Shatavari :

Scientifically shatavari is known as Asparagus racemosis. This herb belongs to Liliaceae family. Shatavari is primarily found in the jungles of India. In Ayurveda, this herb is the most frequently used medicine for the women. Shatavari acts as a revitalizing tonic for both men and women. This herb is often prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and nervousness in patients with depression. Shatavari works by reducing the negative emotions and boosting the positing ones.

Bhringraj :

This herb is mainly known for its ability of preventing graying of hair and improving liver health. However, bhringraj also possesses the ability of soothing our nervous system. Thus often Ayurvedic doctors prescribe dosage of this herb to patients suffering from depression. A study conducted in the year 2005 showed that the neuropharmacologic effects of bhringraj can successfully combat the effects of anxiety and stress on our nervous system.

Brahmi :

This herb is known for its ability of promoting mental clarity and learning power, increasing memory and offering many other benefits to our mental health. Consuming prescribed doses of brahmi is also believed to increase rate of transmission of nerve impulses. Studies have also revealed that this herb can reduce symptoms of depression and cognitive loss.

Guduchi :

This herb is found in every deciduous forest of India. Guduchi is a climbing plant having a length of more than 30 ft. This herb offers rejuvenating effects and also increases the strength of our immune system. The other prominent benefits offered by the herb include its ability of enhancing memory and cognitive functions. All these properties of guduchi make it an effective treatment of mental sluggishness, which is common in most depression patients. Short-term use of this herb is not known to cause any side effect; however if one uses this herb continuously for a long period of time, he or she might experience certain adverse effects.

Our brain requires neurotransmitters for functioning normally and staying healthy. The amino acids are designated as the precursors of these neurotransmitters. As the levels of amino acids in our body drops, our brain fails to function properly due to lack of neurotransmitters, which can lead to mental disorders like anxiety, depression etc. Depression is specifically caused by drop in the levels of serotonin. The amino acids required by human body for production of serotonin are choline, tryptophan, 5-HTP, tyrosine, phenylalanine, valine, leucine, lysine, methionine and threonine.

The first step of amino acid therapy involves a urine test. This urine analysis is done for measuring the number of neurotransmitters the patient possesses. This test will allow the doctor to understand which neurotransmitter is depleted. Based on this the doctor will identify the amino acid required by your body. Patients also need to undergo urine analysis after 2 to 3 months of undergoing the therapy. The second analysis is done for checking whether the treatment is producing results or not.

The next step of the therapy is consuming supplements containing amino acids. The medical professional will determine the kind of amino acid supplement and concentration of supplement one should take. After taking some dosage of these supplements, the depleted neurotransmitters will start replenishing. The doctor will also prepare a schedule for the intake of these supplements; a patient should follow the schedule meticulously to get maximum benefits from the amino acid therapy.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder states a depressed person as experiencing feelings of sadness, helplessness and hopelessness. Depression is seen as synonymous to the term ‘sad’ in traditional colloquy. However, clinical depression and non-clinical depression defines depression as a conglomeration of more than one feeling.  According to the statistics of the National Institute of Mental Health, the menacing spell of depression has affected approximately 15 million Americans. However, we don’t need to panic unnecessarily because fortunately depression can be treated. So, let’s check ahead effective steps for diagnosing depression.

Step 1

Carefully look out whether the person is lacking motivation gravely or feeling slothful. This is because a depressed person finds serious problem in just getting up from the bed in the morning.

Step 2

Seek if the person is afflicted with feelings of isolation or insignificance. Also, owe it as a responsibility to keep a track on that person if he looks sad or feels like that the person is on the brim of crying without any logical reason.

Step 3

Make sure you keep an eye on the person for checking out whether he or she is feeling despaired about the routine activities. If this is the matter, then meticulously note whether the person has stopped cherishing his favorite activities and hobbies, which were once enjoyed to the fullest.

Step 4

Note if the person has frequent feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or gloominess. There is a tendency amidst depressed people of not saying anything or it doesn’t matter anyone.

Step 5

Track the depression-suspected person’s sleeping schedules. Depressed people have a propensity of abnormal changes in sleeping habits. For instance: the person may sometimes oversleep, suffer insomnia or might get up very early in the morning.

Step 6

Try to detect the mental health history of the person. Often, depression may be hereditary, although it may possibly leave out few generations in between. This is an essential as well as effective point wherein comprehending the family’s mental history might smoothen the diagnostic process. Ultimately, it will prove to be a boon for the person as it will help him to find an efficient treatment. Don’t conceive depression as the one emerging from family’s history because sometimes depression can strike a person, in spite of a slightest trace in the family background.

Handy tips and suggestions

• Depression is a severe mental condition which may come and go frequently. You need to keep a vigilant eye on one’s changing behavior or actions arising in the past few days, weeks or even months. This will help in recognizing the pattern of their behavior which can help in determining the individual’s causes of depression.
• Sometimes depression may be triggered because of major tragedies or intense problems in one’s life. This may comprise anything like unfortunate death of any family member or close friend, shifting to a new area, relationship problems, financial weakening etc.
• If you have realized yourself as fallen in the entanglement of depression, then it is the high time to take some effective action against it. It is a crucial point when you need to visit a mental health care professional for receiving an official diagnosis and helpful treatment options.
• Teenagers might face tough times of depression. They are particularly susceptible to depression because of changing hormones in developing bodies and varying social environments. These essential factors trigger new emotions; however the teenagers need to learn to cope them. And also it is the prime responsibility of parents to watch indications of depression in their teenagers, so that they can suppress the growth of depression at the right time.

Munch bananas

Bananas are often skipped by people; however people can’t be blamed for this as they are unfamiliar with its nutritional value. Banana contains one protein known as tryptophan; which gets converted into a hormone known as serotonin after eating. Serotonin has been referred as brain’s ‘feel good’ chemical as it has the potent to ease depression. Other fruits rich in serotonin include pineapple, plantain, kiwifruit, plums and so on.

Toss a bowl of oatmeals

Oats are enriched with essential minerals such as magnesium and calcium. These vital nutrients assist in maintaining a fit and healthy nervous system. They are highly popular amidst people facing mood disorders like anxiety and depression. They are even used for treating persons who get addicted to anti-depressant drugs.

Chew potatoes

Rich-carbohydrate foods are very fruitful to the body as they help in releasing serotonin, a hormone that sustains the feeling of goodness inside the body and kicks back gloomy feeling arising with depression. Now you got to know the significance of carbohydrates, hence now onwards stock up carbohydrate loaded food in your kitchen. Foods rich in carbohydrates mainly include cereals, grains, bread, barley, oatmeal, spaghetti, pasta, muffins; fruits high in carbohydrate content include apricot, dates, blueberry, orange, fig, pear, pineapple, strawberry, banana, watermelon, grapes, apple and raisins. Even potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrot and corn are rich in carbohydrates. Don’t worry about adding extra calories after chewing potatoes, as they don’t trigger obesity if eaten plainly.

Pick up spinach

You all might be familiar with the famous cartoon character Popeye, who always publicized the greatness of spinach and encouraged people to eat it. It sometimes feels that people have forgotten spinach- the leader of leafy vegetables. Spinach is enriched with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients i.e. natural plant chemicals that possess human nutritional value. Loaded with essential nutrients that enhance the working of nervous system and body, spinach should actually be eaten every day. This is because the high content of Vitamin B regulates the working of nervous system and alleviates the gravitating depression. Not only this, this green vegetable’s high content of folate has a direct hand in escalating the production of serotonin, a natural feel good hormone.

Relish food loaded with folates

Folate, a kind of Vitamin B is essential for cell growth and reproduction and plays a crucial role in development of human body. It has been found through various studies that most of the people suffering depression lack folate. The essential amount of folate requisite for the body daily is 400 mcg. So, if you want to combat depression, then eat plenty of folate rich foods. Natural resources of folate comprises of black eyed peas, red ball peppers, beans, papaya, lentils, spinach, beans, broccoli, greens, raspberries, avocados and orange juice.

Saint John’s Wort

This treatment is available strictly only by doctor’s prescription. Saint John’s Wort is an effective natural herb that helps alleviate mild depression. It is a popular herbal treatment widely used for treating depression, it works well with people and relieves within three to six weeks. It is neither costly.

Start mood-elevating exercises

Exercise is a mind-elevator that has always worked in favor of us. Most of the people find exercising a hard task for themselves, but they need to understand the fact that exercise is the path that can lead them to happiness and depression-free life. Considered as a mind-booster, exercise parallels medication and works well for mild to moderate depression. Exercise has also been found to work better than medications as it averts the recurrence of depression. This is because exercise releases endorphins which are natural feel good hormones.

These natural hormones boost the mind and make you feel good from within. Exercising regularly can make you fit, so make sure you follow it regularly. Just give yourselves half an hour daily and move out for jogging, walking, swimming, dancing, aerobics, cycling, weight lifting; the only idea is to make you perspire and fasten your heart beats. Remember the basic foundation that you need to do it energetically and on a regular basis. So, what are you waiting for? Wear your sneakers and have a brisk walk, you will enjoy it.

Decreased alcohol and caffeine levels gives way to a good health

Secret for a good health that is far away from depression includes a low level of toxic load within the body. Therefore, lessen the intake of alcohol as it is considered a major toxin for the body. It operates as a brain depressant and boosts the level of cortisol, an adrenal hormone generated because of stress. Even though caffeine’s properties make it an energy booster, several in-depth studies have linked it to depression. Also, very less people would know that the effect of caffeine with the combination of sugar works negatively for the human body.

Sleepwell

Getting a good night sleep is an extremely significant aspect of anyone’s life. The mind needs to take rest and recompose itself to rejuvenate. However, sleeplessness have been linked to depressed mind. If you want to stay healthy and brisk, just remember to get peaceful sleep. Going to bed and getting up in the morning at the same time is a key to good health, maintaining consistency through this way helps to strengthen body’s sleep-wake cycle. Apart from this, bear other essential points in your mind like the room where you sleep should be dark; you should be away from your technical items. It includes light, electromagnetic fields like cell phones, electronic gadgets, electronic blankets and so on. This is because such things can interrupt in the production of melatonin. Melatonin controls our circadian rhythm i.e. the internal body clock, while our eyes are exposed to dark. So stay healthy and fit by sleeping well.

Nourish your body by intake of vitamins

Vitamin B is a key to curb mild depression and anxiety critically. They manage a good balance of neurotransmitters to the brain. Other things that help managing depression skillfully are magnesium, calcium and potassium. Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin B like whole-grain foods, watermelon, apple and many more.

Psychotherapy

Sometimes, it happens that other types of therapies don’t have an effect. Then, it is the appropriate time to visit a therapist. A therapist can constructively help in teaching you think positively by using his various sorts of therapeutic tools like hypnosis. Hypnosis is used so that the chain of negative thoughts can be broke.

Here the problem is not a major one. However, if the sad feelings stick around and with the passage of time start intensifying, then it may start taking the dark guise of depression. It would later interrupt our work, school, family responsibilities or social life. Such kind of depression strikes a blow on almost everyone; the only thing that differs from one person to another is the approach. To some people, it impacts because of personal experiences, while others get caught into its clutch through depression in a family member. Figures report that over 17 million American adults go through a period of clinical depression annually. The ill-state of mind depression triggers mind to feel hopeless and helpless. It can affect anyone.

Key treatments for dealing with depression

Depression has been described very beautifully by Stephanie Lincoln, “It’s like you’ve been put on mute. People can see you but they just cannot hear you.” The condition is the same; however I believe that it’s our perspective that makes things look good or bad. And also as the famous quote has rightly said, “the darkest hour is just before the dawn.” So, don’t worry and try these simple tips to sweep your depression away.

1. Chug water as it makes a huge difference
   It is an efficient force and carries the potent to boost your senses. Let me clarify it in simple way. People drink just a glass or two of water per day; however our brain necessitates hydration to work to the fullest level. It can’t work competently if the dehydration lingers on. This is because our nervous system is a conductor of electricity and nerve impulses. So, the key to accelerate the pace of our brain is water as it is an electrical conductor. Start drinking water to evolve from the pitch of depression. It is recommended that every 50 pounds of weight should drink at least one quart of water, so in a similar way, if anyone weighs 150 pounds, then he or she should drink a minimum of three quarts of water per day. Chug adequate water and avoid drinking soft drinks, diet drinks, or flavored drinks as there chemicals affect the brain chemistry.
2. Eat oodles of vegetables and fruits
   It has been found that depressed people lack essential vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, folic acid and irons. These vital nutrients play a major role in generation and transmission of neurotransmitters in the body. Stress and low levels of stomach acid triggers decreased absorption of vitamins and minerals. Minerals and vitamins are fuel for the brains and play a vital role for stimulating the brain and nerves balance. Effective treatment for body can be attained by recognizing the problems meticulously that are poking an individual from within. Efficient ways for treating depression are increasing the level of nutrition and maintaining a good balance of neurotransmitter levels in the body.  So, the primary rich resources for gaining them include fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are great resources of minerals, vitamins, enzymes and phytochemicals. All these vital nutrients are essential for our body to nourish good health. Rich sources for these are raw foods as they are loaded with minerals, vitamins and enzymes. Therefore, eat plenty of raw foods as cooking vaporizes the healthy nutrients. Even, if you are worried about weight gain factor, then try to reduce starchy foods. Eat foods like dried beans, peas, lentils, whole-wheat products, asparagus, and broccoli, these are rich in folic acid and other key nutrients.
3. Mingle with your social circle
   While one is depressed, he or she wishes to be alone. It is a normal human tendency, when one tries to stay alone and keeps thinking about the bad experiences that have taken place. But if you want to clear the dark clouds rotating around you, you need to realize the basic fact that loneliness is also a cause of depression. So, better than opening the door for welcoming depression, isn’t it a good option to go out with your friends or close people? Socializing along with friends or social circle makes feel better as one forgets his tension, which has been digging inside. Don’t let your depression eat you, share things with your friends or family. Truly, it lowers tension, and being with other people gives a feeling of calmness. Oh… if you don’t have a group, then too not an issue. Take an initiative from your end and join a social circle, it can include anything helping in a church or participating in a sports club.
4. Calm your senses with yoga
   Yoga is a good source for attaining peace of mind. It brings peace and tranquility within. So, when your psychological state of mind starts perturbing you and makes you feel hopeless. Try some yogic poses in a serene environment; it will help by passing energy throughout the body. Standing yogic poses that require balance are extremely beneficial as they can assist in centering the attention of mind. Make sure you try it out in fresh environment such as gardens or greener spot.
5. Focus with meditation
   Centering the focus of attention is a significant thing that can help you in treating your depression. It is an effective exercise which helps you efficiently by diverting your attention from things that are weighing you down. It alleviates the mind from spiraling the negative thoughts like failure, pressure etc.
6. Relaxing massage
   Not only does it soothe your body physically, but also it alleviates your stress by producing fewer stress hormones in your body. Massage has a skilful potent to escalate the production of endorphins- the natural feel-good hormones and serotonin- mood-altering hormones. Just have a soothing massage and blow your tensions far awy from your life.
7. Lessen the intake of chemicals and preservatives
   The snack foods you munch sweetly can cause contradictorily bitter impact. Most of the snack foods that are available in the market are loaded with chemicals and artificial preservatives like nitrites, nitrates, MSG and sulfites. All these stuffs can trigger their own chemical reactions in the brain. Trust me, all these are not good for your health. These chemical reactions assist depression and help them sprout over and over. It is essential to slash the chemicals out of your routine diet. Curbing the intake of chemicals and preservatives means tossing natural foods. So, as far as possible, try to avoid eating pre-packages and pre-prepared foods.
8. Take up bright light therapy
   Alike regular exercise causes a positive effect on our body, similar to it is the bright light therapy. Now, what is bright light therapy and how does it work? Similar kind of questions would be popping up in your mind. Let me explain. Expose your eyes by having a glance of bright light especially in the morning as it manages the flow of neurochemicals, which plays an essential role in affecting mood. It has a major hand in managing depression critically. The process follows this way- the light enters the eye and strikes the retina, and the light stimulates a nerve pathway towards the hypothalamus. Hypothalamus is the part of brain which influences mood, sleep cycles, appetite and sexual drives. So, try this along with scheduling a morning exercise, it will work as a bonus. Why? This is because the fusion of both bright light therapy and exercise caste their magic spell against depression by way of booming the possibility of lessening your symptoms. If the problem is that the locality in which you reside is filled with lofty skyscrapers that don’t leave way for passing enough sunlight, then you may consult your doctor whether you can benefit yourself by using a light box.
9. Ask for Help
   There are many people who get benefited only after consulting a professional counselor, psychologist or a therapist (especially those who have received training in dealing with depression). In such cases, counseling really helps as it enhances positive attitude, opens up by way of exploring feelings and supports by learning to cope with losses. Treatment differs from one another, for instance- if you consult a naturopathic doctor, he may prescribe you herbs, amino acids, or any other kind of medication.