Depression is more than just feeling sad. It is a disorder that millions of people worldwide suffer from. It can start small, such as losing interest in things that were once beloved activities. Then, it can progress to more serious symptoms such as extreme fatigue, explosive anger, over or under eating, and thinking of or attempting suicide. In addition to doctor prescribed medication, several natural methods to treat depression may help reduce symptoms:

1. Exercise

Getting in even a short work-out can be very beneficial for depression. The activity increases the number of endorphins released to your brain. Since depression occurs due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, switching that inadequate chemical is what exercise offers. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout, either. Just something that brings the heart rate up.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have shown promising results for heart health. However, research has shown a positive effect of them on depression as well. When someone suffers from depression, they are missing important EPA and DPA, and getting these through eating more fish or taking fish oil supplements has given relief to those suffering from depression.

3. St. John’s Wort

A natural treatment for depression, St. John’s wort, is a plant that has flowers and a well-known way of treating depression. You can drink it in a tea or take it as a supplement. Some people even use it as a moisturizer to distribute it onto your skin. The exact way that it works is still a mystery, however, research has shown it is as effective as using an antidepressant.

4. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

The body makes this hormone naturally. It is produced from the adrenal glands. When there is an imbalance, this can cause depression or other mental health conditions. Using a supplement for this imbalance has given a kick out from depression. However, people have seen some side effects that are not ideal and dangerous. There is a risk of it interacting with other drugs or supplements you are taking. Plus, it can make you bleed, change your period, higher risks of cancers, affect your blood sugar, and more.

5. SAMe

This is another hormone that is produced naturally in the body. So, someone deficient in it can experience depression symptoms. It has been effective as a supplement to make up the difference for the hormone that is missing. In other countries, it is sold as a prescription. Those with HIV need to take with caution as well as those with bipolar disorder, as it might not help with the disorder.

Natural treatments for depression have proven to be effective. The appeal is that most do not have any side effects. However, there still needs to be caution with taking supplements. They can interact with other medications and cause drops in other hormones in your body. When used as directed, these natural treatments could be the answer to help with your depression.