Depression can have a variety of causes that can range from simple to severe. But the good thing is that in most cases, it can be controlled and overcome. If you are having \”the blues\”, there are different means of coping with it without the need to see specialist or get medical attention.

Practical Solutions To Depression

Here are some ways you can deal with depression:

Do something nice for another. It does not have to be anything life-changing. It can be as simple as offering a smile, saying thank you (sincerely), helping one cross the street, or sharing your food with the beggar on the street. Any of these deeds increases your self-worth and puts a smile not only on your lips but in your heart.

Make time out. Enjoy the great outdoors. Take a stroll down the lake, ride your bicycle in the neighborhood, run around the park, drive around or out of town. A change of scenery does wonders to your disposition.

Learn to juggle. Not only is juggling fun, it is also beneficial to brain health. Juggling specifically improves cognition and concentration.

Write a diary or create an online journal. Get your negative feelings out in a constructive way.

Exercise. It increases your levels of serotonin (low levels of this hormone sparks the development of some signs of depression).

Get some light, especially early in the morning. Sun exposure early in the morning helps to improve serotonin levels.

Herbal Remedies for Depression

Persons suffering from depression may also turn to herbal remedies for relief.

St. John\’s Wort. A versatile, wild yellow flower that is said to have mood-lifting properties, St. John\’s Wort has been used for years as an alternative treatment not only for depression, anxiety, and insomnia, but also for a range of conditions that include shingles, genital herpes, sciatica, back pain, headaches, cold sores, and even neuralgia.

Kava. Kava extracts are helpful in relieving stress, insomnia, and anxiety. It also acts as a muscle relaxant and comes with anesthetic properties.

Lemon Balm. This herb relieves depression by keeping a healthy balance of the hormones. It is especially beneficial to cases where depression occurs because of stress, menopause or PMS and where depression causes digestive and heart problems.

Vitamins For Depression

Certain vitamins can help one overcome depression, too. Especially helpful are:

The B-Vitamins, especially Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), and Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). The lack of these vitamins gives rise to depression signs and symptoms.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C as Ascorbic Acid aids in serotonin production.

Overcoming Major Depression

Major depression is more serious and requires professional treatment. If you have depression that extends to weeks or even months and if it already starts to affect your eating habits, your sleeping pattern and your concentration, waste no time to seek a specialist. The specialist will determine the presence of a major depressive disorder through a series of diagnostic exams that include psychological assessment, mental status examination and blood tests. Overcoming major depression may require:

Psychotherapy or counseling. It involves interaction between the client and the therapist wherein the latter may employ behavioral and cognitive techniques that will help the client cope with the disorder.

Anti-depressants. Anti-depressants are drugs formulated to control mood disorders. They are controlled drugs that require doctor\’s prescription. They have to be taken with extreme caution and always under the guidance of a doctor as they can cause many untoward side effects.

Electric Shock Treatment. This is usually a last recourse when all else fails. The procedure sends shock waves, causing seizures. Honestly, I cannot imagine how this technique can treat depression, but it\’s been used for decades with some degree of success.

Alexa L. Ryan is a believer of natural health and is the co-editor of http://naturalvitaminsfordepression.com. She also takes health supplements herself including her choice of the best fish oil brand. You can go ahead and check them out!

Alexa L. Ryan is a believer of natural health and is the co-editor of http://naturalvitaminsfordepression.com. She also takes health supplements herself including her choice of the best fish oil brand at http://www.bestfishoill.com.

Author Bio: Alexa L. Ryan is a believer of natural health and is the co-editor of http://naturalvitaminsfordepression.com. She also takes health supplements herself including her choice of the best fish oil brand. You can go ahead and check them out!

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: depression,bipolar,treat depression,cure depression,depression remedies,health,supplements,vitamins