Home Remedies for Depression

Here is a list of home remedies for depression and suggestions on how to fight depression. But before trying any of these natural remedies for depression, please see a doctor or psychiatrist to be diagnosed and to receive a proper psychological evaluation.

What is depression? What causes depression? What are the common signs of depression? The alternative treatments for depression listed here include using herbal remedies for depression.

Depression is a psychological illness or disorder which affects a person's state of mind and behavior. There are many forms and types of depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression. They are major depression, chronic depression or dysthymia, atypical depression, manic depression or bipolar depression, psychotic depression, unipolar depression and postpartum depression. Seasonal affective disorder or SAD is also one of the types of depression.

Depending on the types of depression and its severity, here are some of the common signs and symptoms of depression.

One of the symptoms of depression is eating disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a large number of those with an eating disorder also suffer from anxiety and depression. They are either depressed and then develop an eating disorder or the other way around.

Cutting, self-injury or self-harm is another one of depression warning signs. And so is having suicidal thoughts. Panic attacks can also lead to depression. Depression symptoms also include emotional and social withdrawal. A depressed person is prone to lose interest in intimate relationship and other forms of social interactions.

Physical depression symptoms include headaches, back pain and sleeping problems such as insomnia. A study involving over 6000 adults showed that the symptoms of depression also include fatigue and lethargy. Losing focus and concentration, having crying spells and irritability are also some of depression symptoms.

Some of the possible causes of depression are changes in brain chemicals such as serotonin and norepinephrine, hormonal changes or imbalance such as menopause, health issues and chronic illness, childhood trauma that hasn't been resolved, deep grief due to the loss of a loved one and certain medications. Someone who has a family history of a psychological problem may also inherit it. Alcohol and drug dependence also lead to depression.

Home remedies for depression No. 1 - Herbs for depression

For thousands of years, people have been using herbs to treat depression. In the present, even with prescription anti depressants, many people still prefer natural herbal remedies because synthetic drugs are known for their side effects.

Scientific studies indicate that certain herbs are able to reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate depression because they are able to increase serotonin levels and gamma aminobutyric acid. Examples are St. John's wort, lavender and passion flower.

Click on the link to see the list of natural herbs for depression, the properties and how each one may help deal with the symptoms of depression.

Home remedies for depression No. 2 - Vitamins for depression

Even though, you can get vitamins from foods but certain factors can lead to deficiency. Stress can deplete vitamins and nutrients. Allergies make you avoid certain foods. The next option is to take dietary supplements.

1. The B vitamins are known to fight depression and are used as natural home remedies for depression. Vitamin B3 or niacin supports the function of the nervous system, vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid is an anti stress vitamin, vitamin B6 or pyridoxine supports mental health, choline helps in the transmission of nerve impulses through the central nervous system and inositol which is vitamin B8 provides a calming effect.
   
   
   
2. The level of DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone which is a steroid produced by the adrenal gland reduces with aging. Certain illness such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease also reduces DHEA. Natural food sources are soybeans. A decrease in the levels of DHEA affect mood levels as well as premature aging. Based on clinical trials, DHEA has shown to have the potential to treat the symptoms of depression.
   
   
   
3. L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid which is found in seaweed, fresh and raw egg white, soy protein isolate and low fat cottage cheese. It is involved in the production of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. A depletion of these chemicals cause moodiness and is one of depression causes.
   
   
   
4. A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids which are found in cold water fish, flaxseed, flax oil and walnuts can lead to anxiety, depression and ADHD. Its benefits include maintaining heart and vascular health.

Home remedies for depression No. 3 - Alternative treatments for depression

Emotional freedom technique or EFT may help you treat depression. EFT tapping helps in removing emotional blocks, traumas and unresolved issues. You can find out more about EFT at the EFT Tapping Insiders Club.

Another alternative natural cure for depression is the use of hypnosis. The beat depression hypnosis download may help you overcome the symptoms. Other natural treatments for depression include yoga and guided meditation.

Home remedies for depression No. 4 - Depression self help

1. If you have been drinking excessive alcohol or taking illicit drugs, it is wise to quit. Both if taken over a long period of time will worsen depression symptoms.
   
   
   
2. Doing regular exercise is one of the ways to deal with depression. Exercise and other vigorous physical activities stimulate the release of endorphins and give you a good feeling.
   
   
   
3. Get enough sleep because a lack of a good night sleep can result in some of the depression symptoms. Make time for leisure activities and also spare a little bit of time for reflection.
   
   
   
4. Learn to manage your emotions. Release your anger, guilt and hurt and learn to forgive. Try not to sweat the small stuff in life that are beyond your control and find ways to laugh more often.
   
   
   
5. Have a considerable amount of self-esteem and develop a healthy self-image. Look for the good in you and learn to like yourself.
   
   
   
6. Another one of the home remedies for depression is to eat foods that fight depression. Examples are vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Foods that contain the B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, zinc and omega 3 fatty acids are recommended.
   
   
   
7. Don't isolate yourself and withdraw from your family and society. It will make you feel more left out and rejected. Try talk therapy with someone you trust because sometimes, letting go of your bottled emotions can provide a sense of relief.
   
   
   
8. Look for the good in people and things around you. Another one of the home remedies for depression is to start a gratitude journal. At the end of each day, write down something that you are grateful about. If you can't think of any, just acknowledge that you feel blessed to be alive and was given another day to breathe.
   
   
   
9. Heed the words of Anne Frank, "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God."

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