Depression is a type of mental disorder that can have a major impact on your everyday life. It can be caused from personal problems, financial issues, a loss of a loved one or from dealing with an illness. Conventional drugs might be effective at treating depression, but they can come with unwanted side effects. Lifestyle adjustments and natural treatments are an alternative approach.
Step 1
Cut out the drugs. Recreational drugs can have a major impact on your mood. They give you a short-term feeling of happiness and relief that can be followed up with intense depression. If you are using marijuana, cocaine, Ecstasy, amphetamines or excessive amounts of alcohol, quit using them.
Step 2
Eliminate caffeine. Caffeine is a substance that speeds up your heart rate and makes you more alert. But it can also cause nervousness, irritability, a lack of sleep and it can promote depression. Avoid products that have caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks and supplements.
Step 3
Start engaging in exercise. Physical activity is already known for its many benefits to the body. When it comes to depression, it can keep your mind off of your problems and it can also release endorphins, which are natural mood-enhancing chemicals. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity every day of the week. Examples include walking, gardening, doing yard work, swimming, playing tennis and jogging.
Step 4
Take up relaxation activities. High levels of stress and anxiety can feed depression. A way to lower your stress levels is by partaking in relaxation techniques. Examples of these include yoga, tai-chi, meditative breathing, muscle relaxation and guided imagery.
Step 5
See an acupuncturist. Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that has been around for several centuries. The idea behind it is that the body has a constant flow of energy. When this energy gets blocked, it can lead to ailments such as depression. To unblock this energy, very fine needles are inserted at various meridian points on your body. Look for an acupuncturist in your area to get this treatment done.
Step 6
Use dietary supplements. Dietary supplements are derived from natural sources, and they are used as an alternative to conventional medication. St. John's wort, SAM-e and omega-3 fatty acids are all examples of supplements for depression.
