7 Tips to Overcome Depression

If you are struggling to overcome depression, know that you are not alone in your struggle. In fact, at any moment there are millions of others living with this mood disorder. Thousands of researchers have spent millions of dollars conducting studies that have shown what does and doesn't work to alleviate depression.

Some of these studies have supported the traditional therapy regimen consisting of prescription antidepressants and psychological counseling. Other more recent studies have shown that a large number of people have participated in traditional therapy but found no relief for their mood disorders. This is because many stop taking antidepressants due to the unpleasant side effects.

Experts are now coming around to the fact that there are alternative remedies that have helped many find relief from depressive symptoms. These range from herbal remedies, supplements, acupuncture, massage therapy, talk therapy, and many others.

Everyone is different and what works for one person might not work for another, but for every depressed person there is a remedy or treatment that can overcome depression. The following are a few tips to help anyone who is struggling to overcome depression:

Talk to someone. Many people tend to withdraw when they become depressed, but this is the time when you need to be with other people the most. Find a supportive person to talk to and express your feelings, as keeping all your feelings bottled up inside can cause them to fester and make you feel worse.

Get Started Taking Supplements. Many experts believe depression is caused from a chemical imbalance in the brain, and this can be brought on by a lack of proper nutrition. Taking supplements can give the brain a kick start to better chemistry and make you feel better.

Eat a Proper Diet. When we are depressed or anxious, it is hard to resist reaching for processed foods high in sugar and fat. The best way to counter the urges is to keep healthy food around at all times, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein. Eating a proper diet will give your body the nutrition it needs for good brain chemistry.

Walk 30 Minutes a Day. Studies have proven that walking just 30 minutes a day can be just as effective in alleviating depression as taking antidepressants. In fact, some mental health experts are now incorporating the exercise of walking into their treatment regimen. Walking for 30 minutes can give an immediate lift in mood, so if you are seeking immediate results, this is a good exercise.

Spend Time Outdoors. Depressed individuals often find it difficult to get outside and leave the safe haven of home. Once they are outside, however, they usually start feeling better. We are intended to walk among nature, and doing so can give an immediate surge in feeling good. Just sitting outside for a while and listening to the sounds of nature can give positive results.

Practice Meditation. This has been found to alleviate all manner of disorders in people, including mood disorders. Practice meditating at least several times a week, and see how much better you feel.

Do Something You Enjoy Every Day. It's easy to get in the habit of rushing here and there, doing for others, and never taking the time to do the things we enjoy. But this is important for your emotional well being. You must first take care of yourself and then you'll be better able to care for others. Find some time every day to do something enjoyable, whether it is reading a book, going to the gym, or watching a movie.