Depression per se is not an illness but rather a state of the mind that makes you feel as if you are the most unfortunate person in the world. It drains your energy and exhausts your drive. It is like a vacuum of pessimism that would lead to more serious problems if not being attended to. Overcoming depression might not be easy but the key to recovery starts not with the doctor or from any medical help but rather it starts within yourself and your will to recover and to feel better. No matter how severe it may be, the fact is you are still in control of yourself despite the depression. Losing that downbeat mindset is a good way to start, but the road to recovery is still far beyond telling yourself that you are okay. Battling it out by yourself could help, but without the aid of others, the risk of falling back to that same black pit is high. You have to let it out as isolating yourself will only cause more loneliness. Although, it is hard to reach out in times of depression, keep yourself in contact with social activities to help ease the symptoms of depression. Help your brain produce "happy chemicals" such as serotonin by talking to somebody. Confide to someone who cares. But guess what, talking to the experts, whom you have no emotional connection, proved to have generated better results than confiding to friends. Either way, it would be healthy for you to just pour out all your emotions and let it out. On a lighter note, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats symptoms of depression through various techniques that have holistic approach, such as acupuncture. Unlike taking antidepressant pills, acupuncture brings instant relief as fine needles stimulate the body's functionality and flow of energy, dubbed as Qi. Acupuncture is a traditional precautionary form of healing that has been known to heal painful recurring conditions. Researchers from the University of Arizona conducted a pilot study on 34 female patients suffering from depression. The women showed progress after eight weeks of acupuncture sessions. Early studies have showed that acupuncture, combined with herbal treatments and psychotherapy, has positive effects to patients suffering from depression. On the other hand, what you eat can also affect your mood. Not only that, the time you eat can also have impact on how you feel. Alcohol, sugar, and caffeine are definitely a no-no when you are down. Bananas, walnuts, and cashews can help elevate your mood and you should aim for a protein-rich diet coupled with fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates such as pasta, oatmeal, baked potatoes, and whole grain breads can help boost your serotonin levels. While our body needs good exercise to have that daily dose of "feel-good" endorphins that lifts our moods, we also need ample rest and a good night's sleep to allow the brain and muscles to relax and let our body produce melatonin, which is a natural anti-depressant. Aside from that, don't forget your daily dose of healthy supplements such as folic acid and vitamin B6, which helps the liver cleanse our bodies from stress hormones, and B-Complex vitamins that helps break down the production of neuro chemicals. And lastly, to keep your mind away from negative thoughts, try doing what you really like and things that bring out the best in you to keep your mood as bright as a sunny day. Be happy :)
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
