Do you know why few people commit suicide? Usually depression is one of the main causes and that means that the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are so strong and so pervasive that suicide is the only option. Depression needs to be taken seriously and not ignored. Very often, it is underestimated as a debilitating mental condition. Depression spares no one and it is found at every level of society.
Depression is more than feeling sad. Depression is one of the mood disorders that affects both your mental and physical health. Here are symptoms and causes of your depression.
Symptoms
- Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
- Irritability
- Pessimism and hopelessness
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much
- Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won’t go away
- Restlessness
- Loss of interest in things once pleasurable, including sex
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Digestive problems that don’t get better, even with treatment
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Causes
- Genetics
- Psychological and social (psychosocial)
- Biological – changes in neurotransmitter levels
- Environmental.
Here are few natural home remedies that you can try for treating depression
Cardamom
Cardamom generally helps in detoxify your body and rejuvenate the cells, in turn by helping to improve your mood and treat depression.
Add one-half teaspoon of cardamom powder to one cup of warm water or warm milk. Drink it once daily.
You can also add a few drops of cardamom oil to your bath water. Soak yourself in this uplifting aroma-filled bath for 30-40 minutes daily.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg works like a brain tonic and helps stimulate your brain, eliminate fatigue and stress, and improve your mood.
Mix one-eighth teaspoon or a dash of nutmeg powder in one teaspoon of Indian gooseberry juice.
Drink this two times daily to calm the mind and relieve depression.
Do not take raw nutmeg in large doses as it has psychoactive effects.
Saffron
Saffron is generally high in carotenoids and B vitamins that help increase the levels of serotonin and other chemicals in the brain. In fact, a study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology has found saffron to be as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac) in reducing mild to moderate depression.
Take 15 mg of dried extract of saffron twice in a day to fight depression.
You can also use a little bit of saffron in cooking, milk shakes or smoothies.
Cashews
Being rich in vitamin C, cashew nuts generally stimulate the nervous system. Also, the riboflavin in cashews boosts energy so you can be active and joyful. Other useful nutrients in cashews that can help to combat depression are magnesium, tryptophan and vitamin B6.
Add one teaspoon of cashew nut powder to one cup of warm milk. Drink it once everyday.
You can also eat a handful of dry roasted cashews as a healthy snack to lift your mood.
Fish Oil
People with depression usually have low intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are required for the normal brain functioning, and is highly recommended for people with depression.
Take a daily supplement of fish oil to fight depression. Fish oil supplements are sold in health food stores, drug stores, grocery stores and online. Alternatively, you can eat cold water fish like sardines, salmon, and anchovies that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed and soy products are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Honey
The natural sugar present in honey that helps fight the low feelings of depression. Plus, honey can relax frayed nerves. The amino acid called as tryptophan that is present in honey and it induces sleep, which can help when depression is preventing you from getting proper sleep.
Gently crush five to 10-15 almonds and mix it with one tablespoon of honey. Eat one teaspoon of this this mixture two times daily, once in the morning and again before going to bed.
Mix one tablespoon of honey and one teaspoon of ginseng powder. Add one cup of hot water to this mixture and let it stand for five minutes. Drink it twice a day.
Chicken
Low levels of vitamin B6 can contribute to depression. The body needs vitamin B6 to make mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. You can get the required amount of vitamin B6 from chicken. There is 0.5 mg of the B6 vitamin in just 3 ounces of chicken.
Stress is an unavoidable part in everyone’s life, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Too much of untreated stress can generally cause potentially serious physical and mental health problems.
The good news is that in many cases, stress is manageable. With some patience and a few useful strategies, you can reduce your stress, whether it’s family stress or stress at the workplace. For those with any form of this depression, the above are few easy natural remedies you can try.
