Suffering from Depression can make you feel hopeless, frustrated and like your quality of life will never get better. Many feel that prescription medications don’t help, and simply mask the problem instead of helping solve it. If you are dealing with Depression, it is easy to get discouraged about your treatment options. Below are ways that you can naturally reduce your Depression and get you back on a road to a healthier mind and body.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be just as effective as Anti-Depressants in helping Depression. Weekly Acupuncture treatments can  address the underlying causes of your Depression, the Organ Systems that are stuck or stagnated, and bring you back to a state of homeostasis and Emotional balance. Acupuncture points can help stimulate the body’s production of Endorphins and aid the release of Serotonin and Dopamine, which can improve one’s mood.

Omega-3s
Taking a daily Omega- 3 Fish Oil supplement can do more good than you think. It is believed that being deficient in Omega-3s can cause mood swings and depression. Omega-3s are found in fish like Salmon, Tuna and Herring and are not only good for your overall physical health but your mental health as well.

Meditation
Meditation has been proven to have many benefits. Not only does it bring the heart rate down, calm the mind and reduce stress, but it can also bring the mind to a healthier place.  Studies have found that those who practice Meditation have a lower rate of relapsing than those who take medication alone.

Get outside
Spending time outdoors and in the sun can have great effects on your mood. When one doesn’t get enough sunlight, it can strongly affect how you feel and is one of the main causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Try spending even just 15 to 30 minutes outside every day whether it is walking, gardening or just simply sitting outside.

Exercise
There is nothing better than the natural high you get after a good workout. Exercise, whether it is running, swimming or yoga, releases Endorphins that can give you a mood boost. Try spending 30 minutes a day doing some sort of exercise. One study found that patients who worked out regularly saw a decrease in their symptoms of Depression by half in 12 weeks. Not only does exercise improve your body physically, but mentally as well.

Avoid alcohol and drugs
People suffering with Depression often consume damaging substances like Alcohol and Drugs to help mask their symptoms. It is recommended that those with depression should not have more than a drink on occasion. Alcohol and drugs affect Brain chemistry and can later intensify your mood for the worse.

Take a break
Depression can often worsen when you are feeling stressed and overworked. Try to take some time off to relax. If it isn’t possible to take vacation time, try to fit in at least an hour a day of relaxation time. Whether it’s meditating, taking a bubble bath, reading or closing your eyes for a bit, take some away from your electronic devices, and make time for a bit of relaxation, deep breaths and a way to shut off from the rest of the world.

Alternative Treatments For Depression

About 19 million American adults suffer from Depression and most find their current treatment options ineffective along with a slew of unwanted side effects. Many who are prescribed Antidepressants find that the medication only masks the problem, and does not cure it. However there are alternative treatments that have been proven effective without harmful side effects.

Homeopathics: Finding the right Homeopathic remedy for you can help increase mood and decrease feelings of sadness and anxiety. These natural substances can help bring balance and harmony back in to your life.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: I have successfully treated many patients who are anxious and depressed with a variety of Herbal formulas, preventing the need to go on Anti-Deressant medications.  The combination of weekly Acupuncture treatment, combined with Chinese Herbal Therapy works wonders!  When the body is in balance, we tend to feel physically, as well as mentally, healthy.

Yoga & Meditation: When practiced regularly, yoga and meditation have a profound effect on decreasing stress and boosting mood. Through deep breathing and poses, these practices help focus and clear the head and lower heart rate, which in turn can decrease stress levels and put thoughts and mood in a better place.

Depression is not something that is easy to deal with, nor is it something you have to go through alone.