As an MD, Ive watched too many of my colleagues yank out anti-depressant samples every time a patient starts to cry. So on behalf of physicians everywhere, let me apologize for our trigger-happy prescription-writing behavior. I dont mean to diminish the pain someone who is depressed might experience. But tears are healthy. Sadness doesnt always need treatment. And its important to remember that the pain muscle and the joy muscle are the same. If you cant feel one, you wont feel the other.That said, clinical depression sucks, and if youre someone who suffers from it, my heart goes out to you. Im in no way intending to diss anti-depressants or suggest you ignore your doctors advice. I know anti-depressants can be life-saving for people. But unless youre suicidal or otherwise in dire need of urgent medication, before you dose up on side-effect laden pharmaceuticals, its worth considering some natural treatments that might help lift your mood.
How To Treat Depression Naturally1. Consider why you might feel depressed. Sometimes depression is a symptom of something circumstantial in your life, rather than biochemical imbalances. Does your job require you to sell out your integrity every day? Have you been unable to admit that you need to end your marriage? Are you feeling spiritually disconnected or sexually restless? Are you suffering from creative blocks? Is your body failing you? Are you facing financial ruin? Be honest with yourself about what might be off-kilter in your life, and make an effort to get to the root of why you might be feeling depressed.
2. Move your body. Exercise releases happy-making endorphins, which act like natural anti-depressants. Runners high, anyone?
3. Never skip a meal. Keeping your blood sugar stable reduces mood swings.
4. Eat a serotonin-enhancing diet. Many anti-depressan! ts like Prozac act by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin by receptors in the brain, thereby increasing serotonin levels. But you can increase your brains serotonin levels by eating foods that boost your serotonin levels naturally.Serotonin-enhancing foods include:
- Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as wild salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies, which are even higher in omega-3 fatty acids than other fish)
- Healthy fats like coconut oil
- Eat a high protein diet, especially proteins high in tryptophan, like free range turkey
5 Best Snacks to Boost Your Mood
5. Avoid caffeine, which reduces serotonin levels. If you need an energy boost, supplement with L-Tyrosine (500 1000 mg).
Next: Mood-enhancing supplements and test your hormone levels
