed in wintertime, your depression may be a form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), in which case you will need to seek more sunshine in winter months or spend time in front of full spectrum lighting in your home.
While there are many bio-chemical causes and treatments for depression, understanding what causes depression on an emotional level may help you begin treating depression naturally to help improve your quality of life, overall.
Roy’s Thoughts On Natural Treatment For Depression
It has been my experience that feelings of anger and frustration, when repressed, turn into depression. I used to deny many of my emotions and numbed them with food, alcohol, sex and working. These buried emotions did not go anywhere, however, they instead transmuted themselves into feelings of depression as well as anxiety and fear.
I believed that I needed to be stoic and not let anyone know what I was thinking or feeling. As a result, I felt like a stranger to myself, to others, and even to God. I felt totally alone. But at age 32, when I reached the bottom of my own personal Hell, I had to try a better way of living. Learning how to express my feelings—not holding anything back—was one of the keys to my freedom.
As emotional beings we must find a way to express our emotions or else we become introverted and depressed. We can express ourselves by talking, crying, laughing, singing, being creative, etc. Every time we express ourselves—who we are, what we believe, and how we feel—preferably with people who support us in so doing, we are creating a healthy flow that helps us stay emotionally balanced and connected.
Start Treating Depression Naturally Today
Begin today to stop living alone with your secrets and troubles. Take the first step and let someone know how you feel. It may feel uncomfortable, but when you take that step you will tap into a source of power that will help you take the next step. Keep moving forward and letting yourself be known, and you will begin to see that life is worth living and that you have many blessings to share with the world.
