Depression is a lowering of vital activity and a disillusionment with life. We have to fight this by taking better care of ourselves, and finding happiness within ourselves. Here are a few things we can do:
- Physical activity and exercise is a MUST, although it is the last thing one feels like doing – it is the most powerful de-stressor on earth and it is free!
- Eat regular healthy, balanced meals with lots of plant material with lots of colour – food can have an immense impact on your mood and the ability to cope.
- Focus on intake of healthy fats (mono and polyunsaturated fats) which improves brain function as the human brain is composed of 60% fat.
- Supplement with a good quality omega-3, containing EPA and DHA – the single most important nutrient to fight depression and improve brain function.
- Get enough sleep – 7 to 8 hours per night – will help you wake up refreshed and more positive.
- Get plenty of sunshine and allow the UVB rays to convert cholesterol in your skin into vitamin D – vitamin D has been shown to be a crucial factor in treating depression or keeping it at bay. Have your vitamin D levels measured, and if necessary supplement.
- Identify your stressors and address them. Depression is not a disease that a drug will fix – it is rather a serious indication that your body and your life are out of balance. There may be many emotional and lifestyle issues contributing to one’s depression, and by listing and identifying each and every issue, one will get more clarity on how to address some of them.
- It has been suggested that massage and touch are additional non-pharmacological ways to reduce or help manage depression. Often a reassuring hug is also what is needed to help reduce our fear, anxiety and loneliness.
- Believe in yourself – you are special.
* Clinical depression is
of a much more serious nature and requires, in addition, pharmacological
intervention and professional treatment – illnesses like bipolar depression,
post-partum depression and chronic endogenous depression.
