Dealing With Depression Without Drugs or Doctors

Depression is a condition that affects hundreds of millions of people around the world. Anyone who has suffered from it knows that it is more complex than simple sadness; it is a melancholic, demotivated mood from which it can often seem there is no escape. It can be overwhelming and difficult to deal with, even with the aid of doctors and therapists; it deprives you of your drive to change anything, and this can lead to years of unhappiness. However, depression is caused by many different things, and is affected by many lifestyle factors which are within your power to change. The following is a helpful guide to assist you in dealing with your depression without drugs.

It might surprise you to note just how easily depression is affected by your diet. If you regularly eat junk food, full of sugar and fat, you will be familiar with the highs and lows of mood you can experience. This is something that is easily changed, and if you make sure you get your recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals, you can notice a big change. Eating large amounts of greens, getting an adequate amount of fruit into your diet and reducing your sugar intake are just three ways you can improve your demeanor through your diet alone. Since food is so vital to our continued functioning, it isn't really a shock that its impact on our emotions is so great; our bodies have adapted to perform perfectly with a reasonable supply of good nutrients, and the brain is no exception to this.

Another very helpful natural remedy for depression is exercise. Not only is regular exercise helpful for your physical and mental well-being, it can also be used as a topical treatment for depression. A long walk will often help dispel the feelings of impotence and demotivation that you experience when depressed, and the feeling of accomplishment you get when you finish it (especially if you have set yourself a goal) can often be enough to jog you out of your bad mood. Additionally, during heavy exercise, the body releases endorphins that have been proven to diminish negative emotions and encourage serenity. So running, cycling, and even simple walking can be an invaluable tool in the fight against depression.

Finally, if neither exercise nor dietary changes have helped you brighten your mood, you may want to consider herbal remedies. A classic example is St. John's Wort, a flowering hedgerow plant that has been widely used to treat mild to moderate depression for decades. In several clinical trials, it has proven to be more effective than a placebo, and indeed more effective than some prescription antidepressants, at treating all but the most severe cases of depression.

These are just a few of the many ways you can treat depression without attending a doctor; since depression is such a common condition, research into new ways to treat it is happening all the time, and as such there are many different avenues you can take (including natural remedies for depression ) in your journey back towards happiness. All you have to do is choose which one you would like to take.