6 Natural Remedies for Treating Depression

Anyone who has experienced major depression knows exactly what it’s like. It can feel like your world has been turned upside-down. You feel blue, down, and so tired that you can barely function. You may also have fearful thoughts running through your mind, anxious about the future, and overwhelmed by the heaviness of your sadness. If you or a loved one is suffering from major depression, there are several natural ways to help. Many of the natural remedies for depression below are extremely simple and easy to implement

What is Depression?

Depression is a general term that refers to a mood disorder marked by a feeling of sadness or low mood. It’s often accompanied by an inability to feel content and/or a reluctance to feel happy. The condition can affect either the mental or physical health of those experiencing it.  If you’re experiencing feelings of sadness or low mood and you don’t know why, it’s likely that you’re experiencing mild to moderate depression. 

The symptoms can range from mild sadness to feeling so low that you can’t function. They can also include anxiety, trouble sleeping, and an overall feeling of being stuck in a rut.  While everyone experiences these symptoms at some point during their life, people who have depression are more likely to have additional problems — like a family history of the condition — and be less likely to seek help. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for so you don’t get blindsided by symptoms.

1. Meditation

Meditation is becoming more and more popular as a way to calm the mind. It is also believed to increase brain connectivity and learning capabilities. It helps to reduce stress by releasing endorphins, which reduces the level of cortisol in the body, which makes the mind feel happier. There are many different types of meditation, but the basic idea is that you focus on one thing while doing something else. For example, you could focus on your breathing while breathing in and out. You could focus on your heartbeat while each heartbeat echoes inside your head. 

2. Exercise

Exercising is another way to reduce stress and improve your mood. It boosts endorphins and serotonin, making you feel happy and confident. It’s also helpful to mix aerobic and strength exercises, as well as flexibility exercises. Aerobic exercises such as dancing, swimming, hiking, walking, etc. are helpful for improving your mood and keeping your heart rate high. Weight lifting is also a great way to build muscle and get a healthy heart rate. It’s also believed that regular weight lifting can improve your cholesterol and blood pressure.

3. Fresh Air & Open Spaces

Enjoying the outdoors is a great way to relax and get fresh air into your lungs. It’s also believed that spending time outside can reduce the risk of developing depression. There are many different kinds of outside activities, so pick something that interests you. Hike up a hill, go for a walk in the country, enjoy nature videos on Youtube, sit in your car and listen to a playlist while looking at the scenery, etc.

4. Daily Affirmations

Another way to help reduce your risk of depression is to change your mindset. Make sure you’re positive and happy while at the same time challenging yourself to be smarter, kinder, and more compassionate. Daily affirmations are great for changing your mindset, as they are repetitive and boost the serotonin levels in the brain. You can try this method out for a few weeks and see how it goes.

5. Brain Training Games

Brain training games are a interesting way to challenge your mind. It’s like a game of Tetris, but with thoughts. The goal is to use logic, reason, and critical thinking skills to complete brain training exercises. You’ll learn new ways of thinking, such as cause and effect, linear thinking, and much more. There are many different brain training games, but the basic idea is that you need to link one concept to another. For example, you might have to create a “why” sentence for an exercise. You’ll have to link one concept to another based on logic.

6. Learn Relaxation Exercises

Relaxation exercises are a quick way to reduce stress and improve your mood. You can try out different meditation techniques and breathing exercises, as well as listen to your favorite music and do some light stretching. There are many different types of relaxation exercises, but the basic idea is that you focus on one thing while doing something else. 

Oasis Recovery is Here For You

If you feel that you or a loved one may be struggling with a mental disorder, you are not alone. Mental disorders, such as depression, can affect anyone. If you or a loved one are currently struggling with this, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services.

Oasis Recovery was founded from firsthand experience of addiction and recovery, with a mission of providing a space where people can heal from addiction and mental illness in a compassionate, creative, open-minded, and heart-centered environment. We believe recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
• Aftercare Services

Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You no longer have to struggle with this disorder on your own. We are here to help.