Home Remedies for Depression
WARNING: This home remedies site is intended to be archival in nature. The natural remedies here are submitted by numerous people from around the world, and we have no way to test or verify every remedy. As such these home remedies should be used for academic purposes only. Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.
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Depression Home Remedies:
Submitted by Jodi at 2005-11-22 05:44:23
There is a difference between depression and bi-pilor disorder. If you are bi-polar, a new study shows that anti-depressants can make you more depressed, even suicidal. If you are on an anti-depressant and you are bi-polar ask your doctor about taking a mood stablizer and anti anxiety medicine instead. I am bi-polar and anti-depressants made me worse.
rating: 7 (34 votes)
Submitted by Sara Eastern at 2011-11-07 08:16:01
As a late middle-aged woman, who has suffered from long bouts of severe depression since childhood, I consider myself quite an expert on this subject.
I find that when I really activate my energy (by running, dancing or chanting) the depression lifts. Really push yourself to expand beyond your perceived limits. The aerobic effect is paramount, and a bit of puffing and panting can be most refreshing when You've been slumped for a while. It also helps to let go of anything that You know is undermining your well-being In my case I have recently chosen to give up pot, coffee and wheat products, with excellent results on the many levels. I KNOW that tobacco must be the next to go, and that I must re-establish my 'running' regime ASAP .........
rating: 7 (4 votes)
Submitted by infekt at 2007-04-08 11:45:00
Exercise. Moderate activity will promote higher levels of endorphines in the body. These supposedly act as, so to speak, 'pain-killers' and are good for emotional well-being. The degree of effect will vary from person to person. Nonetheless, exercise is still beneficial to overall health.
rating: 6 (18 votes)
Submitted at 2005-12-25 23:48:51
Get plenty of sleep and don't stay up late being idle. Sleep greatly improves or worsens my symptoms depending on the amount. Late at night is the worst time, especially if you are alone.
rating: 6 (14 votes)
Submitted at 2005-04-05 01:51:19
Flowers that smell good, colorful lights, and sunshine are all good in helping with depression. Just getting some fresh air can help too.
rating: 6 (27 votes)
Submitted by MrBob at 2010-02-11 05:33:13
SSRI + NDRI + good quality Multivitamin. Some mind tools - (there are also many others) distraction, visualization, emotion replacement, hobbies. Everyone is different, but for me personally this combination has worked awesomely after an 8 year ashen struggle (which went up/down like a stock chart, depending on the treatments). Good luck, and remember, just as hell has an entrance, it has an exit, too.
rating: 6 (6 votes)
Submitted by La Vern De Wilde at 2005-06-28 10:02:36
St Johns Wort two capsules once to three times per day will elevate one's thinking.
rating: 6 (17 votes)
Submitted by estelle at 2011-06-18 23:01:03
i know it sounds crazy but to be happier,EAT A BANANA!!!bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
rating: 6 (11 votes)
Submitted at 2007-02-17 20:53:41
My doctor told me that a low iron count can also give symptoms of depression, and to take iron pills, 1 per day. Please be careful with this, as you can overdose on iron. It doesn't work overnight, but will help in a week or two.
rating: 6 (7 votes)
Submitted by RN who has been there at 2008-12-11 05:14:00
Most of the suggestions are wonderful. I just want to put some education and food for thought out there, because so many of us have been there! I have tried many different antidepressants, SSRI's and currently taking a combo of a cyclic Trazadone and Prestiq(yeah a new guinea pig approved FDA drug). After being on 8 different antidepressants i the last 10 years. I have found that they can be life savers for severe depression. I am 37 and have been practiced on for the last 10 yrs! Remember the medical field Practices medicine, none of it is exact!!I am convinced that they change your brain chemistry so that you cannot get over your next bout of depression without an antidepressant. I am angry about these meds and some of there nasty side effects HOWEVER I am also thankful for them, When you start thinking the ones you love may be better off with you dead, or anything even close to this, Please seek professional help! It is a dark lonely SCARY place to be. Be patient they take time and when you feel a little better you will have your own work to do. Be proactive and educate yourself about depression side effects of drugs that you are asked to take, the including signs and symptoms of mania, or bi polar disorder. It is possible for them to cause (my observation only)manic like symptoms that can cause you to be labelled bipolar. Exercise is the BEST antidepressant of all in my experience. But if you are suffering a moderate to severe depression and someone tells you take a 10 minute walk around the block when you feel like your lucky to have the energy to take a shower in the morning you need help!! This would not be the time to reach for unstudied remedies for depression if for no other reason than you need a doctor monitoring your depression, an ally to help you beat this gripping illness! I obviously believe in herbs and alternative therapies or I would not be on this site, but we are talking about a potentially fatal illness I cannot in good concious recommend anything else. What works for one may not work for another. Some depressed people exhibit symptoms that are vague and even opposite of what may come to mind when you think about depression.I have seen many pts have excellent results with the same meds and dosages that I felt made me much worse. Develop a pratnership with a doctor that is comfortable treating you at your level of depression. This advice( which I am much better at giving than recieving) may save a life. PLEASE TAKE CARE YOU ARE WORTH IT!! I am a hospice nurse, all of us eventually have our time to pass on, nothing is sadder to me than when we pass before GOD was ready to take us to our eternal home. LIVE WELL AND SEEK HAPPINESS FROM WITHIN!!
rating: 6 (28 votes)
Submitted by Renee at 2005-07-18 07:05:21
Having a professional massage is not only de-stressing and relaxing, but it also increases endorphins, easing depression and inspiring an overall feeling of well-being.
rating: 6 (24 votes)
Submitted by JV at 2008-03-31 10:06:52
For mild bouts of depression, I go tanning. The vitamin D in sunshine can make you instantly feel better.
Also.. retail therapy. Nothing makes me happier than a new pair of shoes. (seriously)
rating: 6 (12 votes)
Submitted at 2009-01-05 14:00:05
I have been depressed for 2 years, how ever i'm over coming it now. Take a good look at you're life style in every aspect, and make a good change! take out the negative people in your life, put the focus on yourself, stay busy, and find out what motivates you. Focus on your health as well, you'll feel better about yourself guaranteed! This is just a first step! I hope this will help.
rating: 6 (20 votes)
Submitted by You are not alone at 2011-04-14 20:46:56
I am currently diagnosed with bipolar depression. I have realized that for me being with family and friends and listening to music keeps me from thinking of my depression. When I am with family and friends I think about what I am doing, and when I listen to music I think about music. If you are depressed, you will get through it. I am not through it yet but I am getting better. Good Luck! People care about you! Think about who you are effecting...
rating: 6 (5 votes)
Submitted by Janine at 2006-05-24 20:45:02
To treat depression one should do things to take their mind off of whatever the problem may be. One should surround themselves with lots of loved one and PRAY there is so much power in PRAYER. It's amazing believe me.
rating: 5 (68 votes)
Submitted by Renee at 2004-09-09 19:08:08
Open up your curtains and let the sun shine in. Being in a dark room for too long will make you sad. The sun is what gives you life and if you don't bask in it life will slowly leave you.
rating: 5 (36 votes)
Submitted at 2006-12-30 06:49:26
One possible treatment for depression (esp. Seasonal Affective Disorder) is increased exposure to full spectrum light. Use unfiltered sunlight or light from a 5000K fluorescent lamp (e.g. GE F15T8-SR held 8-12' from the face for 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the evening).
rating: 5 (4 votes)
Submitted by April at 2010-02-27 10:39:22
Meditation. You have to find a good teacher. I learn meditation in Bali..if you have the time and money to go there, please do (www.baliusada.com)...it'll transform your life! If not, try to find a good teacher somewhere else..
rating: 5 (4 votes)
Submitted by mayra at 2005-05-25 15:37:21
I recomend if natural remedies don't work, please have your family and friends closer to you. Natural light is good and flowers nature, and fresh air. When this does not work please seek help as I did. I found out i'm bipolar. I felt like I was not worth it, I have three kids and helped myself for not only me but the people who love me. Now I can deal with life as it comes.
rating: 5 (17 votes)
Submitted by Jon Read at 2010-04-02 12:00:35
Most anti depression remedies are taken orally and will contain some sort of artificial seretoning replacement.
Seretoning being the substance naturally produced by our bodies from the natural daylight our eyes retina receives.
Lack of daylight through shortening daylight hours or peoples work enviroments causes our bodies to produce too much Melatoning,the substance responsible for making us feel run down and lethargic.Now because of the fact that Melatoning uses Seretoning as part of its own production is it any wonder there are so many of us run down, fed up and depressed.The name given to this condition is SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (S.A.D).
Some of the simptoms include;
Interupted sleep patterns ie waking up in the middle of the night with your mind racing so not being able to go back to sleep easily.
Feeling excessively tied during the day.
Feeling run down and lathargic.
Finding it hard to consentrate.
Eating more carbohydrates and so putting on more weight.
The natural cure for this condition that most of us suffer with is to purchase a natural daylight lightbox.Theres a few on the market but becarefull some of them dont ommit the relevent level of light required to benifit.
I would recomend the BRITEBOX ENERGISE,
its been reduced from £210 to £169 and is classed as a medical devise so is vat exempt.
Next day delivery also included.
www.britebox-led.com
rating: 5 (7 votes)
Submitted at 2003-11-07 17:47:18
Drink tea with 1/4 teaspoon powdered cardamom seeds.
rating: 5 (15 votes)
Submitted by Jodi at 2005-12-02 06:27:38
If you are feeling depressed try not to distance yourself from friends and family. It feels like the world is against you, but if you stay close to the ones who love you, they can keep you focused. Depression cannot be fought alone. Everyone needs someone to stand by them. If that is not possible, use your faith (whatever that may be) to guide you.
rating: 5 (18 votes)
Submitted by Miranda at 2011-07-23 00:57:21
Depression runs in my Family and I am currently on meds. However I would still have those weak moments of panic. Where you just don't feel like yourself...even weak minded and scared at times. I started taking MSM and within 2 weeks my mind clarity was SO MUCH BETTER!! Those moments of uncertainty and panic are gone. I plan on taking this stuff for the rest of my life because it's so cheap and works miracles for Skin, Depression, COPD, Diabetes, Pain and AWESOME for Allergies too!! I am thinking about weaning myself off my Depression Meds now to see if this MSM takes care of it on it's own. I am thrilled with all that MSM does for the body.
rating: 5 (6 votes)
Submitted by ME at 2005-03-31 15:45:24
Eat 2 tablespoons of oregano or 1 salmon filet. Both have high concentrations of Omega 3.
rating: 5 (9 votes)
Submitted by Becca Rose at 2006-02-03 08:53:34
If you feel yourself getting depressed, do a chore like taking out the garbage or washing the outside windows. Getting active, being outside, and doing something productive all help, even if at first you really don't want to even move.
rating: 5 (7 votes)
Submitted at 2006-06-26 08:37:42
go for a 30 minute walk. that helps me out. also smile alot and try to talk to strangers. prayer also helps. and caffeine does it, if you feel down.
rating: 5 (7 votes)
Submitted by Magda at 2009-03-01 00:28:06
Hi! A good remedy for depression is if you have an instrument improvise and play some blues. If you need to go cry go right ahead but keep plaing the blues till you feel at least slighty better. It works for me.
rating: 5 (10 votes)
Submitted by Zach at 2009-07-28 01:26:55
Meditate, I cannot stress this enough. I was depressed after a girl incident. I tried (Sheep) meds, excercising, etc. Nothing seemed to go 100%, I was extremely desperate for a cure. Then I though of meditating , I did this twice a day it helped a lot. It may not work for all but it worked for me and a few of my friends. Peace /
rating: 5 (7 votes)
Submitted at 2008-01-03 21:18:09
Eat a banana, the potasium in bananas makes you happy!!!!
rating: 4 (4 votes)
Submitted by peggie@cheapcheez.com at 2008-07-28 15:53:38
5-HTP is an herb that balances out the serotonin in your brain which helps balance you out. It also helps you get a good night's rest.
rating: 4 (6 votes)
Submitted by Brad at 2009-08-08 18:15:03
music. music is a powerful weapon against depression. it can be fast or slow, whatever goes with you. I personally listen to Evanescence, its dark, deep and mostly morbid, but the music is talking about what i'm going through and it helps to relate. try it
rating: 4 (9 votes)
Submitted at 2003-11-07 17:47:18
Take a tablespoon amla juice with 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg powder three times a day.
rating: 4 (17 votes)
Submitted by YOU SURVIVE at 2011-04-14 21:04:05
I was diagnosed with severe depression, to the point of cutting myself and committed suicide. Turned out I was bi-polar plus I was very stressed out. I have fully recovered and i now hope that all who are depressed realize that you are not alone! I still have the cars to prove that even when it is bad their are always people their that love you! YOU ARE LOVED AND NOT ALONE!!!!
rating: 4 (7 votes)
Submitted at 2011-07-04 02:49:05
If you got anxious or depression prob then s good remedy is to go get a treatment an get your body on good shape eat healthy an exercise an don't sleep to long in the mornings an not get to bed to late an no alcohol or drug abuse an try to keep your mind focus on doing some work around the house or go to work if you can not just sit at home not doin nothin that is the worst thing for it that you
can find to do if you got depression an anxiety prob . And take your medication like prescription is filled put by your doc . Then I thinly you'll find it a lot easier to deal with it .
rating: 4 (7 votes)
Submitted by Linda T. at 2007-04-29 02:46:13
Sunbathing (in a bathing suit, not full clothes) for 20 minutes has never failed to bring very significant relief to my depression and anxiety - besides giving me a pretty color to my skin and clearing up minor skin problems. This, too, cheers me up!
rating: 4 (13 votes)
Submitted at 2011-03-07 23:14:33
make some kind of mint tea (ex,peppermint,spearmint). then breath in the vapors. and drink it of course! :)
rating: 3 (9 votes)
Submitted at 2008-10-20 13:12:21
This might sound dumb but watch children cartoons such as spongebob they will boost ur mood i mean it worked for me and ive suffered frm depression sice i was a young child and once i had my own child i sat down one day and watched the channel he was watchin and i stated to laugh yes it actually made me feel better that day i went out and my mom was like omg u look like ur glowing if this dnt work take walks
rating: 3 (10 votes)
Submitted at 2011-03-07 23:15:56
music. i listen to demi lovato. (i know it's a kid thing) but you can just picture her smiling as she sings,wich helps
rating: 3 (9 votes)
Submitted by Miko at 2011-01-24 21:14:16
For Depression that is related to Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D, trying taking 400 ui of vitamin D everyday. Vitamin D defficiency can lead to depression espcially when the sun is not out (when we can't produce our own vitamin D), which is why you may find yourself becoming more depressed when it's dark and dreary outside.
rating: 3 (7 votes)
Submitted by will at 2005-01-25 22:10:14
eat plenty of fruits and veggies
rating: 3 (8 votes)
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