Natural Treatments for Depression & Anxiety
Mental health can be tricky even for the most stable and settled individuals. In fact, there has been a noticeable incline in diagnosed Depression and Anxiety Disorders in America just over the past five years. These disorders have similar symptoms such as issues sleeping, nervousness, irritability, problems concentrating, changes in mood, etc. These symptoms are often viewed as treatable with doctor prescribed medications. Despite the overlap in symptoms however, Depression and Anxiety both sit on a separate spectrum. These spectrums can note the severity of an individual’s disorder from mild to severe. It is important that we understand that both depression and anxiety individually have their own behavioral and emotional symptoms that stem from various causes. Triggers for these disorders vary but have been noted to include economic struggles, GI health, social pressure, independent trauma, other health-related problems, relationship issues, self-confidence and/or numerous others. Other conditions like SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, will typically occur during winter months causing a spike in anxiety and depression in certain individuals. No matter the cause of such symptoms, natural remedies for both Depression and Anxiety have been successfully applied over the years. Natural treatments of any kind can be paired with medication prescribed by your doctor for anxiety or depression, or they can be independently used. Either way, you should ALWAYS check with your physician for interactions and appropriate recommendations before substituting or removing any medication from your typical regimen.
Vitamin D
Getting a little sunshine in your day can boost your mood and decrease your likelihood of such disorders. However, with seasonal changes, our bodies are not always allowed as much natural sunlight as needed to combat the anxiety and depression we may experience. So try including fish like sardines, salmon, mackerel and tuna in your diet. Eggs, cod liver oil, raw milk and mushrooms also contain Vitamin D. If your Vitamin D levels are extremely low, your doctor may prescribe a supplement for you to take regularly.
Coconut Oil
This trending oil is the talk of the town for many reasons, but one of them is its ability to maintain a healthy brain state. Coconut oil contains healthy fats that serves as an efficient burning fuel for your body. In fact, it allows the brain to focus rather than feeling foggy and distracted. So cook or bake with it as much as you would like!
Lavender Oil
This useful oil is most popular for its ability to aid in insomnia but can also help your skin and stress. Rub the dry oil in the palm of your hands and inhale it or add a little to water to be diffused. The scent of lavender is soothing and calming which can encourage you to decompress and unwind much easier.
Bone Broth
There is a direct correlation between your brain and gut. Consuming foods like bone broth can help maintain a healthy gut and are important to beating anxiety and depression. Bone broth is high in amino acids which can help repair the gut lining and is very gentle on the tummy! So break out the crockpot and get creative with a few soups and dishes incorporating your favorite bone broth.
Wild Caught Salmon
Wild-caught salmon, preferably Wild King salmon or Sockeye salmon (grey or subtle pink), are high in Omega 3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation in the body and contains a strong antioxidant that supports brain function. Inflammation can be the primary cause of various health conditions so consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties can be greatly beneficial to combating your symptoms of anxiety or depression.I hope these natural remedies are a great addition to your existing treatment regimen causing your anxiety and depression to simply melt away!
– CASEY EDMONDS, CHC
