Managing Depression on a Daily Basis
Living with Depression
At some point, many people suffer depression that usually fades with time. In the lives of others, depression is an on-going problem.
No matter what you do, you just don't feel good. You want to sleep all the time, but when you do sleep, it's not good sleep. You've lost your appetite. You may feel self-conscious about yourself. You don't want to leave the house.
It's hard living with depression. You may push away family and friends, neglect pets. I know, I've been there. I've heard, "I can't deal with you when you're like this" and "I can't deal with your problem anymore." I've seen people close to me get hurt, become frustrated, and give up because of my depression. I've lived it since before I can remember, but I've never done much about it besides deal with it.
Recently, I've found all medications that have helped. I've also started exercising, but it's too late for past relationships. It's too late to start over when you've ruined something that never really existed.
If you're like me, you can't help your depression, it's genetic, situational, or environmental. It's not your fault that you may push people away, but it's your fault if you don't try to get help.
Home Remedies for Depression
There are different home remedies that may aid your depression. In some cases, there are natural depression remedies that are blends of various herbs and extracts. No matter what the herbal remedy, you will want to consult your physician.
- St. John's Wort
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Theanine
- SAM-e (S-adenoslmethionine)
- Flaxseed oil
- Selenium
Exercise
I know that it's hard to get out of bed, much less out of the house, but it's important to try to exercise when you suffer from depression.
It's been proven that when you exercise, you release endorphins, which trigger a positive feeling in the body and brain.Endorphins can act like an analgesic to reduce pain, as well as a sedative to aid sleep.
When you exercise regularly,you can actually reduce stress, ward off anxiety and depression, boost self-esteem, and improve your sleep habits.
Any form of exercise can help, but if you're looking for a moderate type of exercise,consider biking, dancing, jogging, low-impact aerobics, tennis, swimming, walking, and yoga. Other activities that you may want to consider may include gardening, housework (cleaning, mopping, etc.), general yard work, and anything that gets you off the couch, even if it's just walking the mall.
Depression Diet
Even if you want to eat chocolate, icecream, and other fatty foods, you'll actually want to avoid these foods.
Eat protein-rich foods, such as turkey, chicken, and tuna; proteins contain tyrosin, which can boost levels of dopamine norepinephrine. The boost of brain chemicals can potentially help make you feel more alert and make concentrating easier.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants.
Try to maintain a healthy diet as best as you can, but you may find that with your reduced mood, you may crave carbohydrates. Well, this is potentially related to decreased seratonin activity, making you crave carbs, which have been linked to the mood boosting hormone.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that the advice in this article should in no way replace that of a licensed physician. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor so that you can determine your diagnosis and the best treatment.
