What can you do for Depression?
Depression. It sounds like such a devastating word. It is, it can affect you with moodiness, irritability, a feeling of darkness. Unlike being unhappy, depression can drive you away from your normal demeanour. It can give you a feeling of helplessness. It can make you question if life is worth continuing. This is not something to take lightly. I assure you of this.
The first step is to consult your physician. He or she may recommend you to a psychologist to see what the underlying cause is. When seeking medical advice, dont be surprised if a combination of counselling and prescription drugs is recommended. If you are diagnosed with depression, you should talk to your physician about trying natural remedies first.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is very common. People often feel fatigue, a lack of energy, weight fluctuations both gaining and losing. A fairly recent therapy is light box therapy, other people will tan a few times a month and for those who are lucky, they go somewhere warm in mid-winter.
While physical issues are common in todays worlds, the leading cause of depression is an imbalance of neurotransmitters being generated in the patients brain. This balance can be controlled with the use of mild drugs. However, most do have common side effects like weight gain, loss of appetite, sexual dysfunction and dizziness.
Regardless of the route you choose, either medical or natural, there are a few things that you can do yourself that will help a great deal in speeding you through your bout of depression.
Exercise: This will speed the bodies healing; it also encourages the production internally of endorphins, commonly known as the Feel Good hormone in both men and women. This hormone will enable your mind to feel better, and thereby making you feel better. The type of exercise doesnt really matter, it can be as simple as going for a walk, or as intense as playing makeup basketball in your neighbourhood. Regardless, exercise does help.
Diet: Your body needs certain nutrients to keep healthy and a balanced diet is essential. To keep your energy up small meals several times a day. Also ensure that you drink at least eight glasses of water a day as dehydration can cause fatigue. In order to produce serotonin, your body needs carbohydrates; however too much can lower your serotonin levels. Turkey, cheese, and other dairy products.
Herbal Supplements: St. Johns Wort is a well studied and popular supplement for mild depression. There are few side effects of St. Johns Wort. It is important to speak with a medical professional prior to taking herbal supplements. Self diagnosis is never good, however including some other herbal supplements into your diet can be done safely such as Liquorice, Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba), and Siberian ginseng, Basil, Clove, Ginger, Rosemary, Thyme and Sage.