According to Gracelyn Guyol, author of "Healing Depression and Bipolar Disorder Without Medication," half of those who suffer from depression find no relief from their symptoms from taking antidepressants. She also states that 50 percent of those who do find relief stop taking their medication due to the side effects. It is possible to battle your depression naturally; it just takes dedication to yourself and your treatment plan.
Step 1
Visit your doctor. According to psychologist Dr. Jeanne Segal, author and managing editor of HelpGuide.org, you may be suffering from an underlying health condition such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis or Lyme disease that may be responsible for your depression. If this is the case, you will be unable to battle your depression until the medical condition is treated. Your doctor can determine this by giving you a physical examination.
Step 2
Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about depression and the different symptoms associated with it. This will enable you to battle the disease successfully. "Depression for Dummies," by Laura L. Smith and Charles H. Elliott, is an excellent book for anyone diagnosed with depression, discussing the symptoms and types of depression, as well as various coping methods and techniques.
Step 3
Seek therapy. Dr. Segal states that talk therapy is an effective treatment for those suffering from depression. It enables you to get to the root of your condition while your therapist assists you in devising methods and techniques that help you battle your illness and its accompanying symptoms.
Step 4
Incorporate exercise. Exercising for a mere 15 or 30 minutes each day is a wonderful way to relieve stress (a major factor in depression) and elevate your mood. When you exercise, dopamine and serotonin (the chemicals responsible for mood changes and stability) are released and you begin to feel happier.
Step 5
Stay in contact with others. Isolating yourself can worsen your depression. To effectively battle your condition, make plans with friends and family on a regular basis or join a support group. Staying active and social with others keeps you from being alone with your thoughts, which can be detrimental to your condition.
Things You'll Need
- Physical
- "Depression for Dummies"
- Talk therapy
- Activities or support groups
- Exercise
