Millions of Americans deal with depression including adults and children. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 65% of adults from age 18 onwards received professional treatment because of “major depressive episode.” In 2018, 1.9 million children from 3 to 17 years old were diagnosed with depression.
It is more important for people and communities to be mindful of depression and how it affects the lives of many. Professional treatment for depression and other mental health disorders is now more accessible and there are more resources available to the public. People must be aware that help is available and that there is something they can do themselves to ease the pain.
Here are 5 natural remedies for depression
Get enough sleep (Zzzzzzz)
Never underestimate the power of a goodnight’s sleep. 8 hours of sleep can make a big difference for many people dealing with depression and stress. There are many studies suggesting that people who don’t get enough sleep are more vulnerable to mental health conditions. According to the Sleep Foundation, “understanding the complex relationship between sleep and depression can be an important step in improving sleep quality and better-managing depression.” So, if you are feeling depressed, try to improve your sleep cycle and determine if there’s an improvement.
Eat healthily
Some people say they drown out their sadness with food. That is in fact true, there are people who turn to food and overeating to feel happier. There are food traps when people are depressed. Indulging in such unhealthy habits can only lead to deeper depression and weight gain. Satisfy your hunger with healthy options and you might be wondering if there are happy foods. There are. Quinoa has a flavonoid that serves as an anti-depressant so give this superfood a go. Salmon, mushrooms, leafy greens, black beans, and beets are also great choices. If you want to indulge in food that isn’t entirely healthy like ice cream, you can do so, just make sure to find the right balance and don’t consume way too much.
Healthy sex life
Sex is not an instant cure for depression and other mental health issues. However, the activity releases feel-good hormones and chemicals throughout the body like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. It is even much better if you get to do it with someone special, like your spouse or life partner. Make sure to practice safe sex and remember that there are consequences to this. But, it is true that a healthy sex life can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The human touch in general can be a way to fight depression. Did you know that there are professional cuddlers out there? That’s right, people paid to cuddle their clients to reduce depression.
Exercise
After the pandemic, more and more people realized the importance of staying healthy and having a strong mind. That is why more people decided to be more active and it is the right way to go. Exercise is not only good for mental health but for physical and emotional as well. These days, many companies invest millions of money to encourage their employees to be more active. Exercising positively impacts people’s mental health.
Challenge yourself
Dealing with depression is a big challenge. Many people who struggle with it are afraid of many things that could make it worse. But, maybe challenging yourself is a good thing. In some cases, people with depression are motivated to try or learn something new. Something that can take you out of your comfort zone and help you better yourself. Take on responsibilities that despite being hard would be very helpful and valuable to you.
