How can we fight depression?

Current statistics show that 9.7% of all Britons are affected by depression, which works out at about 1 in 10 people affected by depression either directly, or indirectly. With numbers rising constantly, it pains me to think about how little is being done to actively fight the damage that depression is doing to our society. So I believe it is only appropriate to attempt to find some way of combating the steady growth of depression, or at least give others a way to help themselves weather the storm that is depression.

I know that these may seem to be a rather, cliché piece of advice, but I suppose it is as it’s true. Get out and get some fresh air, go for a jog, get some exercise. Doing so will release endorphins, natures naturally occurring happy drug. This natural Anti-depressant is free, easy to get and best of all, its non addictive! In addition when receiving this Anti-depressant will cause you to naturally get into better shape!

Eat something! When you keep your blood sugar levels stable you will find that mood swings become less and less frequent, as a plus by eating regular meals you will build your natural energy levels which will make it possible for you to achieve the first step I pointed out. There is a second way you are able to manage depression via food is to eat a diet that is rich in serotonin. Most anti-depressants act by blocking the serotonin receptors in the brain, which, in a roundabout way, causes the serotonin levels in the body to increase. Whereas these anti-depressants (Prozac for example) can prove to be highly effective to combat the signs and symptoms of depression, a serotonin rich diet can achieve similar results. Some foods that deliver high amounts of are:

·         Foods that are rich in Omega 3-fatty acids deliver a large dose of serotonin, foods like Salmon and sardines are great sources for Omega 3.

·         Certain healthy fats (like coconut oil) contain large amounts of Serotonin.

·         Any food high in protein naturally carries substantial Serotonin deposits.  

As an added piece of information, stay away from Caffeine as part of your diet as caffeine naturally decreases serotonin levels.

Don’t lurk in the dark like a vampire; exposure to sunlight can naturally increase the levels of vitamin D in the skin, causing the body to become healthier. In addition, it has been shown that exposure to sunlight can cause people to become more confident and as a bi-product, happier.

There are many mood enhancing supplements out there, each of which has there own benefits:

• 5-HTP: This supplement will help with anxiety, allowing takers to become more sure of themselves.
• Saint Johns Wort: By reducing the speed of nerve synapses, St. Johns Wort allows the taker to “Slow down” and relax, reducing stress, one of the key attributers to depression.
• SAMe: A strong and well known anti-depressant loaded with serotonin deposits.
• L-Theanine: This supplement, commonly found in tea naturally reduces stress levels.

Keeping your hormone levels stable will lead to a more stable mood, lacking in sudden and negative mood swings. The three main producers and forms of hormones are Thyroid, Adrenal and Sex hormones, each is responsible for maintaining a different area of your wellbeing, with even a slight disruption leading to intense changes in personality. By taking supplements of TSH, Cortisol and Estradiol you can keep these three important hormones in a healthy level, avoiding the crash that can come with a hormone imbalance.

By following these simple and natural tips you should be able to fight of the dark aspects of depression, or at the very least stem the tide. If of course these methods do nothing for you then you should follow the oldest, and without a doubt the best method of beating depression; Talk to someone you can trust. A family member, or friend, occasionally the kindness of strangers can help to fight back against depression.