Addictions or Drug Abuse Articles

Monday, February 28, 2011

Battling Depression without Medication

If you or a loved one is battling depression, you must be aware of how difficult it is. Depression, a serious mental condition, if not treated on time, can turn devastating for the sufferer. However, serious depression cannot be treated merely by administration of drugs or medication; dealing with depression needs much more than that.

In fact, you can treat it without taking any medication if you make concentrated efforts to come out of the condition; it is in your own hands to treat yourself. Here are some natural ways to manage and treat the condition of depression. This treatment has more to do with your present lifestyle.


i.The very first step is to analyze your present diet and eating pattern. Avoid refined sugars and cut them out of your diet as much as possible if you are dealing with depression. They increase the level of serotonin in the brain that boosts the effects of depression. When feeling depressed, people crave sugary foods. It is better to avoid sugar completely.

ii. Eating a well balanced diet is more important than medicines for depression. Include a variety of foods in your diet which have multi vitamins. It will increase the metabolism of your body and help it function properly. There is a popular saying that a healthy mind lives in a healthy body..

iii. Besides taking care of your diet, regular exercise is an important way to battle depression. Exercise can lift your moods for hours if performed even for minutes. It gives you an adrenaline rush and a natural high.
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iv. Go out in the fresh air and get some sunlight. An exposure of sunlight even for 10-15 minutes can lift your mood drastically. A morning walk routine can do wonders to improve your condition. If for any reason, you cannot get sunlight, arrange for a light box. Looking at the light from the light box can help fight depression.
v. Get good sleep everyday to keep your body functioning well and to fight depression. A lack of sleep results in poor body functioning, depression, irritation and other such conditions. It is important to have 7-9 hours of sleep daily at night. If needed, you can have a short nap during the day.

vi. Meditation and praying are very good ways if you are battling depression. They keep your mind and soul at peace and will keep your mood in control. Most people who follow a prayer routine daily are never depressed. Depression is a symptom of worthlessness and failure in one's life. Prayers help maintain a positive attitude in life, that is very important to fight depression.

vii. If you are battling depression, do not hide yourself from the world; in fact, seek friends, call them, be social and share your feelings. It gives your feelings a vent and keeps depression in control.

viii. If you are dealing with depression on your own, it is better to journal your moods and thoughts, triggers to your depression, the pattern, and other things. It will help you avoid those things that trigger depression.

ix. If nothing works, you can seek professional help - that does not always means taking medicines. These professionals know how to treat depression in natural way using talk therapy and other modalities. You can also get help online with reliable depression support website.

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