Self Help Is The Key To Successful Depression Treatment

While the pharmaceutical companies compete for your attention on Facebook and other social media networks, let's think of successful self help tips as the best alternative to depression treatment. Given that the roots of depression are complex and complicated, self-help is one of the best ways to face up to depression. Medication and counselling all have their place and I know that many patients have gained benefit from medication but I would also point out that there are problems of side effects such as weight gain and reduced sex drive which tend to have a boomerang effect on this type of depression treatment.

Treatments for depression have for far too long been the prerogative of the pharmaceutical companies and a broader more intelligent approach has always been shunned.

Did you know that you can improve your mood for two hours just by taking a ten minute walk ? Just think if you were to make that a regular, longer activity , say three times a week ? The benefits are enormous and we are not only thinking of a better mood but other health benefits for heart, blood pressure and prevention of obesity. Any movement which is rhythmic in nature such as swimming, running, dancing and cycling are great sports in any depression treatment program.

Depressed people usually oversleep and they also overeat. Partly to compensate for their sad feelings but also because if they are on medications, the brain chemical serotonin which governs our mood AND appetite is stimulated. That is why so many people gain weight when they are put on these medications. Did you know that by taking a chromium supplement which you probably thought was a toxic mineral element, can actually help your mood to stabilise and reduces food cravings and is a great energy booster. This is one of the best supplements you can take as part of depression treatment.

The power of positive thinking is not just a slogan from the 1970s. Trying to limit negative feelings and thoughts because they will suck you into a dark tunnel. Jot down all the negative things you are thinking. You can put them on one side of the page. Then try to think of positive things which you know about, people you like, activities you can look forward to and so on. These can go on the other side of the page. Making sure you watch your diet so that you can get the right foods to boost your mood, getting sunlight which is especially important if you suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder). There are also herbal remedies which will improve your serenity and calm and these should not be underestimated either although the drug companies will run and even pay for campaigns to discredit them. Find out the benefits of these herbal remedies for depression treatment. .