Natural Depression Remedies
Well, as the saying goes, “you may have to suffer to sing the blues!”
However, nobody wants to feel bad every day to the point where activities are just not fun any more or relationships suffer. Some people even start to have physical symptoms of depression.
Let me start off by saying that I am not qualified to give professional mental health advice. If you believe your mood is interfering with your life, it is time to seek professional help. If you have no idea how to seek that help, one of your best resources is your family doctor!
But lots of us go through blue periods now and then, and we really do not need prescription medication or years of therapy. Sometimes the answers are much simpler. However, it is important to note that depression is very real, and sometimes the symptoms and causes must be addressed. Sometimes we cannot just buck up and get over the causes of depression.
What Causes Mild Depression?
There are dozens of depression causes, but most can be organized into 2 groups. There are situational reasons and genetic reasons. A major life change, loss, or even an illness can lead to depression. Feelings of grief, anxiety, and sadness are natural reactions to life events sometimes. But some people seem to weather these storms with no obvious mood changes, while others are sensitive to minor upsets. It seems that some people (and families) are more genetically prone to slipping into depression than others.
Symptoms of Depression
We may associate depression with feelings of sadness or anxiety. But some symptoms may be more subtle. Here is WebMd’s List of Depression Symptoms.
- difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- fatigue and decreased energy
- feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- irritability, restlessness
- loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- overeating or appetite loss
- persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
- persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
- thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
So the blues are not just ruining your enjoyment or appetite, they may be manifesting themselves with physical symptoms that could be discounted as illness or allergies.
These remedies are, again, not meant to replace professional mental health support! But they may help some cases of mild depression and also supplement other therapies or medication.
Sunshine – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects people in the winter who are normally not depressed. However, many people may lack sunlight in the summer because jobs or illnesses keep them inside. Studies have shown that a shocking number of people may actually have Vitamin D deficiencies which can also cause depression. Time out in the sun is a major source of Vitamin D!
Exercise – Activity and exercise is known mood elevator. You do not have to start training for a marathon, but may be happy if you can just take a daily walk or spend 20 minutes on a stationary cycle.
Group Activities – We are social animals, and sometimes isolation can cause depression. If you are in a situation where you do not connect with other people much, it may be time to look for some group activities. This could be a simple as joining a book club or religious institution.
Everybody Needs A Hobby – I know that I, personally, get to the point where my work tends to become my hobby. However, when I force myself to break out of my rut, I feel better emotionally.
What do you do to get happy? We’d love to read your comments!
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