| Low level depression, while usually not disabling, can | | | | be contributing to symptoms. If you haven't had a |
| still make it difficult to function effectively in family | | | | complete physical examination for a while, it may be |
| and professional life. It also can drain the life out of | | | | a good idea. |
| activities that normally are a major source of | | | | Diet adjustments are another approach that is used |
| enjoyment for you. Even though you may want to | | | | frequently by natural health care providers. Some |
| get back to your normal self as soon as possible, | | | | have discovered that the often recommended low |
| prescription medications may not be the best solution. | | | | fat, high carb diet does not suit them. Blood sugar |
| Many times, mild depression can often be successfully | | | | fluctuations (hypoglycemia) can be involved in |
| self-managed. Depression treatment without drugs | | | | depressive feelings as well as low energy and fatigue. |
| can involve many different approaches. Natural | | | | An example of one diet alternative is the Zone, |
| remedies and herbs for depression can help you feel | | | | developed by Dr. Barry Sears. The Zone diet |
| more motivated to try new things and make positive | | | | advocates balanced amounts of carbohydrates, |
| life changes that you really want. | | | | protein and specific kinds of "healthy fats". This type |
| It's not a good idea to ignore symptoms of low level | | | | of diet can also help address the issue of food |
| depression. By paying attention to symptoms and | | | | sensitivities or allergies, which, in some cases, have |
| identifying possible issues, simple solutions can often | | | | been found to play a part in emotional and physical |
| present themselves. Sometimes it may help to "talk it | | | | depression symptoms. |
| out" with a trusted friend or relative. | | | | Natural remedies and herbs for depression |
| Self help groups are another option for support. | | | | Many have found that dietary supplements and |
| When you're feeling down emotionally, it's common | | | | herbal remedies can be effective in easing symptoms |
| to have thoughts like, "there must be something | | | | of mild depression, especially when combined with |
| wrong with me", or, everyone's happy and having fun | | | | some of the tactics already mentioned. |
| but me", etc. Finding a self help group of people | | | | St John's wort is an herb you've most likely heard |
| facing challenges similar to your own can help break | | | | about. It's been studied in research trials probably |
| through the feelings of isolation that come with | | | | more than any other herb or nutrient. It is also the |
| depression. | | | | most prescribed natural depression remedy. |
| Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you | | | | Some other supplements that are often |
| can also pursue counseling for professional guidance | | | | recommended for depression are the amino acids 5 |
| and help with developing a personalized set of tools | | | | HTP and D-Phenylalanine. Omega-3 supplementation |
| that can help with your specific issues. | | | | has been found to be beneficial for certain types of |
| Depression and the Mind-Body Connection | | | | depression. Omega-3 oils like flax, borage and fish oil |
| Because depression can involve such strong | | | | are healthy fats that research has shown are |
| emotions, it's easy to overlook that symptoms of | | | | necessary for replenishing brain cells and neurons. |
| low level depression may also be caused by a | | | | These are the healthy fats that are often missing in |
| mixture of physical and psychological issues. Physical | | | | the typical low fat, high carb diet. |
| illnesses involving low-level infections or even side | | | | These are a few ideas for self-management of low |
| effects from OTC or prescription medications can | | | | level depression. Everyone is different and the only |
| contribute to low feelings. | | | | way to know what will work for you is to try them. |
| A holistic approach for depression treatment without | | | | They are safe and usually without significant side |
| drugs can include addressing physical issues that may | | | | effects. |