What a Depressed Person Can Do to Ease Depression Naturally and Safely

In a given year, a depressed person is merely one of the 20 million or so adults in the United States who are suffering the same fate. Most people do not recognize the symptoms of depression, attribute them to something else, or fear to seek help for stigma associated with seeking help from the mental health community. Depression can either be depressive disorder, or a symptom of some condition, like hypothyroidism.

A depressed person can do a lot of things to naturally maintain their emotional health and drive away depression. Keep your body's natural feel-good chemicals up to par with fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grain in your diet. Get enough exercise, fresh air, sleep, and sunshine and eat foods that help maintain healthy serotonin levels.

Among the natural and herbal remedies great for lifting depression are:

St. John's Wort, an herb that helps a depressed person to alleviate worry, sadness, nervousness, and sleep disorders, is a recognized remedy. Clinical trials seem to indicate that it can be as effective as antidepressants in cases of mild to moderate depression.

The herb has traditionally been used as a support to balance mood and maintain mental equilibrium. The active ingredients in the herb are flavonoids, glycosides, volatile oils, tannins and resins. Passion Flower also has flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids and saparin, which clinical studies indicate can support usage as a soothing herb.

If you are feeling depressed, Omega-3 fatty acids, needed for normal brain function, intake can help. Higher amounts of fish in your diet help avoid depression as evidenced by the really low occurrence of such illnesses in fish eating cultures. Cold water fish including sardines, salmon, and anchovies are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

SAM-e, or S-adenosyl-L-methionine is a chemical found naturally in the body that could increase levels of serotonin and dopamine. SAM-e can me bought over-the-counter as a food supplement, and will help you fight the sense of feeling depressed. Amino Acid Supplements are also a good idea with special emphasis on specific amino acids that are the precursors to neurotransmitters. Other dietary supplements like folic acid, vitamin B6, and magnesium also help.

As a general rule, lower your sweet intake, and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Regular exercise particularly aerobic exercise, help to release the natural mood-elevating chemicals; try dance classes, tennis, or gardening. other natural remedies like flower remedies, yoga, acupuncture, and light therapy can also help.

Homeopathic and natural remedies can make a huge difference in the life of a depressed person without the side effects of prescription drugs, but can take a couple of weeks to build up in your system. For the best results, take them at the same time every day, and follow the directions. Homeopathic remedies used along with a healthy diet and moderate exercise can turn your life around once and for all and bring back your sense of meaning and engagement with life.