One out of every 10 people suffers from depression in the United States, according to estimates. While there are many prescription medications that can alleviate depression symptoms, there are a few natural remedies that could help as well. Find out what they are below.
Light Therapy
Light therapy can be a mood-booster for people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder. This condition causes people to feel more depressed during certain times of the year – usually winter.
A "light box" works by exposing sufferers to brightness, which has been shown in numerous studies to help boost people’s spirits.
Massage
Massage hasn’t been researched extensively in treating depression, but one study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggest that massage therapy may have "potentially significant effects" in alleviating depression and anxiety.
Supplements
Various herbal supplements, such as St. John’s Wart, may help with depression. Increasing your intake of omega-3s and vitamin D could also be effective.
But before taking new supplements, make sure to discuss them with your doctor first, because they may interact with other medications.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy has been well-studied in the treatment of depression and has been shown to have extremely positive effects in some people.
Talk with your doctor about your options and find out what works best for you. Always tell your doctor if you plan on adding any herbal supplements to your diet.
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