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Depression affects how people think, feel, and act. It can also impact physical health and other aspects of a person’s life.
Many people take medication, such as antidepressants, to treat depression, but various natural methods can also help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of future episodes.
Depression can occur at any age, and it can affect anyone, but according to the
- have a family history of depression
- have experienced trauma, stress, or a life-changing event
- have a physical illness, such as cancer
- are using certain medications or other substances
The following tips may help people who have these risk factors or who are living with depression manage or avoid symptoms.
There is evidence of a link between stress and depression or anxiety.
People who have a susceptibility to depression may have a higher risk of developing it if they have chronic stress.
Some people are born with genetic factors that increase their risk. Others may develop a susceptibility during childhood, for example, due to neglect or abuse.
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It is not always possible to avoid stress, but taking steps to do so may help. These include:
- getting enough sleep and rest
- learning to say “no” to additional demands
- taking breaks from work
- practicing breathing exercises and meditation
- getting regular exercise
Learn more about stress and get some tips for managing it here.
Always check with a doctor before taking any supplements or over-the-counter (OTC) medication to ensure it is suitable for use.
There is a selection of devices to help manage stress available for purchase online.
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Depression can make it hard for some people to start exercising, but a lack of activity can also make symptoms worse.
People experiencing difficulties in starting exercise could try just 5 minutes of walking or another enjoyable activity in the morning and another 5 minutes in the afternoon. From there, gradually increase over the coming days and weeks.
Current guidelines recommend aiming for
A healthful diet may help prevent depression and boost mental well-being. A
- fresh fruits and vegetables
- green tea
- soybean products
- healthful oils, such as olive oil
- whole grains
- fish
At the same time, people should limit their intake of the following:
- red meat and meat products
- premade baked goods
- trans fats
- sugary desserts and sodas
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants. These help protect the body from oxidative stress and cell damage.
According to an article in
Get some more tips here on foods to eat and avoid with depression.
According to an
Here are some tips that people can try to improve their sleep naturally:
- Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, including weekends.
- Try to ensure the room is quiet, dark, and of a comfortable temperature.
- Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before sleeping.
- Do physical exercise during the day.
- Remove electronic equipment from the sleeping area and switch off 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Get up again if you do not fall asleep within 20 minutes. Read or find some other distraction for a while, then try again.
- Follow a healthful diet.
- Avoid drinking too much fluid too close to bedtime.
- Limit exposure to bright light in the evening.
Other tips include doing breathing or relaxation exercises before sleeping. The 4-7-8 breathing technique can also calm anxiety.
Get some more tips here on how to get to sleep.
Speak to their doctor before using any supplements or medications to ensure they are safe to use.
The use of alcohol and some recreational drugs can increase the risk of depression and make symptoms worse.
Many people have both depression and a
A person who uses drugs or alcohol in an unhealthful way and has depression may need help for both conditions.
Anyone who has concerns about alcohol or drug use, with or without depression, should speak to a doctor or another specialist who can help.
Helplines are available 24/7 for confidential advice, such as SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Options include:
- counseling for specific issues, such as bereavement
- cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help a person find new ways of thinking and acting
- psychoanalysis, which often looks into past issues
Therapy can be one-on-one, with a group of people who meet just for therapy, or with partners or family members.
Various factors can trigger symptoms of stress and depression, and these will vary between individuals. It may be possible to avoid or reduce exposure to some of these triggers.
Triggers that a person may be able to avoid include:
- exposure to news, some movies, and other media
- using alcohol or drugs, unless the person has a related disorder
- having too little sleep due to late nights
If avoiding triggers is not an option, it may be possible to reduce exposure, for example, by deciding on one specific time of day to check emails or watch the news.
Other strategies to reduce the impact of triggers could be:
- asking someone to help out on occasion, for example, if you are a caregiver
- joining a support group, so there is someone to talk when unwanted feelings arise
- asking your employer about changes in the workplace that may help, such as swapping tasks with a colleague or rearranging shifts
There is no guarantee that anyone can avoid their triggers, but being mindful about them may help find ways to minimize their impact.
It is not always possible to prevent or avoid depression, but effective treatment is available, and some lifestyle choices can help manage symptoms and prevent a recurrence.
If symptoms of depression are overwhelming or if a person is thinking about self-harm, death, or suicide, they should seek immediate medical attention.
