This article was written by Matt

You feel like putting your head down and sleeping, all the time. You feel numb, unable to experience emotions. Depression can manifest in many ways. It is not always the weepy mope in the corner, sometimes it is ‘the smiler’, the guy that flashes his chicklet grin every five seconds he could be a sad clown. Some say excessive anger or control is a manifestation of depression. 17 million Americans suffer from one form or another of this condition. The thing is, unless you have ‘batty’ running rampant through your genes there are some natural approaches before you reach for the RX. If they don’t work then by all means go for the big guns. Check with your Doc about potential contraindications before using these or any natural remedies.

Movement

In Classical Chinese medicine it is believed that stagnant energy leads to disease. When all you feel like doing is crawling into bed, movement is essential. Either doing your own routine or joining a class, keeping up ‘energy circulation’ or simply, circulation and nerve stimulation, can release endorphins (natural pain killers) and produce serotonin (natural feel good neurotransmitters). Some suggested movement activities are: yoga, tai-chi, Pilates, jogging, biking, rowing and swimming.

St. Johns Wort (hypericum perforatum)

A 2006 report from The Cochrane Review states,
“The available evidence suggests that the hypericum (St. Johns Wort) extracts tested in the included trials: a) Are superior to placebo in patients with major depression, b) Are similarly effective as standard antidepressants, c) Have fewer side effects than standard antidepressants.”

St. Johns Wort is an extract from a tiny plant called Tipton’s weed or Chase-devil that affects brain biochemistry encouraging it to release dopamine, another feel good neurotransmitter and the aforementioned serotonin. It is considered nature’s anti-depressant and can be taken in capsule form embraced by the body rather than dealing with a synthetically toxic challenge. Note: St. Johns Wort can cause light-sensitivity, possibly resulting in unexpected sunburn so use it only with a professional’s guidance.

Gingko Biloba

It sounds like a female reproductive part but gingko happens to be one of the oldest remedies taken from the nut of the tree of the same name. It is popular for its circulatory effects however it also helps regulate mood, anxiety, memory, fatigue and focus all of which affect symptoms of depression.

S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAM-e)

‘Sammy’ is a natural compound that is manufactured by all mammals also available as a supplement. According to Dr. Mischoulon, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard University, “By taking SAM-e, [it could] result in the brain synthesizing and having available greater levels of the important neurotransmitters that could reverse a depressed state”.

Music

Some studies suggest that daily music listening (other than death and destruction heavy metal or rap) has been associated with opening neural pathways to allow emotion to release.

These are a few natural remedies for depression. Seek out a holistic practitioner or naturopathic doctor in your area for more options including acupuncture and dietary changes, other great approaches.

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