In our society, battling depression is a constant struggle, with more than 350 million people suffering from this emotionally crippling issue.

Depression is a serious medical condition that should be tackled from all angles. However, if you’re looking for some natural solutions, consider utilizing these 7 tips for getting over depression.

1. Reframing: Change Your Way of Thinking

Positive thinking, while it sounds overly simple, can do wonders for your mood. Consider the following tips to help change your negative way of thinking, and learn to focus on the positive:

Positive affirmation. Positive affirmations are statements that describe what you desire. Engaging in positive affirming processes every day is known to have an impact on your thought process. Begin slowly, making it a point to repeat a few positive mantras as you start each day.

Cognitive behavior therapy. The way we perceive situations influences our emotions. Cognitive behavior therapy is a form of psychotherapy that doesn’t have to include drugs, and it’s shown to be effective in treating those suffering from depression.

Meditate. There are many ways to engage in mediation. You may sit quietly to clear your mind while focusing on nothing but the rhythm of your breathing. Or, you may instead try to focus on just one thing as you learn to calm your mind. Regardless of how you go about it, reflection is an important part of the learning process.

Don’t blame yourself. Setbacks are a natural part of life. Learn to perceive them as nothing more than learning experiences. This will help to release guilt and focus on positivity.

Guided imagery. The human body responds to what you imagine. Guided imagery can be a powerful tool for relaxing your body and calming your mind. Try music therapy or writing to help you achieve a state of relaxation using guided imagery.

2. Keep a Mood Journal

If you’re unsure of how to begin getting over depression, consider keeping a mood journal. Perhaps you feel as though your thoughts are jumbled and you experience a wide range of fluctuating emotions. If this is the case, a mood journal or diary will help you track the root of your emotions. Once you figure out what’s causing the negative feelings, you can work to avoid the triggers and cope with everyday stressors in a more positive way.

3. Nurture Healthy Relationships

The relationships you have with people are often reflective of the way you feel. Maybe you avoid social settings because of your depression, or maybe some of your relationships are unhealthy. Consider the following tips to nurturing healthy relationships:

Find a support group. It is helpful to have a safe place to go and be in consistent contact with people who understand or have empathy toward your depression. Just make sure the people you are with are also practicing safe tips to feel better.

Share your time with friends. Interesting, supportive, and positive friends can help you battle with depression naturally. End relationships with, or take a break from, narcissists or other people who constantly drain your energy or cause you to feel anything but positive.

4. Getting over Depresison with Light Therapy

There is a great deal of evidence that supports the use of light therapy to treat depression. In fact, one study found that light therapy works faster to effectively treat depression when compared to drug treatment. You can purchase a light box for a reasonable price, or may choose to opt for real sunlight.

5. Take Proper Supplements

We all know that the average American diet isn’t conducive to overall well-being. That said, always be sure to consult your health care practitioner before taking any supplements or adding new foods to your diet. Consider adding the following supplements and remedies to your diet to help avoid and treat depression:

– Fish oil
– Saffron
– SAMe
– St. John’s Wort
– 5-HTP
– Hot Kava

In addition to monitoring the healthy supplements you take in, you may also want to pay attention to the potentially harmful foods and substance you consume. For example, depression and alcohol addiction often present themselves together and can snowball into a very serious problem. Similarly, junk food has been tied to depression.

Be sure to take proper care of your body and your mind will follow.

6. Consider Aromatherapy Oils

While aromatherapy oils probably won’t eradicate depression, they can act as a tool to help combat it. Consider essential oils such as clary sage, basil, rose, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, and lavender as part of your arsenal to relieve the effects of depression.

7. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is an important part of getting well. It helps heal illnesses, including depression. Be sure to allow yourself adequate time for sleep. Your mind and your tense muscles will thank you. Also consider a relaxing massage if you’re looking for another natural way to relieve tension.

In addition to proper medical treatment, using these natural, remedies can help soothe your mind and ease your depression so you can be happier and more relaxed. Have any other personal tips? Be sure to share with others in the comments below.

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