- Sleep and mood are intimately related. Keep a regular schedule and get adequate rest.
- Avoid caffeine and other stimulants. Although they give temporary energy, they can deplete your serotonin levels in the long-run.
- Take a multi-vitamin regularly if you do not eat well. Several vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to depression symptoms.
- Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies Related to Depression
- For mild to moderate depression, some find that St. John’s Wort, SAMe or 5-HTP can be helpful and may have fewer side effects. In addition, some studies seem to indicate that St. John’s Wort may in fact be just as effective as prescription antidepressants in treating major depression. These remedies cost less than prescription medications and help put you in control of your own treatment.
- St.John’s Wort May Help Major Depression
- St. John’s Wort Potency
- Get in touch with your spiritual side through prayer or meditation. Remember, spirituality is not the same thing as religiosity. You may be spiritual without ever setting foot in a church, synagogue or mosque.
- Forgiveness Helps Heal Depression
- Get more exercise. This doesn’t mean you have to start up a vigorous daily workout. Even a walk around the block can be energizing.
- How to Exercise When You Are Depressed
- The Benefits of Outdoor Exercise for Depression
- Avoid excess alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a depressant and toxic to your body as well.
- Should I Avoid Drinking Alcohol with My Antidepressant?
- Alcohol Creates Double Trouble for the Depressed
- Do You Have a Problem With Alcohol?
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Nutritional Deficiencies that Can Cause Depression
- Eating Fish May Help Inflammatory Disease, Depression
- Eat Fish for Healthy Baby, Happy Mom
- Food and Mood
- Your thoughts have a direct bearing on your mood. Learning about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, either through a therapist or self-help books, can help you stop the negative thoughts that bring you down.
- What Are Cognitive Distortions?
- How to Cope With Negative Thoughts
- What Is Cognitive Therapy?
- Cognitive Therapy Self-Help Guide
- Stress can be physically draining. Learn to control your stress levels through time management, meditation, biofeedback training, etc.
- How to Cope With Stress
- How Is Stress Related to Depression?
- Stress, Depression and Illness Link
- Combat feelings of loneliness by reaching out to others who are less fortunate.