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Natural Ways to Cure Depression Without Medication

It is thought that as many as one in four people will suffer some form of depression in their lifetime. Modern living is fast and filled with many pressures and prolonged stress will often lead to depression. In addition, most of us will have periods where we are feeling under par or low, both physically and mentally. There are ways to alleviate, and in some cases, cure temporary depression without the need for medication.

Exercise to Cure Depression Naturally

Although exercise is often the last thing we feel like doing when we are low, it can have an enormous curative effect both instantly and over the longer term.

It is now accepted that during exercise our body’s levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin rise quite significantly. These agents are what are known as neurotransmitters – think of them as the body’s chemical messengers. They are responsible for our pleasure responses and work as good mood enhancers.

Exercise is a great stress reliever. Stress is often one of the causes of depression so reducing stress levels will therefore help to alleviate the depression in these cases.

Exercise is of all round benefit to our health and well-being so is a worthy contender for the role of treating depression without medication.

Herbal Remedies to Treat Depression

There are many natural remedies for depression that will work to raise mood and help to restore a bit of vitality at the low times.

St John’s Wort is nature’s very own, highly effective anti-depressant and has had huge success even in quite persistent cases of depression. It has lost some popularity over the last few years and has received some bad press. Perhaps this is more a reflection of the the power of pharmaceutical companies rather than that of St John’s Wort real effectiveness. Pharmaceutical companies would stand to lose millions if a natural alternative to chemical mental illness medication was completely proved.

Siberian Ginseng and Ginkgo biloba also have the ability to promote feelings of well-being and to alleviate low mood although neither are thought to be as powerful as St John’s Wort.

There are many herbal teas that will help promote relaxation and calm including Rosemary, Ginger, Sage and Chamomile.

Light Therapy to Treat Depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a well known temporary depression that occurs mainly in winter. Our bodies need light to produce serotonin and light is of course in shorter supply during the winter months. Many people find that using specialist lamps that simulate natural daylight are invaluable.

Foods That Help Combat Depression

It is thought that certain foods allow our bodies to produce higher levels of serotonin, the feel good hormone mentioned earlier. Foods don’t contain serotonin, this can only be manufactured by the body, but some foods do contain tryptophan. This will stimulate the body to produce higher levels of serotonin. The fact that what we eat can affect our mood will come as no surprise to many people who have already made this link themselves. It is therefore a logical conclusion that there are foods that help combat depression.

Sleep Aid for Curing Depression Without Medication

Sleep disruption and deprivation is both a cause and symptom of depression. Continued periods of disturbed or low quality sleep will, without doubt, affect our mood and general health. Sleeping problems can have many causes and it is this problem that needs to be addressed rather than the resulting depression.

In cases where depression itself is actually causing the sleeping problem there are many alternatives to chemical medication. Serotonin levels, as already discussed, have an impact on our moods. Serotonin is also the hormone responsible for regulating healthy sleep. Increasing serotonin, in the ways previously mentioned, will also aid with sleeping difficulties.

Severe depression is a complex and serious illness. All of the approaches discussed here for treating depression without medication are for mild cases. In all cases of prolonged, recurring or severe depression medical advice should be sought without exception.

This article on the natural remedies to treat depression without medication written by expert author ‘Deneice Arthurton’