Cures for Depression Without Medicine

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, "Depression is a curable illness." Lifestyle and dietary changes can cure depression in some people and reduce symptoms of depression in others. Some cases of severe chronic depression require medical treatment, especially if suicidal thoughts are involved.

Avoid Triggers

• Abstain from drinking alcohol and using recreational drugs, both of which can cause symptoms of depression. If you suspect a prescription medication you are taking is causing your depression, speak to your doctor about changing medications.

  Avoid situations that cause you to feel depressed. If possible, stay away from negative people who bring your mood down. Instead, spend time with supportive people who have a positive influence on your mood. Avoid places and situations that cause you to feel depressed. Visiting a place or participating in an activity that reminds you of bad experience may cause you to feel sad. Instead, go to places and participate in activities that you enjoy.

Therapy

• See a licensed psychologist or counselor regularly. A therapist gives you the opportunity to express your feelings in a safe environment, and the therapist provides you with mental tools to deal with depression.

Exercise

• Get out of your house and participate in aerobic exercise to increase endorphin levels in your brain. Endorphins are hormones that make your brain feel good. Make exercise more fun by working out with a friend. Interacting with a friend stimulates your mind, makes exercise more enjoyable and provides you with emotional support. Jogging, swimming and walking are excellent aerobic activities. For best results, aim to complete 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times a week. If 30 minutes of exercise is too hard for you, start by exercising for a shorter length of time and gradually work your way up to 30 minutes.

Diet

• Eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids to ensure that your brain receives all of the nutrients it needs to function properly. Vitamins play an essential role in brain function, and many people who eat a poor diet are not getting the nutrients they need. A study published in the December 2006 issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reported that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in the treatment of depression and that a deficiency in vitamin B12, niacin and folate can cause depressive symptoms. A 1999 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging found that vitamin D supplements reduced symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, a depressive condition caused by lack of exposure to natural sunlight. Eat a balanced diet that contains unprocessed foods from all four food groups. Lean sources of protein, nuts, fruit and dark vegetables are excellent food sources. Take daily multivitamin supplements if your diet is not balanced. Eat foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Some foods that contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, mackerel, flaxseed oil and walnuts.

Alternative Medicine

• Alternative medical practitioners recommend receiving acupuncture, massage therapy and meditating to balance the mind and body. According to the theory of alternative and Chinese medicine, the mind and body must be in balance for optimum mental and physical health.