9 Science-backed Ways To Treat Depression Naturally!

Lately, we often see or hear the word "depression" being used by people as if it were a disease as common as a headache, right?

Well, this shows us that the number of people being affected by depression is increasing at a fast pace, all around the globe, irrespective of the age and gender. In fact, research studies have noted that children as young as 3 years old can suffer from depression these days!

It can be rather devastating to even imagine the fact that young children are affected by this serious mental ailment, when they cannot even grasp the complete meaning of it!

Depression is classified as one of the most dangerous diseases because people suffering from intense forms of depression can often face suicidal tendencies.

Many a times, people think that depression may just be mood swings and do not seek help. When depression is not treated at the right time, its symptoms may worsen and lead to fatal consequences.

Depression is caused by the depleted production of certain brain chemicals, namely dopamine and serotonin.
The depleted production of these brain chemicals can be triggered by various external factors that can make a person feel down and dejected.

Some of the external causes for depression include work pressure, stressful life, financial issues, abusive relationships, past trauma, dysfunctional families, etc.
The symptoms of depression can include unexplained fatigue, sadness, withdrawn nature, anxiety, hopelessness, apathy, panic attack, agitation and, in extreme cases, it can also lead to suicidal tendencies.

So, if you are suffering from depression or if you know someone who is, then immediate medical attention must be sought, before it is too late!

Medications prescribed for depression can sometimes have severe side effects, so here are a few natural tips to help treat depression in a safe way possible, take a look.

Tip #1: Talk To Your Dear Ones Often

Spend more time with people you are close to and feel comfortable being around. Research studies have claimed that the serotonin in the brain significantly increases when you spend time with people you love, by laughing and sharing fun moments with them, thus treating depression!

Tip #2: Have A Pet

A study from the University Of Missouri has said that having a pet or playing with a friend's pet a few times in a week can actually help improve the serotonin levels in the brain to treat depression naturally, as pet animals can have a ‘feel-good' effect on you.

Tip #3: Go For A Good Massage Therapy

If you think massages are relaxing and you love getting them, here is some good news - massages can actually help treat depression naturally, as they can decrease the cortisol hormone level in your brain and increase the serotonin levels. So, regular massages can help!

Tip #4: Have A Cup Of Coffee/Tea

If you are someone who is not in the habit of drinking coffee or tea in the morning, then you might want to develop this habit, because a research study has said that drinking one cup of coffee or tea per day can also trigger the production of serotonin in the brain to treat depression.

Tip #5: Opt For Healthy Mood-boosting Foods

Altering your diet by including healthy, mood-boosting foods such as nuts, bananas, kiwis, berries, spinach, tomatoes, fish, etc., can also help beat depression symptoms naturally, as these foods can increase the production of serotonin in the brain.

Tip #6: Increase Your Dose Of Omega-3s

You can also include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like avocados, ghee, coconut oil, etc., to your diet because omega-3 fatty acids are also known to help treat depression naturally.

Tip #7: Lie Down With Head Hanging On Edge Of Bed

Every morning, as soon as you wake up, lie down on the bed, with your head hanging over the edge of the bed. This ensures that a lot of oxygenated blood is supplied to the brain, thereby increasing the production of serotonin.

Tip #8: Go Out On Weekend Trips

Every now and then, try to deviate from your daily routine by taking a weekend off and going on a trip or keeping aside time for your hobbies, etc. This habit can also help treat depression naturally, by breaking the monotony.

Tip #9: Exercise Every Day For 30 Minutes

Make it a point to get at least 30 minutes of exercise, every day! Be it yoga, gym, zumba, etc. Any form of exercise can boost the serotonin levels in the brain to treat depression naturally.