Is it depression? I mean, I’m sad, feeling out of sorts, a bit blue, kind of detached.
When these are persistent rather than passing moods there’s a problem. GenuLines looks at some ways to deal with those feelings before they reach the problem stage.
Depression And The Use of Natural Remedies
Clinical depression. It can affect your physical health.
And your ability to perform regular daily activities.
It can lead to suicidal thoughts, and if untreated to self-destructive tendencies.
There are lots of possible lead-ups to depression. It can be a nutritional deficiency. Or, with seasonal pattern depression, it’s lack of sunlight.
A doctor or therapist may suggest things like lifestyle changes or dietary adjustments.
Extreme cases may call for prescription medications.
Of course, you want to follow doctors’ orders. But you can be proactive in your treatment. That means using various natural remedies on a day-to-day basis.
Your Options In Natural Remedies For Depression
• Increase physical activity. Exercise relieves symptoms of depression. And it eases stress, which can contribute to depression.
Exercise releases the body’s endorphins. These diminish the perception of pain and act as a sedative.
Exercise is a natural mood elevator.
• Eat well. Poor nutrition can trigger depressive symptoms in some people.
Lab testing can check for hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. Especially in one or more of the B-Vitamins, Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin D.
Thyroid imbalance is important. The thyroid releases hormones, which regulate the whole metabolism.
Consider:
• Asking your doctor about herbal supplements. An herb commonly recommended for the treatment of depression is St. John’s Wort.
It seems to be most effective when used to treat mild to moderate cases. Saffron also shows promise as a treatment.
But saffron can cause notable side effects in high doses.
Herbal supplements are best used under the supervision of a health care practitioner.
They can interact with other medications. And they may have negative side effects for some people.
To ward off symptoms of depression
• Establish healthy sleep patterns. The quantity and quality of your sleep impacts your health and mental state.
Get enough sleep and complete a full sleep cycle. (sleep without interruption)
• Stay engaged in daily activities and set goals. Depression has physical components, though it’s considered a mental illness.
Engage your mind. Stick to a daily routine of activities and set small goals.
This counters the negative self-talk and helps keep you from “getting down on yourself.”
• Consider mind-body connection practices. Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, Biofeedback, Aromatherapy, Acupuncture, and other alternative therapies.
They can relieve depression symptoms. They also help with fatigue, anxiety and scattered thinking.
Conclusion
Many people live with mild to severe depression without seeking medical help. People in depressive states no longer need to suffer with the illness.
There are many treatment options. Depression can be managed and in some cases alleviated.
Early diagnosis and treatment can have a positive impact on your physical health. The same goes for your relationships.
To Learn More: Call the NDMDA (National Depressive Manic-Depressive Association) Depression Hotline – Support Group (800) 826-3632 for help.
JohnK 5-13-2020
Overheard: “If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” ~Lao Tzu
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