Signs and symptoms

signs of depression

The usual symptoms of depression include:

  • Constant mood swings
  • Loss of interest or delight in hobbies once enjoyed
  • Change in dietary habits
  • Unintentional loss or gain in weight 
  • Sleeping difficulties or Insomnia 
  • Agitation and constant irritation
  • Exhaustion or lethargy
  • Difficulty in thinking, concentrating, or decision-making.
  • Regular thoughts of self-harm, death or suicide, or even attempt at suicide

Now, we are aware of the usual signs of Depression, it is time to discuss our main topic.

How to fight depression naturally?

how to fight depression naturally

It is fortunate that while being depressed makes one feel helpless, in reality, they are not. Along with regular therapy and sometimes medication, there’s a lot one can do on their own to fight back. Changing lifestyle — increasing physical activity, behavioral adjustments, and reevaluating way of thinking — are all-natural treatments for depression.

The following tips can help one to feel better — if started right now:-

1. Get a Routine- If you’re depressed, you need a routine. Depression generally strips away the structure from life. One day melts into the next day, making people feel trapped. Setting a gentle daily schedule can help to get back on track. Try setting an alarm and make a schedule to plan things.

2.Set Daily Goals – When you’re depressed, it feels as if nothing can be accomplished.  thoughts make one feel worse and stop them from making efforts. This is a setback to push back, set daily goals for yourself. Small things like making a report, preparing lunch, etc. When you feel better by finishing your smaller goals, you can add more challenging daily goals.

3. Do Exercise- It temporarily boosts certain feel-good chemicals or hormones called Endorphins. It also has long-term benefits for people dealing with depression. Regular exercise encourages the brain to rewire itself in positive ways.

4. Eat healthily- There is no known diet that can fix depression. Still, it is a good idea to watch eating habits. If depression tends to make you overeat or even anorexic, controlling eating will help to feel better.

Although nothing is explicit, there is evidence that foods rich with omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, and folic acids, such as spinach, can help to ease depression.

5. Get Proper Sleep- Depression can make it hard to get enough sleeping hours, and too little sleep can make the irritation worse, further worsening the depression.
Start making alterations in lifestyle. Go early to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try to avoid napping. Take out all the distractions from bedroom — no computer or TV. In time, you might feel sleep easily.

6. Take Responsibilities–  When depressed, one wants to pull back from life and give up responsibilities at home and work. Don’t do that. Staying involved and maintaining daily commitments can help to maintain a busy lifestyle that can help counter depression. They help to give a sense of accomplishment.

7. Challenge Pessimistic Thought- In this fight against depression, a lot of plans are mental work -changing how one thinks and acts. In depression, people leap to the worst possible conclusions. If feeling terrible, use logic as a natural depression treatment. It takes strategy, but with time and patience, one can beat back those negative thoughts before they get out of control.

8. Try something new – When you’re depressed, you’re in a grind. Nudge yourself to do something unusual. Go to a gallery or a monument. Pick up a new book and read it. Take new classes or join training. When we challenge ourselves to try something different, there are chemical changes in the brain, it alters the body- levels of Dopamine, which is associated with pleasure, enjoyment, and learning.

9. Try to have funIf depressed, try to spend time on things you enjoy.  Even though it might sound strange, fun is necessary. Plan things you used to enjoy, even if they now feel like a chore. Keep going out with friends or colleagues for lunch or dinner. Play with pets, talk with people.

When you’re depressed, you can lose the facility for enjoying life. You have to remaster how to do it. In time, things really will seem enjoyable again.

Depression is merely a roadblock,  though a tough one, it can be crossed by fighting it naturally.

Frequently asked questions