5 Natural Ways To Help With Depression

Mood disorders such as depression are a struggle that many people face, and although there are pharmaceutical medications that can be used to treat (especially for extreme cases) there are also natural remedies and alternative medicines that people may consider. We have taken the time to compile easy and factual alternatives to medicine.

1. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is a flowering plant that when dried down can be used as a natural remedy/ alternative medicine. St. John’s wort can be a natural remedy for depression because it has the ability to balance hormones. An imbalance of hormones is sometimes the culprit for emotional states, by balancing hormones St. John’s Wort aids in stabilizing mood. St. John’s wort can be purchased on its own or found within blends such as tea. The Amazing Tea Company carries one tea with the helping herb; “Ladies Bliss”.

2. Exercise

I know, I know, you’ve heard this one before and that it might not be something you want to do but making room for 30 minutes of exercise a day has a significant impact on our moods. There are a few reasons how exercise is great for depression; exercise releases endorphins, a neurotransmitter that decreases the feeling of pain both physical and mental. Exercise does not need to be intensive in order to get these benefits. Exercise also releases proteins called neurotrophic that cause nerve cells to grow and make connections, this improved brain function makes you feel better! The brain region that regulates mood in people who are depressed is smaller, so the new cell growth is important!

Consider Yoga and Zumba, that can be done anywhere with YouTube!

3. 5-Htp

5-Htp, also known as oxitriptan, is a naturally occurring amino acid and chemical precursor as well as a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is commonly called "the happy" chemical because of its importance in the balance of our happiness and overall well-being. Some mood disorders are caused by a lack of serotonin and the inability to create serotonin naturally so using serotonin’s sister chemical 5-Htp can aid in getting the happiness rolling. 5-Htp can be bought in the vitamins aisle of your local drug stores!

4. Vitamin D

Sun, Sun, mister golden sun please shine down on me… literally. Sunlight is a great way to get vitamin D which has a significant influence on mood because when synthesized helps cell communication and regulation. It is common for Canadians to experience SAD, Seasonal Affect Disorder also known as seasonal depression during the winters and the main culprit is the lack of sunlight we are getting. There are two ways you can change that, take time to go for a walk everyday which can also count as low-intensity exercise (2 birds 1 stone), sunlight lamps, or get yourself a handy dandy bottle of vitamin D at your local drug store.

5. Proper Sleep

Another one you’ve heard before and might struggle with, but the body needs sleep in order to repair cells and is a necessity for cell growth. A regulated sleeping pattern is required for proper brain function. Ways to get this going are; try to sleep at the same time every night by reducing screen time/ blue light within an hour of bedtime. Try placing lavender under your pillow or next to your bed for relaxation. Try melatonin which is a naturally occurring chemical that aids in sleep that is in your vitamin aisle once again or try a sleepy time tea! The Amazing Tea Company has a few staples for relaxation and sleep, “Organic Sleepy Time”, “Artists Healing”, “Wellness Serenity”, and  “Lavender is Super Dilly”.

Tea lovers, please take care of yourselves. Mental health is just as important as physical health. If your mental state starts to deteriorate so does every aspect of your life. Take the proper steps, whatever that may be for you, to be happy.