Natural ways to combat depression?

Question

I've tried b-12s and Omega 3-6-9. Any other over the counter methods to combat depression?

Answer 1

Exercise

Socailising

Partnerships

Rewarding job

Answer 2

1. Dietary guidelines. If you are on a medically prescribed diet, be sure to check with your doctor before making any changes. Otherwise, focus your diet on healthy foods. The mind body connection is a powerful one and the health of one affects the other. Try eating low sugar, high fiber and protein foods. Fresh vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains are ideal. If you have difficulty maintaining appetite while depressed, try carrying around or having available snack foods with you at all times. A mouthful of food may be less overwhelming to consume than a whole plateful. If you have the opposite issue and tend to overeat when you're down, do not eat when you are distracted, like when you watch tv. Some people find it helpful to set a cutoff point in the evening beyond when they will not eat anything more. 2. Try supplements. A good, food based multivitamin and calcium supplement is a good place to start. Also try fish oil, which has a variety of benefits that include improved brain function. You may also take a couple of other supplements, one of which is called 5 HTP (hydroxytryptophan). This supplement assists in mood regulation and is a natural antidepressant. It is often taken with L-Theanine, which is an anti-anxiety supplement that does not produce drowsiness. 3. Use exercise as a prescription. Depending on your fitness level and doctor recommendation, you can use exercise specifically to improve your mental state. Cardiovascular exercise is ideal for this purpose. What you want is to raise your heart rate over a sustained period in order to release the endorphins in your body. Ideally, you will work up to 45 minutes of cardio exercise 5 times per week. 4. Talk out the problem. A professional counselor is a great choice, as they have the training and objectivity to give you excellent feedback and help you gain perspective on your situation. Trusted friends and family can be a good source of support as well. 5. Do small things every day to honor your value as a person. Make a list of small things you enjoy, that you can do for yourself. This list could include things like calling a friend, making yourself a special cup of coffee, taking a bath, or buying yourself a small indulgence. Choose one of these things and do it every day. Cross these items off your list as you do them, and create a new list once the previous one has been exhausted.

Answer 3

You know what I do when I'm depressed? I go outside. I go outside and I throw logs as far as I can until I can no longer do so. This release of energy helps me greatly.

Exercise is the best way to combat depression.

Answer 4

A Good night's rest between 8-10 hours. A walk outside when it is a sunny day out. Eating a well balanced diet with plenty of meat, veggies and desserts. Take a Centrum Vitamin every day after brushing your teeth. Exercise - walking, swimming, or something fun.

If nothing else works, see a doctor.

Personally, Centrum did it for me and walking and swimming and scuba diving.

Answer 5

Exercise (you'd be surprised what a 15 minute brisk walk can do for you)

stay away from fast food

Get out of the house every day...even if you're simply stepping out onto your front porch. one of the worst things you can do is isolate yourself from the world. sunshine is good for the body and soul.

open communication with another human being with regard to your feelings of depression.

don't be afraid to discuss your depression with a doctor. some types of depression may be better treated with a prescription and/or more intense counseling

Answer 6

Exercise is a great way to combat depression; it releases feel good endorphins. In addition it can help you lose weight which is also a nice little boost to your self-image.

Answer 7

1st, I agree w/ smallrobb.... I'm not afraid to admit it. It IS illegal and that bothers me. But the **** in my head is worse. I hate taking the 10 or 12 pills I take a day and was glad to see your question. Hope to learn something myself. I agree with all the folks on here. Get out, get around others, get sun, get God, and for loves sake, stay away from booze and all the other drugs. I have found in my ten years of dealing with bi- polar disorder that weed, not other drugs and booze, helps calm me and makes me laugh when I otherwise have little to be happy about. I know it sounds like I'm talking out of the side of my neck but, faith in God, therapy and weed have been my saving graces. I wish you well and good luck. Tough it out, it gets better.

Answer 8

St John's Wort helped me quite a bit, although it does increase your sensitivity to the sun. (Always wear sunblock when going outside in the spring/summer/fall.)

Also, working out and yoga are very helpful. Go, endorphins! :)

Hope you find a method that's right for you, and that you feel better soon.

Answer 9

St Johns Wort

Answer 10

Definately St. John's Wort, and lots of sunshine. Light makes people happy. Perhaps get a dog. I am on medication myself, and it's not bad. Be sure to stay away from drugs and alcohol, 'cause they make it worse.