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Natural Ways to Deal with Depression
by Paisley Hansen
As of 2012, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) reported that one in ten people in the US was depressed. Depression is a gripping medical condition that affects a person’s life in all aspects. To date, there have been countless medications for fighting depression to surface in the healthcare industry, and it has been widely debated by researchers, scientists, and other professionals whether any of them are effective. Many people believe that the best way to fight depression is naturally. These are ten different ways in which anyone can deal with their depression without medication.
Fine-Tune Your Diet
The first step in dealing with depression is creating a diet that is conducive to mitigating the effects of depression. Foods that are proven to boost serotonin levels and lessen the effects of depression are oatmeal, whole grain breads, whole wheat pasta, etc. It’s also advised to increase B vitamin intake by eating more leafy greens, eggs, beans, chicken, etc.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
If you have friends that tend to stay positive about life, be sure to observe how they handle even the most minor complications. Try to adopt their mannerisms. Even if you have to entirely fake it, you will find that over time, you will eventually adopt the mindset without having to pretend anymore.
Adopt a Pet
Adopting a pet is a particularly effective coping mechanism for depressed individuals who live alone. No, pets are not human, but they can provide a sense of companionship and joy that definitely wasn’t there before you decided to get a pet.
Find an Outlet for Your Feelings
Many times, feelings of depression worsen due to keeping them inside and allowing them nowhere to “spill.” Find a way to express yourself by keeping a journal, making art, or finding a creative hobby. Remember, making art is not about creating a pretty picture. It’s about expressing feelings and ideas; letting it out.
Avoid Situations that Involve Drugs or Alcohol
Because alcohol and certain types of drugs are capable of depressing your mental state even further, it’s a good idea that you avoid situations that involve them at all costs. If your friends invite you out for drinks, either don’t go or stick to a strict plan of drinking sodas or water. If you feel yourself crumbling to the pressure, just leave. It’s not worth it to succumb to the temptation and expose your mind to the throes of a mental, downward spiral.
Pick up an Old Hobby
Many people that fall victim to depression find that they lose interest in hobbies that they once enjoyed. Even if you don’t feel like taking on a hobby, do it anyway. You might be surprised by how much better you’ll feel once you’ve made the effort.
Consume Natural Herbs and Natural Oils
Along with your new diet, you should also be using a number of natural remedies such as herbs and essential oils to enhance your mood and mitigate your depression. Oils to stay on the lookout for include lavender oil, mandarin oil, lemon oil, and more. Herbs that you should also pay attention to include St. John’s wort, Rhodiola rosea, Maca, etc.
Add Some Spontaneity into Your Life
Adding spontaneity into your routine is a great way deal with depression. Depression often starts from leading a boring routine that hardly ever changes. Surprise yourself and add some excitement into your life by joining a new class, taking a random trip, or calling up an old friend for dinner.
Give Positive Self Talk a Shot
Positive self talk has also been proven to work. It’s possible that life can seem pointless and terrible merely from subjecting yourself to negative self talk on a continual basis. Exchange your “I can’t’s” for “I can’s”, and evaluate the effects it has on your life.
Realize that Life is Not Perfect
Lastly, it’s good to take the time to realize that life is not perfect, and there is no finish line that you will eventually cross. Life will always have its ups and downs, but what matters is how you react to or deal with them.