Home Remedies for Depression

Depression is a common mood disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It is an all-encompassing illness that affects your day-to-day life, body, mood, and thoughts. Unfortunately, depression is a treatable condition that often goes untreated.
Forms of Depression



There are several forms of depression and some of them include the following:
Major depressive disorder : It affects how you think, feel, and behave. This type of depression disables the person and hampers normal functioning.
Dysthymic disorder or dysthymia: This type of depression is long term, but may not be disabling to a person suffering from it. People suffering from dysthymia may also experience major depression in their lives.

Bipolar disorder : This is a manic depressive illness wherein one sees cyclic mood changes from extreme highs to extreme lows.

There are other forms of depression, including psychotic depression, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder. People suffering from psychotic depression also normally have some form of psychosis. Postpartum depression is experienced by women after giving birth, while seasonal affective disorder usually begins during the winter when there is less natural sunlight.

Here are a few home remedies that might help you:

• Exercise:

Regular exercising helps to relax, reduce anxiety, and improve your mood and sense of well being. It also helps in preventing chronic diseases and other illnesses. Experts suggest that 150 minutes of physical activity per week with moderately intense physical activity per week is good for both physical and mental health.

• Vitamin D and Minerals:

The inclusion of foods rich in vitamin D and essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc also help in relieving symptoms of depression. Foods such as poultry products, green leafy vegetables, fish, almonds, meat products, and fortified cereals can be included in the diet.
Fish and Fish Oils: Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids like DHA (Docosahexa

• Cabbage:

According to the American Association for Cancer Research, the folic acid and Vitamin C present in cabbage protects against stress, heart disease, and other infections. Try a variety of ways to include cabbage in your diet. Toss up cabbage in a salad, make some cabbage soup, or make a steamed cabbage curry. Cabbage is also a good source of fiber and the juice from raw cabbage is known to cure stomach ulcers as well.

• Aromatherapy:

Aromatherapy treatments are known to alter all the negative emotions, depression being one of them. This therapy works on a psycho-biological level and affects not just mental health, but physical health as well. Our sense of smell has the ability to influence our mood and also alter our emotions. This therapy can also be introduced into the body through the skin. Pamper yourself with aromatherapy and relieve your anxiety and stress.

• Cashews:

Cashews are used as remedy for depression and also for nervous weakness. The presence of a vitamin B, riboflavin, helps in keeping the brain cheerful, active, and energetic.

• Asparagus:

Asparagus, a vegetable, is not just delicious but also nutritious and beneficial for your health. Asparagus has a diuretic effect on the body and is used as an herbal medicine for many mental disorders. The root of the asparagus plant is known to be the most beneficial in the treatment of depression. It activates the brain and nerves. One to two grams of dry powder can be used every day along with water.

• Fish and Fish Oils:

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids like DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). DHA is mainly important for the optimal functioning of the brain. A study that was featured in Archives of General Psychiatry (2002) showed that people who consumed one gram of fish oil each day had a 50% decrease in symptoms related to depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and unexplained feelings of sadness. These fats are vital for optimal brain functioning and are linked to a reduced incidence of depression. Apart from this, fish oils are also known to lower cholesterol and improve overall cardiovascular health. Walnuts, flaxseeds, and oily fishes such as tuna or salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Apart from fish oil, intake of fish is also a good remedy for depression. Findings of a research study suggests that fish consumption may be beneficial for women’s mental health and reduce risk of developing depression in women.

• Vitamin B and Folate:

You can also fight the blues by eating food that is high in B vitamins. Vitamin B6 is essential for metabolizing tryptophan into serotonin. Levels of folate and vitamin B 12 are found to be lower in people who are depressed. The inclusion of food items rich in vitamin B and folate will help people suffering from depression. Some foods that contain vitamin B are beans, legumes, poultry, shell fish, whole grains, and citrus fruits.

Tips
Get sunshine for yourself. Natural early morning sunlight will help you relax. Engage in regular physical activity for at least three to four days per week. Having a good knowledge about yourself and your loved one’s medical condition is important. It will not only motivate you to stick to your treatment plan, but will also help you feel more empowered.

Following these home remedies, along with the medications prescribed by your doctor, will improve your condition multi-fold. However, if depression persists or makes you feel that life is not worth living, see a doctor promptly.