Symptoms & Natural Remedies for Depression

Depression is becoming more and more common, it is said to hit 1 in 4 adults. There are varying degrees of depression but it is important to seek help when you start feeling certain symptoms. There are many counselors and Psychologists ready to help. It is good to talk to someone about your problems, don’t keep them to yourself, if you do, they might start eating you from the inside. Remember, seeking professional help doesn’t mean you’re crazy or that you have huge problems, professionals are there for everyone.

It is good to take into consideration natural cures for depression, as they may contain far less side-effects than prescribed drugs. On the other hand, they are effective mostly for people with mild to moderate depression. It is good to keep in mind that one should go to the doctor before treating or diagnosing himself with depression and consult with him/her about natural remedies they may want to start using.

Certain people may not realize that they are feeling depressed; the following is a list of some symptoms of depression:

• You may find it harder to do certain things that used to be easy to do
• You may find it hard to sleep or you sleep all the time
• You may stop eating frequently or start eating too much
• You may find that you are always irritated
• You stop being interested in daily activities
• You may start feeling suicidal
• You may have marked periods of anxiousness

Herbal remedies for depression

There are several herbs that may help ease depression, such as St John’s Wort, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Ginkgo.

St John’s Wort is the most popular herb, with several studies showing that it helped alleviate mild to moderate symptoms of depression more than a placebo.

Rosemary may give some energy when inhaled and may cheer the person up, it’s good to keep under the pillow or use in a bath – check out my other hub about reducing anxiety using aromatherapy for more information

Ginkgo Biloba is said to increase blood flow and therefore may help in easing depression especially in older people

Lemon balm (tea) has very effective calming effects but it is mostly useful for people suffering from mild depression

In some cases, what causes depression and its treatment can be linked. There are other natural remedies which could help ease depression simply by making sure you eat enough of certain foods containing the following:

Omega-3 fatty acids – an Omega-3 deficiency has been linked to depression according to scientific studies these are normally ingested as the human body is unable to produce them on its own. It is found in fish such as Salmon, however, due to increased mercury in fish there are fish oil capsules which are usually filtered to remove all the harmful chemicals. The capsules are natural and may help ease depression.

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e) – it is a chemical produced naturally in the body and has been linked to depression due to the fact that it is believed to increase serotonin and dopamine (neurotransmitters which, when lacking, may be the cause of depression)

Folic Acid – it is a B vitamin found in vegetables, beans and fruit. A deficiency in folic acid may result in depression. Researchers have found that taking Folic acid as a supplement together with antidepressants may increase the effectiveness of the antidepressants.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5 HTP) is a naturally occurring chemical in the body linked to the production of serotonin in the brain. Lack of serotonin may induce the feelings of sadness and other symptoms associated with depression. Researchers feel they don’t have enough evidence about its effectiveness, however, taking it as a supplement may increase serotonin levels in the brain. NB- It shouldn’t be taken with antidepressants)

Siberian Ginseng: this herb is important to create a balance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. It also boosts the immune system and is beneficial for people with diabetes as it regulates blood sugar levels.

Diet

What you eat may also increase the probability of depression, so try and avoid the following:

Caffeine – although it gives you an energy boost, it may actually increase mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The same goes for alcohol consumption, which dampens your mood.

Magnesium is found in legumes, whole grains, nuts; people who don’t eat enough of these may suffer from a lack of Magnesium, which is important for Serotonin production.

Vitamin B6 – deficiency of this vitamin is rare but may increase the risk of depression. Vitamin B6 is important for neurotransmitters such as Dopamine and Serotonin which improve moods.

Exercise

I cannot stress the importance of exercise enough especially for people suffering with depression. Any form of exercise may release certain chemicals which improve your mood, and can also decrease stress hormones. It may be helpful to find a sport you may like doing and do it often.

Meditation

Others find Yoga and Meditation very helpful, particularly with getting rid of stress, but I will be discussing their benefits in a separate hub.