While depression is very present in the world today, not everyone is about to use antidepressants as a means of getting ‘better.’ With some people not responding to them at all, and others having severe adverse reactions to their medication, sometimes pharmaceutical treatment just isn’t an option.
Now, there are tons of different ‘natural’ therapies and treatment options out there, but not all of them work and some are usually for specific kinds of people. This is something that you should keep in mind before giving one a try. Sure, being depressed can make you feel helpless but you are not helpless, there is something out there that can and will make things a little better whether you know what that thing is just yet or not.
Below I am going to go over some of the more effective natural therapies and treatments that many have had success with. Some of them will be quite drastic and others extremely small but you will be surprised at the difference they make in your life. Don’t hesitate to give any of these a go, they might really change things for you in a good way.
6 Natural Depression Therapies and Treatments That Can Really Help:
1. Give bright light therapy a chance.
Bright light therapy is basically sitting in front of a light box (or getting out in the sunlight if possible) for at least an hour each morning. This lightbox mimics the lighting you’d get outside on a nice day which is not always something you can find. Studies have shown that doing this is just as effective as using antidepressants for most. While it might not seem like much, your body and mind respond to it on their own.
2. Get the sleep your body needs.
Our bodies need sleep. If you are not getting the sleep that you need then you could be the driving force behind your depression without realizing it. If you are someone who suffers from insomnia working to resolve that issue might really help your mental state. That being said, if you are just overworking yourself, take a break and get some rest.
3. Change your diet.
Changing your diet can have drastic effects on how you feel. Researchers have in the past actually found that those who consume a Mediterranean diet are less likely to be depressed. Look at the things you’re eating and cut out the stuff that’s just not healthy. We are a reflection of the things we ingest, make sure what you’re ingesting is good for you.
4. Actually, talk things out.
For some reason, far too often we think that we can resolve the problems within without actually addressing them. This rarely ever is possible. If you are going through a serious battle with depression whether you feel like you’re getting somewhere or not talking to someone you trust be it a friend or a therapist will make a difference in the long run.
5. Exercise every single day.
Exercising has been found on multiple occasions to help make a person feel better. In one study it was found more effective than pills like Zoloft and that was with a mere 30 minutes of walking each day. You don’t have to turn into a bodybuilder to exercise yourself into a better mood, a little goes a long way.
6. Try cognitive behavioral therapy.
CBT is a form of therapy that involves an intense form of treatment with a hands-on physician. This therapy has a driving goal to change the way a person approaches things and focuses on their thoughts. That being said, this one won’t work for everyone.
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