Simplifying Depression

This is the second installment of my series, Natural Remedies for Common Ailments. 

We all have “off” days when we feel unmotivated and lethargic.  That is normal and ok.  But, when we start to have more “off” days than “on” days, we need to address it.  There is so much information out there about depression and how to naturally treat it.  I am here to simplify all of it for you!

For the simplest ways to create radiant health, effortless joy, and lasting energy CLICK HERE!

The root emotional cause of depression is feeling like you will never be able to do enough, feeling hopeless, and anger directed towards yourself.  Physically, there can be certain triggers also.  It’s important to tackle it holistically – meaning that we incorporate a few different healing modalities to make true change. 

Physical

Get outside into the sunshine!  Lack of sunshine can cause Vitamin D deficiency, which contributes to depression.  The importance of sunshine cannot be dismissed.  If you cant do anything else, just get some fresh air.  If you aren’t up for a walk, that’s ok.  Get a chair, sit in the sun, and read a book or call a friend.  

There are also several food that’s are beneficial for depression.  The best ones are leafy greens, berries, walnuts, avocados, red potatoes, almonds, pumpkin seeds, salmon, and dark chocolate. 

Mental

A lot of depressive feelings originate in our thoughts.  Changing our thoughts is the first step to changing our lives.  Affirmations give us a positive thought to focus on, and our body immediately starts shifting to accommodate.

“I release the past with peace.  I deserve to enjoy my life.  I am enough.  I am loved.  I am safe to be myself.  I recharge my body with joyful empowered energy.”

Emotional

Refer to this powerful EFT video.  Emotional Freedom Technique is a quick, simple way to release emotional stress and blocks that are contributing to your feelings of depression.

 

 

Plant Remedies

Nature has provided us with all of the tools we need to thrive.  Here are a few of my favorites for depression.

Joy Essential Oil – Joy is an uplifting blend of bergamot, ylang ylang, geranium, lemon, coriander, tangerine, jasmine, roman chamomile, palmarosa, and rose oils.  It is a sweet, joyful aroma.  I rub a little bit of this oil over my heart everyday – and tell my clients to do the same!  The Joy blend is made by Young Living.  If you need to try this oil, you can contact me!

St. Johns Wort – This herb works the same way that most anti-depressant medications work, by increasing serotonin in the brain.  Serotonin is the feel good chemical in the brain that is low in people that suffer from depression.  I like to use St. Johns Wort in tincture form – this is my favorite. 

5-HTP – A study from University of Maryland says this about 5-HTP: “5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical that the body makes from tryptophan (an essential amino acid that you get from food). After tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP, the chemical is changed into another chemical called serotonin (a neurotransmitter that relays signals between brain cells). 5-HTP dietary supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain. Since serotonin helps regulate mood and behavior, 5-HTP may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, appetite, and pain sensation.”  Read this study here.

5-HTP can also help with sleep disorders, PMS, and ADHD.  NatureWise is my favorite brand for 5-HTP.

B Vitamins – The B vitamins have been called “natures stress relievers” and for good reason.  Depression, along with our everyday stress, heightens our requirement for B vitamins.  Over time, if those levels don’t get replenished, it can lead to greater health imbalances.  Fatigue, panic, depression, lowered immune system, nervous energy, and irritable moods may occur.  We don’t want that, now do we?  Pump up those B vitamins to get your energy back!  The Synergy Company has my favorite B vitamins.




Bonus Tip

As I describe in the blog post, Your Path To Radiant Living, depression is a lack of energy flow in the body.  The best ways to get it moving again is through energy work (doing the EFT video above or setting up an appointment with your energy medicine practitioner) or doing physical exercise.  Even if you aren’t up for full blown exercise, a simple walk to get your blood moving will be beneficial. 

In gratitude,
Megan

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