How to Cope With Depression Without Meds

Depression has a debilitating effect on those who suffer from it. Although anti-depressants can bring relief, they fail to address behavior which contributes to depression. They only give symptomatic relief, treating the symptom and not the disease. There can also be serious side effects of these drugs, such as addiction and suicidal tendencies. Fortunately, there are natural ways to get depression help.

Instructions

• 1

  Start exercising. Exercise releases endorphins which act as a natural happy drug for the body. By adding 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week to your routine, you can enhance the effectiveness of serotonin in the body, which helps fight depression. Exercise is also a great way to release the stress and worries that can lead to depression.

• 2

  Take herbal anti-depressants. People often turn to minerals, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, natural supplements and herbal extracts to deal with depression rather than taking harsh prescription drugs. Some examples are vitamins B1 and B6, passionflower and chamomile, ginkgo biloba and Siberian ginseng. All of these can help fight depression and restore the body's natural balance, helping people think more clearly and positively.

• 3

  Eat your omega 3s. Omegas 3s, or fatty fish oils, are a buzz food. Aside from making you smarter, they can also make you happier. According to the Psychiatry Department Researchers at the University of Sheffield UK, fish oil supplements can alleviate the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis.

• 4

  Get a good night's sleep. During the day, your body uses serotonin as a source of energy. During the night it uses melatonin. When sleep patterns are altered, sometimes the body will start producing melatonin in the day. This can make you feel groggy, cranky, moody and constantly exhausted. Your internal body clock becomes reversed and basically produces the night hormones during the day, which can add to depression. Going to bed early, sleeping only in your bedroom and limiting activities before bed will help you get a good night's sleep.