Most people do experience some degree of depression at times in their life. Whether it is triggered by loss, stress, the weather, the season, or seemingly nothing at all, depression is no fun. Symptoms of depression may include fatigue, lack of motivation, general heaviness and sadness, eating too much or too little, irritability, loss of libido, poor sleep or oversleeping, and more.
One of the problems with depression is that even though we know there are are few things we can do that will help, it is hard to motivate enough to do them, such as exercise, or eat well. Here are some tips on how to alleviate depression without too much effort needed and that work quickly.
1. Take an adaptogenic supplement. Adaptogens are herbs or foods that regulate the adrenal glands, and a supplement can help energize the body and mind and brighten the mood. It can help with caffeine and sugar cravings, two substances that we often overuse when in a gloomy state. Adaptogens work quickly and safely. I recommend Rhodiola Schizandra or Ashwagandha Complex by Standard Process (link to “order supplements page on website)
2. Take a liver supplement. In Chinese Medicine, the liver is the organ most associated with depression. Helping the liver tends to help with feelings of frustration, anger, stress, and the inability to breathe fully. My recommendation is 3/day of Livco by Standard Process or 3 Liver/Kidney Detox by Vinco. Do it until you start feeling better, than go down in dosage.
The combination of an adaptogen plus liver support will start working right away, and, unlike anti-depressants, will have a multitude of good side effects, such as better sleep, digestion, memory, immune system, skin, and more. That being said, if a person is already on antidepressents they can still take these supplements to feel better as well.
3. Eat some protein and fat at every meal. This could be in the form of meat or beans and lentils. Even small amounts can go a long way. Basically just making sure the body does not become overly reliant on just carbs and sugar to fill it is helpful to prevent mood dips.
4. Take a 10 minute walk outside daily. Try to find time to fit this in. Exercise and movement help move stagnant energy, and fresh air and sunshine can work wonders as well. Plus, we are generally unable to look at our phone or screens when we are walking, so that automatically gives us a break from that.
5. Pamper yourself with self care treatments. This could mean massage, acupuncture, a spa day, saunas, etc. Do not feel guilty or undeserving, this is the time to use those therapies to get your qi moving!
6. The Don’ts: If it is too hard to avoid these for now, don’t worry about it. However, at least know that they are key contributing factors to depression: wheat, chocolate, sugar in all its forms, processed foods, too much screen time, too much wifi exposure, rug, alcohol, exposure to toxic people, etc.
7. Come in for Nutritional Analysis! The analysis will give us the specific information we need to help you feel better. This could mean specific nutrient deficiencies (zinc is often one of them in depression), specific toxic exposures (heavy metals, wi fi, chemicals) that could be slowing down your liver, adrenals, and brain. Nutritional analysis works quickly, and thoroughly, and, unlike anti-depressants, has no downside.
Do not spend any more time in depression. Try implementing these basic tips, and from there come in for a session!
