Natural Remedies For Depression

It's late in the evening, as you sit alone by the fireside, with not-so-pleasant memories flashing through your head. And suddenly you find yourself overwhelmed with sadness that soon leads to desperation. Tears roll down your eyes for no apparent reason and you feel like bidding adieu to this cruel world. A scary scenario, isn't it? You'd be surprised to know that almost ten million Americans are victims of depression each year. The bad news is one woman in five and one man in fifteen will face this profound sadness sometime or the other in their lives.

Defining depression

Depression in a normal person is usually caused by chemical imbalance in the brain. However, it can also be due to some serious medical conditions. Whatever be the cause, this mood disorder can negatively affect every aspect of your life. And contrary to the popular belief, it’s not confined to the elderly alone.

It affects all segments of the population, be they children, adults or the aged. Depression not only makes you sad, it controls the body, mind, behavior, emotional state and can even undermine your ability to maintain relationships. And it just cannot be wished away.

Symptoms of depression

If you experience any of these disorders, you're likely to be suffering from depression:

a. Constant feeling of sadness, irritability or tension.

b. Loss of energy, tiredness without activity, decreased interest in usual activities and hobbies.

c. Change of appetite leading to significant weight loss or gain.

d. Insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping.

e. Decreased interest in sex.

f. Difficulty in concentrating and making decisions.

g. Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt.

h. Thoughts of suicide or death.

Severe depression needs treatment, without which it may linger on with increasing severity and frequency. First timers, suffering from this condition, are fifty percent more prone to its recurrence. Though depression is a recognized problem, it remains one of the most commonly misdiagnosed illnesses.

Physicians are sometimes unable to get to the root of the problem and treat only the ailments associated with it, like loss of appetite, sleeplessness, headaches, and the like. However, the good news is depression is a treatable illness and you can take the option of depression herbal remedy, if you want to avoid the problems associated with over-the-counter drugs.

Depression home remedy

Depression remedy, whether it's natural postpartum remedy or depression holistic remedy, can effectively cure depression. Let’s have a look:

a. Diet: Many nutrition-oriented practitioners assert that if you stick to a specific diet, you can prevent depression. Small and frequent meals, low in sugar and refined carbohydrates can produce symptomatic relief in some depressed patients.

b. Exercise : Studies have shown that exercise is an effective way to get rid of depression. A physical workout increases circulation, which in turn helps improve the mood, preventing depression.

c. Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, like meditation, breathing exercises and yoga can immensely help in keeping depression at bay.

d. St. John's wort: This unassuming plant with little yellow flowers, known as Hypericum perforatum, is probably the best known for healing depression. It’s an effective antidepressant, an antibiotic and anti-viral agent.

e. Ginkgo: Ginkgo biloba is a powerful antidepressant and antioxidant that increases blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body. It's not only used for major depression cases, but also for elderly patients resistant to standard anti-depression drug therapy.

f. Siberian Ginseng: Ginseng, in its various forms, stimulates the immune system and improves aerobic capacity. By regulating blood sugar levels, it also benefits depression cases.

Depression not only disrupts life, but can keep you on an edge and push you off it too, if not treated in time. So, if you consistently find yourself down in the dumps, take treatment immediately. However, to avoid side effects of prescription drugs, opt for natural remedy for depression under the supervision of your physician.