Introduction
For anyone who’s been through an extended bout of chronic depression, they’ll tell you how debilitating it is to see a steady decline in all aspects of their life (both the mundane and otherwise) over a period of time.
It is no less when a family member or a loved one also goes through depression as well.
From a spiritual point of view, it is considered a period that every human being goes through as a time of serious reflection (a life-changing one at that too) to re-evaluate where he/ she stands in his life. And we all go through it, at some point or the other.
From a medical point-of-view however, prescription drugs are normally the way to go to treat depression but as always, nature has its way of evening out the imbalances that exist in life.
In short, you don’t need to take prescription drugs to fight depression as there are natural alternatives. So let’s take a look at some of the options:
Natural Antidepressants: Why not?
So why go the natural way when prescription drugs will do just fine?
No side-effects for one.
Secondly, will you ever find a pygmy (yes, the ones in the African jungle) on Paxil? (Courtesy: Ellen DeGeneres)
Comprende, amigo!
So without further ado, let’s look at a list of natural antidepressants:
Natural Antidepressants: Say bye-bye to sleeping pills, baby!
1. Herbs & Anti-Depressants
There are several herbs and supplements that help when it comes to treat mild to moderate depression. Some examples of these herbs are St. John’s Wort, Gingko Biloba, SAMe, 5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan (5-HTP) from the Griffonia simplicifolia shrub, B12 Vitamins and Omega-3 Fatty Acids found in fish (Read: A little sushi, perhaps).
Just remember that even though these are natural antidepressants, it’s best to consult your physician before attempting to self-medicate!
In most cases, taking pills don’t necessarily sort the problem out, and in some cases complicate matters even more. In most cases of depression, the patient often stops functioning normally leading to seclusion, lack of activity in terms of exercise, diet and basic matters of health and hygiene.
So, in order to completely treat depression, one must resort to activity and socializing in order to overcome depression as well.
2. Gardening
Scientists have discovered that getting your hands dirty in the garden can be a relaxing and grounding experience. Apparently, the friendly bacteria in the soil help release serotonin which is similar to the manner in which antidepressants.
3. Meditation
‘Know thyself’, said Socrates. And what better to that than through meditation. If one studies the positive/ negative thoughts that run through their mind, and learns to quell them by ‘shutting the mind’. There are several ways to meditate. So feel free to pick one!
4. Exercise, exercise, exercise…
Exercise is wonderful for people in depression. Taking a walk, going dancing, working out at the gym or even riding a bike will endorphins into the body, which will trigger positive feelings in the mind through this process.
5. A daily dose of Vitamin D
An exposure to sunshine which is a source of Vitamin D increases serotonin and take the edge off depression. You can also take it in the form of a dietary supplement as well.
6. Laughter is the best medicine
This one is my favorite because it worked wonders for me! Listening to Chris Rock, George Carlin, Russell Peters, Ellen DeGeneres, and so on and so forth while watching some of the sitcoms/ shows such as The David Letterman Show, Seinfeld, Two and a Half Men worked well. Music like Weird Al Yankovich and Frank Zappa can also work well in times of depression as well.
In Closing
This piece of writing isn’t an anti-depressant rant but a serious review of all the methods that can be experimented with if you (or a loved one) are suffering in varying degrees of depression.
Perhaps these methods will quell these mood swings, but once you’re out of the depression, remember that it will make you much stronger and well-equipped for the tough road in life.
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