Depression is a real and painful experience that lots of people go through during their lifetime, but it is also treatable. Before seeking medications, I recommend these natural solutions 1. Outdoor exercise. Exposing to the sunlight, hugging the trees, and breathing the fresh air can lift the mood. 2. A good night's sleep. Turn off the screen one hour before bedtime; make the room dark, quiet and cool. Add activities such as foot soaking with ginger that promote health. 3. Creating a life that is full of meaning and purpose. When you do this, contentment and joy tend to follow. 4. Phototherapy. A lightbox triggers the brain to have more energy. 5. Dietary therapy. Vitamin deficiencies, food intolerance or allergies, and poor nutrition all contribute to feeling down and tired. Eat a healthy diet high in omg-3 fatty acids and probiotics, low in caffeine. 6. Connection is essential. Take time to connect with people in a face-to-face way. 7. Psychological approaches such as cognitive behavior therapy, known as CBT can be effective at treating the underlying patterns that are causing depression. 8. Develop emotional intelligence. Self-help books such as “get out of your mind and into your life”, “feeling good” can be very helpful. 9. Learn to reduce stress. Practice meditation, journaling, and biofeedback. 10. Local universities often offer inexpensive counseling sessions and online psycho-educational programs, resources that help with depression. Nami is the national alliance for mental illness. It offers local groups education and support for people experiencing mental illness.
So get the help you need. Life really can get better.
