Seven Natural Ways to Kick Depression by Jo Ann LeQuang l Natural Ways to Deal with Depression l Signs You Are Depressed l Talk to Others When Feeling Down

Depression is one of the most frequently reported psychological complaints, yet medical professionals actually understand very little about what causes depression. Most psychologists describe depression in terms of symptoms rather than sources. Depression can be caused by circumstances, environment, faulty thinking patterns and chemicals in the brain; specifically neurotransmitters that help the nerve cells communicate.

In many cases, depression is probably caused by some combination of these factors rather than one specific thing. While there are pharmacological ways of addressing depression, here are seven natural ways that may provide relief.

Set Small Goals

Goal-setting is more of an art than most people realize. You want goals that are small enough to be readily achievable but large enough so that they are also meaningful.

Small goals work best when they drive you toward a major goal. For instance, if you want to eat healthier, your goals might be to try some new recipes, to incorporate some new foods, and maybe to lose 5 pounds. Keep building in that same direction. You can also set goals to get you moving (there are people who started out walking 10 minutes a day who goal-set their way to run a marathon!).

Small goals can also help you achieve some creative objective (such as writing a novel or learning how to quilt). Always be working toward at least one goal. Some highly successful people are really just skillful goal-setters who found out how far this little method can take them!

Try to Have Fun

If you are deep in depression, this suggestion sounds ridiculous because nothing seems fun to you. Even if that’s where you are, try to find some things that you might, just might, enjoy. If you can’t think of anything, go back to things you used to enjoy.

Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling: movies, pedicures, concerts, spa visits, basketball games, sewing, jet-skiing, lunch with friends, off-road biking, listening to music, swimming, shopping, building a table, planting herbs and vegetables, helping a neighbor fix something, baby-sitting, writing poetry, fishing, calling a long-lost friend, barbecuing, dancing or painting.

Pick something and try it. Pretend that you’re having fun, even if you’re not. And if it does not work, try something else. The point is that if you can find some activity you enjoy, you can leverage it to help you get out of your depression.