SPECIAL FEATURES:
Email
11 ways to beat depression naturally
How many antidepressant users actually need them? Discover helpful tips to kick depression on your own, in chemical-free ways.
Wed, Nov 30 2011 at 11:17 AM
Related Topics:
Photo: r.f.m II/Flickr
The other day I saw a report that said that one in 10 Americans older than 12 take antidepressants. That seems sad to me. But what was truly shocking was that less than a third of the people taking these drugs have seen a mental health professional in the last year — and most people who take these drugs don't need them. Antidepressants are taken mostly by white women, and their use has increased 400 percent since the early 1990s. It could be that these pharmaceuticals are just the new version of "mother's little helper." But it also could be that too many women (and girls!) are suffering and medicating their problems rather than solving them at the source.
I am not a doctor, but I have had periodic bouts of deep depression in my life ... tell me, who hasn't? Feeling depressed is a common feeling, and it's usually a sign that something is wrong in your life. (At least that's what I've found.) It could be something as little as not exercising enough and working too hard or as large as not being happy in a job or a relationship. Depression is a tool for discovering the truth, if you are brave enough to face it rather than try to wish it away. So here are my 11 tips for beating depression naturally that are both life-learned and based on medical evidence:
1. First, see a counselor. Don't be afraid or ashamed! A counselor will be able to tell you if you need more serious medical help. It's amazing how quickly talking about your depression with someone else (a professional counselor, not just a friend) can uncover things that afterwards might seem obvious but in the moment of darkness are impossible to see. I guess that is why depression feels so dark ... it's hard to see things!
2. Go for a long walk outside. In Europe, doctors prescribe exercise for their depression patients. I think the best is a combination of exercise and getting out in nature ... along with giving your body and mind enough time of mindless walking to let the true feelings and thoughts rise to the surface. You will also see that nature has cycles, too — there are times of joy and times of hibernation. Allow your body and soul to sync with nature and you'll automatically feel a bit better.
3. Let the sun warm your skin. A few years ago, vitamin D supplements were being touted as super-pills that could protect you from depression and other ailments. Well, it turns out that's not really true. The truth is that people who spend time outside and eat plenty of fatty fish, such as wild salmon, have higher vitamin D levels and less depression. Is it the vitamin D or the lifestyle? I say, skip the pills and go outside and get your sun on!
4. Read a book. I recommend "The Mind-Body Mood Solution," by Dr. Jeffrey Rossman, because he has helped me many times with my depressive bouts. As the behavioral health specialist at Canyon Ranch, he has taught me how to get to the real issue quickly and change my perspective on my problems. It really works!
5. Eat right. Eating crap, or overeating anything, literally feeds the depression cycle. Every time you eat crap, you feel bad, and then it just gets that much harder to pull yourself out of the dive. A few foods that are renowned for improving your mood are wild-caught salmon, walnuts and dark chocolate.
6. Stop drinking and drugging yourself. Trust me on this: While drinking might make you feel better momentarily, all you are doing is swallowing your problems, where they eat away at you in even deeper darkness inside your soul. If you are using alcohol or drugs to anesthetize yourself against your problems, please stop. Get help if you need it!
7. Fall in love. With yourself, first! Treat yourself as you would a precious lover whom you adore, flaws and all. Pamper yourself with baths, naps, flowers, massages. Write love letters to yourself. Tell the voice in your head that says you are not good enough or pretty enough or smart enough to shut up and hit the road, Jack.
8. Laugh. Studies have shown that laughter does really make you feel better. Watch some silly comedies! Or old "I Love Lucy" episodes. Go ahead, watch "America's Funniest Home Videos" — at the very least, you'll be thankful that you are not the one getting whacked in the groin, bonking your head on something stupid or falling ridiculously from doing something no person in their right mind should really do.
9. Create. Write down your thoughts and secrets. Paint or draw pictures about how you feel. Build something. Garden! Actually, studies have shown that there is stuff in garden soil that works better than antidepressants. So get out there, and don't wear gloves. Get dirty, get creative and don't worry about whether it's good enough — if you made it, it's awesome. And while you are doing all this, listen to music, because that helps, too.
10. Connect with your dreams. Do you remember what, as a child, you dreamed your life would be like? Often, I find, I get depressed when I have strayed too far from my original dreams. Yes, sometimes we need to change our dreams, but it's amazing the power of those deep original dreams and how they can guide us.
11. Have the courage to change. Truly, I believe the only way out of depression is to listen to what the darkness is trying to tell you and change your life accordingly. I've been shocked sometimes by what I've learned and heard in those darkest moments, but as long as you trust your heart and soul and what they're trying to tell you, you will find the brightness again. The light is right there waiting for you to turn the corner and see it. It will get better, and then you will be so grateful and happy that you had the courage to get through the darkness awake and alive.
Now, I'm really going to sound like my mother when I say this, but I'm going to say it anyway: Always remember that after the darkest storm is when the rainbows come out.
Related natural remedy stories on MNN:
- Home remedies for insomnia
- Seasonal affectice disorder: Natural remedies
- Biofeedback therapy offers a mind-body approach to improving health
Photos: Diamond Farah/Flickr, sidewalk flying/Flickr
This article was reprinted with permission. For more from Maria Rodale, visit mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com.
You might also like:
Sign in with one of these accounts to add your comment.
EDITORS' PICKS
Advertisement
TODAY'S MOST POPULAR ON
- Tornado survivor finds dog during live TV interview
- Superfoods: 11 berries to improve your health
- Why we turn to dogs when disaster strikes
- 5 of the best-looking cars ever
- Happy World Turtle Day
- 13 natural remedies for the ant invasion
- Kidnapped women will have chance to adopt Ariel Castro's dogs
- 10 false facts most people think are true
- Bride finds self-esteem by taking a diet from her mirror
- Rebounding from adversity: 7 cities that have survived tragedy
From our sponsor
NEWSLETTER
Advertisement
I have a natural bent towards Emotional Intelligence, which is what the above seem to be suggesting. And the thing is, you don't have to be depressed to to those things, just make it your everyday lifestyle!
The word Depression is so overused in our society. This article is for people who are feeling low and for them it makes sense.It's not for people with depression.
Depression has hit me hard, about 4 times in my life so far. It is nothing to be ashamed of; in fact getting over a bout is something to be proud of. Depression, although hell whilst at its worst, can make you a stronger and better-balanced human being.
Whether on medication or not, whether you need it or not, whether it's clinical depression or not.... these other tips should be just as crucial to treatment as any RX. You have to do work, too. Some people need the meds to actually do the work but still the work must be stressed by doctors - who tend NOT to stress it. So I, for one, am thankful for the insight of articles like these.
I can see how this advice can be useful in everyday management. However, there is much more than just making oneself to enjoy life to feel better. I dont like taking medication, But I have to. It doesnt do it all. I still have to make the choices to be happy. I still have to talk about whats bothering me, and laugh and make time for me.
Good for you.
And, lifestyle changes are recommended for Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High/Low Blood Pressure. Pills can't do it all.
Am I missing something? #1 is mentioned to see a counselor in case of serious depression. That was clear to me but seemingly not to many posters. Reading these posts, I am seeing more anger than sadness. Maybe some of you need Anger Management instead of Lexapro.
"Periodic bouts" of depression are NOTHING like clinical depression, severe anxiety, or PTSD.
I totally agree with you. I have been clinically depressed all my life. But I truly think that if you have never experienced true, deep, dark depression...you can never fully realize what a living hell it is. I just thank God I have a supportive and loving spouse who sees what I go through and gets it...most people don't...look at Tom Cruise...the moron.
I have to agree with you....i have suffered from Clinical depression and i would not wish it on my worst enemy.
depression is hell on earth the sugestion that a walk may calm you when feeling down is a laugh walk a day in the shoes of a clinically depressed person and you will then see how difficult simple excistance is, its hell on earth
If only it were that easy. I really wonder if people think before they post articles like this. Do you really think we haven't been told stuff like this before? Do you really think we haven't tried this before? This is nothing "new" or "insightful". It's the same crap I get everyday from people who think I'm "just sad".
Yes, you are so right. I have tried all this for the last 20 years... I am so tired of pretending. So tired of the darkness.
I agree that depression is a disease. The real question is why does the body have this disease? Disease forms when the body is not balanced and is either not getting enough nutrients or is getting too much of something. In the case of depression the body is likely deficient. Specifically in Niacin & Vitamin B-6. There is an excellent article about treating and curing depression naturally from Andrew Saul http://bit.ly/wR3AX0
Google the song " Don't Worry, Be Happy "
Thank u for sharing your experience. It is helpful for me to understand how to help my sister. Hope u r feeling better yourself.
CBT what a load of crap tried it twice with trained proffessionals have tried over 8 different types of anti derressants mood control,sleeping tablets , talking therapy , laughter therapy, opened up to the g.p and now 30 years on its still the same, am i lazy do i have high expectations of therapy who really cares because im still depressed and still want to blow my head off every morning bummer hu
Pages