Depression is a serious medical condition wherein an individual suffers from persistent mood disorders and is unable to muster interest in activities that they are usually fond of. Severe cases can disrupt one’s daily life as they tend to make one unable to control their moods and thoughts. Depression leads to one having trouble sleeping, eating, and socializing too.

How can one treat depression naturally?

Therapy is a huge part of treating depression but aside from that, one can also opt for natural treatments which can make handling each day easier. It is best for one to talk to their therapist/doctor before going ahead with any treatment method as part of their lifestyle. These natural depression treatments are essentially lifestyle changes that can help one set more positive patterns of physical and mental behavior. It is best to keep in mind that the efficacy of such lifestyle changes differs from person to person.

• Set a routine: It is important for one to get life into a routine because depression tends to disrupt their regular lifestyle. If there is no routine to follow, each day will simply melt into the next, and the condition could deteriorate before anyone even notices it.
• Set small goals: Instead of trying to attain impossible targets, it is better for one to set small goals every day. Small successes can make one motivated to move onto bigger goals.
• Exercise regularly: Working out on a regular basis will release endorphins which are believed to be beneficial for people suffering from depression. One need not indulge in a strenuous exercise routine for it to benefit them.
• Assume new duties: Taking on new responsibilities can help to keep the mind engaged. When one experiences depression, they are likely to withdraw from your regular routine and give up responsibilities performed earlier both at home and outside. An influx of new tasks means one will stay busy and it will be easier to maintain a routine.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Eating healthy meals makes one feel better. When one is depressed, they may feel tempted to overeat or not eat at all, both of which are not healthy. Foods like avocado and spinach, which have folic acid in them, and fish like tuna and salmon, which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, are known to help alleviate depression.
• Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep makes depression worse as the time a person sleeps is when their body rejuvenates. To counter this, one can routinely wake up and go to sleep every day at the same time. It is also advisable to remove all kinds of distractions like computers and TVs from the bedroom to ensure a good night’s sleep without any unwanted disturbances.
• Practice relaxation techniques: There are many techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, relaxation imagery, etc which can help to reduce depression symptoms. Techniques like meditation and yoga are natural treatments that help one to alleviate their stress levels and reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.