People get depressed for many reasons. The breakup of a relationship, the loss of a job, and other bumps and knocks in the road of life can make a mood shift from good to bad. For more than 18 million Americans who experience depression, the blues just don’t go away.

If you and your doctor agree that your depression is mild, or even if you’re being treated for chronic or severe depression, the following things may help.

Symptoms Of Depression

- depressed mood

- loss of interest

- significant weight loss or gain

- trouble sleeping or over-sleeping

- restless feelings and inability to sit still or slow down

- fatigue, loss of energy, or tired all the time

- worthless or guilty feelings

- impaired concentration and difficulty making decisions

- recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Natural Things You Can Do For Depression

Learn more about depression and look for signs of wellness. Read books, listen to tapes, or watch videos. Education helps you realize that you’re not alone and that the condition you have is really common.

The opposite of depression is expression, so express yourself. Release your feelings through art, music, or anything creative.

Get out of the house, try to walk at least 1 hour a day. Walks to your favorite places helps a lot.

Socialize – Get together with people to talk, laugh, and relax.

Laugh, Laugh, and Laugh again — then Laugh some more. Watch a comedy show on television, see a funny movie, or catch a comedian on stage.

Take time to heal, be patient with yourself.

Stick to a schedule.

Get enough sleep, lack of sleep may cause depressive-like symptoms.

Be optimistic, even if you don’t believe it at first.

Choose a balanced diet rich in complex carbohydrates (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), lean protein and some fat.

Get your B vitamins, Lack of B vitamins is sometimes associated with depressive symptoms, such as fatigue, poor concentration, or moodiness.

Foods That May Help Depression:

Oats – Oats provide the most important nutrients for neuron function.

Wheat Germ – Excellent source of nutrients for neurons.

Chickpea – Rich in B vitamins.

Almond – Invigorates the nerves and strengthens muscles.

Walnut – Rich in essential fatty acids.

Cashew – Rich in magnesium and vitamins B1 and B2, whose lack produces nervousness and irritability.

Avocado – These are rich in vitamins B6 and E, iron and fatty acids. They increase vitality in a natural and healthy manner.

Vitamins B6 – The lack of this vitamin leads to apathy and depression.

Vitamins B1 – When this is lacking the nervous system loses tone and emotional balance.

Vitamin C – Symptoms of lack of this vitamin is lethargy and lack of vitality.

Folates – Lack of this one leads to fatigue and depression.