Home Remedies For Depression 2

FROM LAST POST

The normal ups and downs of life mean that everyone feels sad or has "the blues" from time to time. But if emptiness and despair have taken hold of your life and won't go away, you may have depression. Depression makes it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Just getting through the day can be overwhelming. But no matter how hopeless you feel, you can get better. Understanding the signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment of depression is the first step to overcoming the problem. If you struggling with depression you can learn about depression symptoms, warning signs, and causes, plus what you can do to feel better. HERE

Remedies for Depression

16. Laughter

Laughter aids in offsetting the symptoms of depression by improving the mood and impacting social relationships favorably. After all, “Laughter is the best medicine.”

17. Exercise

To improve your mood, relax your mind, uplift your self-esteem, and keep your mental health, it’s very important to indulge yourself in some sort of moderate physical activities. Muscle relaxation and breathing exercises are considered to be great for the depressed people. Jogging and walking are equally effective.

18. Yoga and Meditation

Meditation and yoga efficiently alters the brain’s biochemistry. You send a message to the brain via spinal cord when you stretch during yoga. It stimulates the sensation of ‘feel good’. Daily practice of pranayamas and asanas keeps you from melancholy.

19. Sunbathe

The level of natural antidepressant in the brain increases in the sunlight. A research has revealed that our brain produces more serotonin, a mood-lifting chemical, on sunny days than it does on darker or cloudy days.  So, sunbathe for a minimum of 30 minutes whenever you require warmth.

20. Bathe

Since sunbathing is not possible at night or on an extremely hot day, have a shower, if you feel dejected. Surprised? Researchers discovered that bathing or a neutral immersion bath relaxes mind and uplifts mood.

21. Soak Feet in Hot Water

If bathing is not possible due to any reason, you can try this remedy. Fill a tub with hot water and add some soap, chlorine and rosemary leaves to it. Dip your feet in this tub for 15-20 minutes. It will calm down your dejected mind.

22. Massage

Massage the soles of your feet with sunflower or coconut oil before going to bed. It will revitalize your nerves making you feel unperturbed.

23. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is considered to be a natural way to do away with depression as it elevates one’s mood and calms the mind. Studies revealed the fact that acupuncture changes the release of neurohormones and neurotransmitters, thereby altering the chemistry of the brain favorably.

 24. Guided Imagery

It is a method in which your mind and body communicates with each other via touch, taste, smell and vision. It involves imagination of things that bring positive thoughts to your mind like mountains, waterfall, sunrise and sunset on the beach etc. You endeavor to feel the breeze, smell the flowers and hear the sounds in nature. You can practice it during touch therapy and massage. The skills of visualization can’t be learnt overnight. One needs continuous practice, patience and time to master it.

25. Music Therapy

Music therapy is a non-medical way to overcome grief, anxiety, fear and stress. It tranquilizes your spirit naturally and is good for people of all ages. Put on your headphones and listen to classic old melodies or hit rocks depending on your taste and mood.

26. Light Therapy

In this therapy, depressed person is seated close to an intensely lit box. This box imitates light from outside. Initially, the patient is exposed to this box for 15 minutes, but depending upon the of severity of symptoms, the time limit may extend up to 2 hours each day. The intensity of the light is also determined according to the level of depression. This therapy only relieves the signs associated with melancholy; it does not completely cure depression.

27. Writing Therapy

Maintain a mood diary and pen down all the positive things that occur around you. Don’t write about any negative event. If you find it difficult to maintain it on a daily basis, write at least once-a-week. Whenever you feel dejected, come back to your dairy and read it. It will remind you of your good days and bring a smile on your face.

In general, pouring your heart out by the means of writing is considered to be healing, according to the researchers. So, we suggest you to write more often, it has no side effects.

28. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This therapy focuses on your thoughts. Depression can easily be resisted by developing an optimistic outlook and altering the way of your thinking. Pessimistic thoughts elicit the feeling of solitude and triviality, but you can overcome this condition by staying focused solely on positive side of everything that happens to you. It is a short-term therapy that lasts for 10-20 sessions and effectively treats mild to moderate depression.

Herbal Remedies for Depression

Here are some of the herbal remedies which really work wonders in fending off the depression.

29. Lemon Herb

Put 25 grams of lemon herb in cold water. Leave it for 12-15 hours. Use this ointment twice or thrice a day.

30. Asparagus (Shatavari)

Grind the dried roots of asparagus into the powdered form. Ingest 1-2 grams of this powder at least once a day.

31. Nardostachys or Spikenard (Jatamansi)

The extracts of rhizome and roots of this herb are said to have tranquilizing effect on the brain. It is a mild sedative that reduces aggression.

32. Indian Ginseng (Ashwagandha)

This herb has antidepressant properties. Have 2 tablespoons of powdered Indian ginseng with a glass of water to overcome melancholy.

33. Nutmeg

Extract juice of fresh Indian gooseberries. Add 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg powder to it. Drink it three times a day.

34. Licorice

1-3 cups of licorice tea a day alleviate depression. You can also take licorice powder with milk.

Note- Breast-feeding and pregnant women should not consume licorice in any form. Besides, people with renal, heart and liver diseases, high blood pressure and those take aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin) must abstain from having licorice.

35. Sage and Basil Leaves

Prepare a tea by adding ½ teaspoon of sage and ¼ teaspoon of basil leaves to a cup of hot water. Drink it twice a day to reduce depression.

36. Lavender Leaves

Boil 1 cup of water, then steep 1 teaspoon of lavender leaves. Strain the liquid and consume the resultant solution when it’s hot, thrice a day.

37. Sandalwood Powder

Apply sandalwood powder on the forehead on the daily basis. It calms and soothes the mind of depressed person.

38. Commiphora mukul (Guggul)

This herb strengthens the nervous system, apart from reducing weight. It is available in the form of various supplements and herbal capsules in medical stores. Alternatively, dry some guggul resins and spread it on burning coal. Inhale the smoke for a few minutes. Its smoke is said to be good for rejuvenating the mind.

REMEMBER

Just as the symptoms and causes of depression are different in different people, so are the ways to feel better. What works for one person might not work for another, and no one treatment is appropriate in all cases. If you recognize the signs of depression in yourself or a loved one, take some time to explore the many treatment options. In most cases, the best approach involves a combination of social support, lifestyle changes, emotional skills building, and professional help.

Home Remedies For Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and depression may make you feel as if life isn't worth living.

More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness, nor is it something that you can simply "snap out" of. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychological counseling or both. Other treatments also may help

Symptoms

Although depression may occur only one time during your life, usually people have multiple episodes of depression. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include:

• Feelings of sadness, emptiness or unhappiness
• Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
• Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, such as sex
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
• Tiredness and lack of energy, so that even small tasks take extra effort
• Changes in appetite — often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people
• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness — for example, excessive worrying, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still
• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself for things that are not your responsibility
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
• Frequent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

For some people, depression symptoms are so severe that it's obvious something isn't right. Other people feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

Types of depression

Depression affects each person in different ways, so symptoms caused by depression vary from person to person. To clarify the type of depression you have, your doctor may add information to your depression diagnosis called a specifier. Specifiers include having depression with specific features, such as:

• Anxious distress — unusual restlessness or worry about possible events or loss of control
• Mixed features — simultaneous depression and mania, which includes elevated self-esteem, talking too much, and racing thoughts and ideas
• Melancholic features — severe depression with a profound lack of response to something that used to bring pleasure, associated with early morning awakening, worsened mood in the morning, significant changes in appetite, and feelings of guilt, agitation or sluggishness
• Atypical features — ability to be cheered by happy events, increased appetite, little need for sleep, sensitivity to rejection, and a heavy feeling in arms or legs
• Psychotic features — depression accompanied by delusions or hallucinations, which may involve themes of personal inadequacy or negative themes
• Catatonia — includes motor activity that involves either uncontrollable and purposeless movement or fixed and inflexible posture
• Peripartum onset — occurs during pregnancy or in the weeks or months after delivery (postpartum)
• Seasonal pattern — related to changes in seasons and diminished exposure to sunlight

Depression symptoms in children and teens

Common symptoms of depression in children and teens are similar to those of adults, but there can be some differences.

• In younger children, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, aches and pains, refusing to go to school, or being underweight.
• In teens, symptoms may include sadness, irritability, feeling negative and worthless, anger, poor performance or poor attendance at school, feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive, using drugs or alcohol, eating or sleeping too much, self-harm, loss of interest in normal activities, and avoidance of social interaction.
• Depression may occur with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Depression symptoms in older adults

Depression is not a normal part of growing older and it should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in older adults, and they may feel reluctant to seek help. Symptoms of depression may be different or less obvious in older adults, including:

• Memory difficulties or personality changes
• Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems, aches or loss of interest in sex, which are not caused by a medical condition or medication
• Often wanting to stay at home, rather than going out to socialize or doing new things
• Suicidal thinking or feelings, especially in older men

Causes

It's not known exactly what causes depression. As with many mental disorders, a variety of factors may be involved, such as:

• Biological differences.People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain, but may eventually help pinpoint causes.
• Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. When these chemicals are out of balance, it may be associated with depressive symptoms.
• Hormones. Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Hormone changes can result from thyroid problems, menopause or a number of other conditions.
• Inherited traits. Depression is more common in people whose biological (blood) relatives also have this condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing depression.
• Life events. Traumatic events such as the death or loss of a loved one, financial problems, high stress, or childhood trauma can trigger depression in some people.

Remedies for Depression

1. Apple

“An apple a day keeps depression away.” Apple is considered to be the best fruit which prevents all sorts of ailments, for eons. It is equally effective for depression. Add finely chopped pieces of half an apple and 1-2 teaspoons of honey in a glass of milk. Consume it on a daily basis. If you don’t like milk, you can drink apple juice.

2. Saffron

Saffron boosts up the levels of serotonin in the brain, thereby cures mild depression. It’s a delicious seasoning for food. You can have a pinch of it regularly or add it to your food.

3. Rose Petals

Put 25-30 fresh rose petals in water. Boil it for 12-15 minutes. Let it cool and add sugar. Drink this mixture twice or thrice a day. This home remedy effectively relieves you from the bouts of depression.

4. Cardamom

The pleasing odor of cardamom soothes the nerves of our brain. Prepare tea by adding a few tea leaves. Add finely powdered cardamom seeds to it. Sip it slowly.

• Or else, add sugar and powder of 2 cardamoms to a cup of hot water. Boil it. Sip it warm.

5. Coffee

Give a refreshing start to your day with a cup of coffee. Caffeine present in the coffee is a good mood booster and makes you feel better. 1-2 cups of coffee per day relieve mild depression. But don’t consume more than 2 cups; otherwise, it may enhance depression.

Note – It is suggested only for coffee-lovers, others may choose to avoid it.

6. Turmeric

If you are suffering from depression caused due to seasonal changes, turmeric could be of great help. The curcumin present in the turmeric positively affects the pathways of serotonin in the brain, thus, mitigates the depression.

7. Green Tea

Sip 2-3 cups of green tea a day to reduce the symptoms of depression. Green tea has a soothing effect on the brain due to the presence of amino acids in it.

8. Ginger Tea

Boil 1 teaspoon of ginger powder in hot water for a few minutes. Allow the liquid to cool. Sip it two times a day. It’s an excellent cure for depression.

9. Garlic

Add garlic to your food as it wards off the symptoms related to depression, fatigue and insomnia.

10. Balanced Diet

A balanced diet prevents you from catching any/every disease. Have a diet rich in folate, Vitamin B (especially B6) and C.

• All dark leafy vegetables are rich in folate.
• B6 rich foods are spinach, asparagus, sunflower seeds, parsnips, citrus fruits and beets. Non vegetarian sources are lean pork, poultry, fish, chicken, lean beef, spinach, avocados and bananas.
• For Vitamin C consume tomatoes, oranges, fresh juice, brown rice, grams, green vegetables, Indian gooseberries etc.
• Magnesium containing foods are required to cope with suicidal tendencies. Ingest pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds. Nuts like almonds and cashews are also beneficial for the same. In addition, black beans, navy beans, soybeans, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collard greens and whole grains.
• Eat selenium containing food such as tuna, swordfish, oysters, and sunflower seeds.

11. Oatmeal

Cook 4-5 tablespoons of oatmeal in 1 cup of soy milk or rice milk.  Add dried fruits, almonds, nuts, honey or maple syrup in it. It relaxes and keeps depression at bay, so, consume it on a regular basis

12. Cashew nuts

Cashew nuts keep your heart in the pink as it’s affluent in Vitamin B and B2. It also keeps your mind hale and hearty. You can also grind 5-8 cashew nuts into powder and have it with a glass of milk every day.

13. Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are not only yummy, but are also loaded with a number of nutritious elements, like glutamic acid, arginine, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, iron, fiber, protein, etc. The seeds has peanut-like flavor, and can be added to soups, salads, or can be consumed as a snack. Other magnesium rich foods are sesame and sunflower seeds.

14. Folic Acid

Cabbage is a great stress-buster as it’s an affluent source of Vitamin C and folic acid. You can prepare steamed cabbage curry, cabbage soup or can consume it in the form of salad.

• Spinach is another well-off source of folic acid, which works well against depression. One must intake ¾ cup of spinach per day in order to fulfill the daily requirement of folic acid.

Note – Folic acid may lead to cancer, as per a few researches. So, we recommend you to discuss with your doctor about this. It also damages central nervous system.

15. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids such as Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential for the optimal functioning of the brain and reducing the risk of depression. Fish like salmon or tuna, flaxseeds, cod, soy, pollock, flounder and walnuts are well-off in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil also resists depression. So, you should include fish and fish oil in your diet.

REMEMBER

Depression often begins in the teens, 20s or 30s, but it can happen at any age. More women are diagnosed with depression than men, but this may be due in part because women are more likely to seek treatment.

Researchers have identified certain factors that seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering depression, including:

• Depression that started when you were a teen or child
• History of anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder
• Abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs
• Certain personality traits, such as having low self-esteem and being overly dependent, self-critical or pessimistic
• Serious or chronic illness, such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease
• Certain medications, such as some high blood pressure medications or sleeping pills (talk to your doctor before stopping any medication)
• Traumatic or stressful events, such as physical or sexual abuse, the loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship or financial problems
• Blood relatives with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism or suicide

PART 2 HERE