
What is depression?
Matt Haig’s book Reasons to Stay Alive really helped me to understand what depression feels like. He writes, ‘it’s like your head is on fire but no one can see the flames.’
The NHS writes:
“Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you’re depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.”
If you think you have depression but aren’t sure, you can take their questionnaire.
5 Natural remedies for depression
Self-help groups
Taking about your feelings is always a good thing. However, you might not feel comfortable talking to friends or family, or maybe you feel they don’t really understand what you are going through.
There are lots of self-help groups both in-person and online. You can even find forums where you’ll be able to find people who are struggling too. Talking to others with similar feelings can be real support through tough times.
Exercise
Research suggests that doing exercise often may help mild depression better than antidepressants. It can do this by increasing happy hormones, serotonin and dopamine.
At my local gym, there are lots of people who go there to help with their mental health. They’ll join a yoga class, spin session or just do their own thing.
Counselling
You can actually get counselling on the NHS or through mental health charities, or you can pay for a private one. I know someone who has weekly paid sessions as she knows it helps her depression, it is a must-have and is as important to her as paying rent and bills.
People who struggle with relationship issues, anger, health or bereavement often benefit from talking with a professional. The counsellor will never tell you what to do, but they might help you work towards finding solutions and understanding yourself better.
Get your Omega 3’s
Research is in early stages and nothing is set in stone, however, there is the suggestion that foods and supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid may help ease depression. Try boosting your omega 3’s with salmon and your folic acid with spinach.
Sleep
There is thought that lack of sleep can make depression symptoms worse. A symptom of depression is trouble sleeping, so this could feel like a double-edged sword. There are ways to help yourself get a better night sleep, tried and tested by the team here at Our Remedy. Read our 5 Natural Sleep Supplements blog.
Try getting yourself into a good bedtime routine too. Swap late-night Netflix binges for a warm bath, meditation and cup of herbal tea.
Natural remedies for depression – do they work?
It’s worth a try, right? They helped lift my friend’s mood, that’s for sure. I know she never got on well with being told to exercise when she hardly wanted to get out of bed, but I know that works for others.
If you are struggling with depression, you can have a confidential chat with your doctor who can discuss options with you.
Remember, we are not doctors here at Our Remedy. We just speak from our own experience and research.