Depression and Natural Treatments - 5 Steps to Alleviating Depression Symptoms

Depression is a common affliction in today's society. It may be caused by a multitude of factors, including unresolved past trauma, grief, current life challenges, abusive relationships, and/or brain chemistry issues. It causes symptoms such as persistent sadness, hopelessness, anxiety about the future, loss of enjoyment in activities, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. While some severe cases of depression may require a pharmaceutical approach to relieve symptoms, many milder cases of depression can be successfully treated by using natural, non drug methods. Here are 5 steps to alleviate the symptoms of depression naturally:

1. Address your diet. The mind and body are intricately connected, and the health of one impacts the health of the other. Focus on eating fresh vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid highly processed foods and sugars. Many people impacted by depression have appetite changes. If you find you have trouble eating, try carrying around high protein, healthy snacks and making them available to yourself throughout the day. If you tend to overeat, be sure you are not eating while distracted, i.e. in front of the television. Try setting a time in the evening past which you won't eat anything else.

2. Try natural supplements. A good, food based multivitamin is a good place to start, along with a calcium supplement if you do not eat a lot of calcium rich foods. Try taking fish oil, which has a number of physical benefits and improves brain health. You can try the natural antidepressant 5 HTP (hydroxytryptophan), which is a precursor to serotonin, a naturally occurring brain neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. L-Theanine is often taken in conjunction with 5 HTP, and is has anti-anxiety properties.

3. Implement a doctor approved exercise program. Cardiovascular exercise is ideal as a "prescription" for depression. What you are looking for is an activity that elevates your heart rate over a sustained period of time. This allows the feel good compounds, endorphins, to be released in the body. Ideally you will work up to 45 minutes of cardio exercise 5 days a week, but any amount of exercise has benefit.

4. Talk things out. A good, professional counselor can be an invaluable asset in your recovery from depression. He is she can offer you a trained, unbiased perspective and encourage you to work through the issues that have led to your depression in the first place. Also, spending time with trusted friends and family member provides all-important emotional support.

5. Do one kind thing for yourself each day. Make a list of small activities or things you enjoy, and make it a point to do one of those things for yourself every day. When you complete it, cross it off your list. Once you have exhausted your list, make a new one.

Are you interested in addressing your depression from a holistic standpoint, assessing the physical, emotional, and relationship components?

For a free copy of my ebook, "Natural Methods To Fight Depression", click here: http://www.stoptoxicrelationships.com/gifts-naturalmethodstofightdepression.html

Shannon Cook is a personal growth and relationship expert who has written a number of informative articles and ebooks on the topic of toxic relationships and holistic personal growth, including physical, emotional and relationship health.

GPS Shop
Life Style Blog
GPS Deals