Most, if not all, cases of depression can be helped with treatment, but many people are too afraid to seek treatment. They may be afraid of the questions a therapist might ask them, or they may be afraid of medication to help with depression, but untreated depression is a very dangerous thing. There are several natural remedies that can at least help with depression. It is best to talk to a doctor before starting a natural treatment for depression.
5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is a supplement that works to increase serotonin levels in the body. Studies have not yet produced conclusive results, but it is known that 5-HTP should not be used in conjunction with antidepressants.
Alternative medicine
There are natural remedies such as yoga, color therapy, flower therapy, aromatherapy, and acupuncture or acupressure that may have some effect. These effects vary from person to person, so try to see if one appeals to you and check it out if you're interested.
Diet
It may be hard to hear that giving up your beloved coffee or daily sweets can make you feel better, but removing sweets from your diet can help keep your mood more stable and prevent false highs and exaggerated lows when your blood sugar rises and then it drops sharply.
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also help, as both are mood suppressants. Alcohol is a relaxant while caffeine is an energy booster, but the effects of both wear off quickly, leaving us feeling worse than ever and triggering symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, mood swings and even depression.
Since vitamin B6 and magnesium can be obtained from your diet and can help keep your natural serotonin levels up, it's important to add foods that contain one or both of these to your diet. You can find magnesium in nuts, whole grain products, legumes and vegetables. As a side effect, eating healthier can also help your depression by helping you feel healthier and boosting your self-esteem.
Exercises
Exercise, like diet, is something most of us avoid as much as possible when depressed, preferring inactivity and isolation. However, regular exercise can improve your mood by eliminating stress hormones in your body and also by boosting your self-image as you start to look and feel better. Exercise itself releases mood-enhancing chemicals in your brain, giving you something productive and hopefully fun to focus your mind on.
Folic acid
Folic acid, or folate, is a special type of B vitamin that is often found to be associated with depression. You can get folate by eating leafy greens, as well as some beans or fortified grains. It is very common to be deficient due to poor diet, certain medical conditions, and various medications such as birth control pills that eliminate it in the body.
Light therapy
Adequate sunlight is a natural mood booster and lack of sunlight can lead to depression. Getting some air and sunlight for a walk, run, or other exercise can be helpful for improving your mood and can be a double whammy for depression because you're also exercising. If for some reason you can't get out into the sunlight or if you don't have enough sunlight, you can use lamps that simulate natural sunlight to help improve your mood with this light therapy. Don't forget to use sunscreen to protect your skin when you're out walking.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish such as salmon and offer many benefits, including improving mental functioning. Omega-3 fatty acids can be used in conjunction with antidepressants to make these drugs work more effectively. Depression is less common in countries like Taiwan and Japan, which have a culture that consumes much more fish.
Same
SAM-e stands for S-adenosyl-L-methionine and is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. It has been shown in studies to be more effective than a placebo in treating depression and is available in the United States as an over-the-counter supplement in health food and drug stores and online. It's somewhat expensive, but it can be argued that it's worth it if it helps.
St. John's wort
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is traditionally used for anxiety, nervousness, poor sleep and sadness. More than 20 clinical trials have been conducted
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