Natural Ways to Treat Your Depression

by Kristi Caporoso

While therapy and sometimes medication are necessary to help battle depression, there are some things that you can do on your own to help yourself. Depression may be making you feel helpless and hopeless, but in time and with these methods you can help yourself to no longer feel this way-all you have to do is keep trying.
For starters, form a daily routine for yourself. This is an easy way to give your life some structure, which most people often encounter trouble having. Another way to boost your mood is to set some goals for yourself. Start out small, with a goal you can definitely succeed at (Cook UCLA), and as you accomplish each goal your feelings about yourself will improve. As this gets easier you can move up to larger and larger goals. Same goes for responsibility. Having responsibilities will "ground you" and help you to feel more accomplished when you fulfill them. Another well known method of battling depression or feeling down is exercise. Exercise releases endorphins into your bloodstream, which are natural mood boosters. It doesn't have to be strenuous exercise either; walking several times a week can do the trick (WebMD). Other healthy habits such as having a good diet and making sure you get enough sleep are also beneficial. If you have trouble sleeping, which many people with depression do, try developing a regular sleep schedule: no naps, and make sure all technology and distractions are away from your bed at night. Also, check with your doctor before you use any over-the-counter supplements that are said to help with depression.
An important component of battling depression is changing the way you think. While this may be something you work on in therapy, it's important to make sure you are taking steps to do it at home as well. When you're feeling down and having irrational and gloomy thoughts, try to think clearly. "Use logic as a natural depression treatment" (WebMD). Also, to get yourself out of that rut try doing something new and exciting. Research shows that trying new things alters chemicals in the brain (Cook UCLA). And although it may sound difficult, have some fun. Set time aside for things you enjoy and keep at them, even if at first you don't feel much response. As time goes by, they will start to feel as fun as they once did.

source: http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/natural-treatments?page=2