Do you find yourself wondering if you’re depressed? Maybe you are, but it doesn’t matter because what is important is feeling better, not deciding for yourself that you are in fact depressed. Let’s ask ourselves something first, what is depression? It can be simple as a lack of interest in things you once enjoyed, low self-esteem or maybe you just don’t laugh as much as you used to. Statistics say that about 1 in every 20 Americans suffer from depression. There is no laboratory test to determine if you are depressed or not. Like previously mentioned, the most important part is getting better. If you’re reading this article, it’s likely you know someone, or you yourself are suffering from symptoms of depression.
Anxiety is another very common state people suffer from, and it can lead to depression. Anxiety can be described as an overall feeling of uneasiness or apprehension. It is a very general term, and everyone suffers from this to an extent. People often feel anxious or nervous prior to an important event, like a school test, an interview for a new job, etc. For some people it is manageable, and for others it is a constant battle of fear and worry.
I hear a lot of people asking about cures for depression. What comes to mind when you think of cures for depression and anxiety? I’m sure you’ve seen commercials on TV for different medications, or heard of people you know being prescribed these. A large number of people are looking for cures for depression without medication, because of unwanted side effects, or maybe a moral issue. Many people don’t know there are natural cures for depression and anxiety.
Alternative Cures for Depression:
■ Acupuncture
■ Aromatherapy
■ Exercise
■ Meditation
■ Hypnosis
This is only a short list of effective methods, but the great thing about them is they don’t require any medication. Do not expect these alone to change your life. This is up to you wanting to feel better, because ultimately, you are the one who decides how happy you can be and how much effort you’ll put into feeling good. Start small, do some meditation for a half hour before bed each night. This will help clear your mind. Meditating takes practice! Start by sitting in a comfortable place – you don’t want to lay down, as you may fall asleep – and think about an object. Picture that object in your head and don’t let the image stray, if you lose sight of the image, bring it back. Like I said, this takes practice, but is very rewarding. Meditation will also be helpful for reducing anxiety. Put on some music you enjoy and relax.
Exercise is also very effective. If your body is unhealthy, it’s likely your mental state is going to be affected. Go running, work up a sweat, feel your body work, stretch and strain. Feel the endorphins surge through your body. When you exercise, endorphin and serotonin levels go up, and can stay elevated for many days after. This will definitely affect your mood. Also, exercising leads to better health and higher self esteem – who doesn’t want that? Exercise has been proven to be one of the most effective methods, and one of the safest alternative cures for depression.
Try these methods out, and give yourself time to develop these new habits of exercising and meditating. These are two great starting points to improving your mental health. People have been meditating in various forms for thousands of years, and obviously, people have always exercised. We find ourselves inside a lot these days, watching TV, sitting at work, etc. Get outside and run, feel the sun shine on your body.
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