Given recent changes in attitudes toward Mental Health Issues, and the growing numbers of individuals diagnosed with depression, alternatives to prescription drugs and their safety has come into question. Side effects, interactions with other drugs, and the ability of Conventional Medicine to accurately match Patient to appropriate drug has become a crap shoot at best. A Health Care System overloaded with new Patients, financial considerations, and the fact that no two Human minds are the same make assessment difficult, and treatment largely accomplished by trial and error. Not all drugs work for all people, and this is obvious in the use of antidepressants.
One on the simplest ways to help raise and keep a good mental perspective is to ensure you are eating a balanced diet. Too often, we tend to view eating as a Culinary experience aimed at gratification rather than a refueling stop for our bodies. Some studies have shown that individuals suffering from depression are often deficient in B Vitamins, suggesting a balanced diet may possibly help ward off depressive states, or at least lessen the severity of episodes. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp, feed the body, feed the mind.
The importance of Physical Exercise should not be underestimated in it’s value to elevate mood. Endorphins, the Brain’s natural feel good compound, is released during strenuous physical activity, such as exercise. Exercise improves blood circulation, which may alleviate a number of minor physical discomforts that may contribute to depression. Also, a regular exercise program encourages better sleep patterns and promotes self esteem by improving appearance. Best of all, exercise is somewhat addictive from a mental standpoint. If an individual exercises regularly they will go to great lengths to ensure they do not miss a workout.
Herbal Supplements such as St. Johns Wort for instance, have certain properties that elevate moods, allowing for better Mental perspective. Herbs should always be administered and supervised by a trained professional, as they may cause secondary health issues for the uninformed user. UV light, especially in dreary Winter months may also elevate moods.
Most importantly is the conscious effort to exercise your mind. Complacent, negative thought patterns tend to intensify if left to their own devices. This can be prevented by staying active and alert mentally by utilizing a number of practices. Learn something new, restart an old hobby, or studying a new a new subject in which you have an interest can elevate and maintain moods. Stay social, every conversation is food for thought, giving the mind a workout. Recognize negative thoughts as they appear, do not dwell on them, and discard them quickly. Surround yourself with positive people whenever possible, it’s tough to keep a positive outlook while swimming in the grief and misery of others.
