Natural Tips for Depression

Recent research has shown that most depression isn’t a serotonin imbalance.  If you’re struggling with depression or have found not much improvement using an SSRI, we recommend you try out some of these natural tips to improve your mood.

There are many underlying factors that lead to depressive symptoms.  Looking at our lifestyle factors and what’s in our control within our environment is a helpful place to start. 

Start your day with morning sunlight.

Most people struggling with depression have poor sleep patterns. Morning sunlight aids in melatonin production (our sleep chemical). Aim to spend 15 minutes outside in the mornings catching some rays.  This will help your brain produce what it needs to provide quality sleep.

Establish a nighttime routine. 

If you want to improve your mood and level of functioning, ensure you are getting quality sleep. One of the ways to do this is to establish a nighttime routine that is free of devices or stimulation. Find a calming activity that helps your brain decompress.  Overtime, you condition your brain to know when you perform this routine, it is time for sleep.  (For a guide on quality sleep, check out our blog 12 Tips for Restful Quality Sleep)

Move your body.

Clinical studies have shown that exercise is more effective than an SSRI for depressive symptoms. This is because exercise releases feel-good chemicals in the brain. It also helps promote quality sleep and allows the body a physical way to release stress and stored emotions. Plus you sweat out all those toxins!  

Try a Saffron supplement.

Clinical studies have also shown that the spice, saffron, is more effective than an SSRI, and can help improve mood and decrease late night sugar cravings. We recommend Happy Saffron Plus by Brain MD, created by Dr. Daniel Amen, as an alternative to psychiatric medication. 

Consider stopping hormonal contraceptives. 

Birth control (hormonal contraceptives) negatively impact mental health, and for many women, it has been the cause of or worsened their depressive symptoms. We encourage women to explore non-hormonal birth control options. (Reminder, birth control is not a way to regulate mood!) Discuss alternative birth control options with your doctor.

Don’t try to manage it alone!

Therapy is a helpful tool for improving depressive symptoms.  Evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy are clinically proven to improve depressive symptoms. Therapy offers you a safe space to be your authentic self and receive the emotional support you need to become the best version of yourself.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation!

We are a hybrid mental health and wellness practice using a holistic approach to improve your mental wellness.  We offer a complimentary consultation to allow you to meet the counselor before deciding to commit to therapy.  You can conveniently view real-time counselor availability and schedule an appointment online here. 

Getting Well Together!

*Please note this is not an exhaustive list of the causes of depression nor does it replace assessment or treatment for depression from a trained mental health professional.*