In a world that surrounds us with Microsoft, McDonald’s, and MTV it is no mystery that we are no longer living in the way that nature has intended. One of the biggest indicators of this is the fact that we are now suffering from a myriad of health problems including depression, which now affects over 18 million American adults. It is extremely evident that this is now becoming a huge industry through the dozens of drugs that the pharmaceutical companies are now marketing to the public. They want you to believe that you have a disease with no cure other than through the use of prescription medications for the rest of your life! The truth is that most depression is easily treatable through these easy steps that you can start today. As always, be sure to consult your physician before trying any of the methods described in this article.

photo by sugarman .

1. Exercise

Recent Studies have now shown that exercise can be just as effective in treating depression as powerful antidepressants. The very chemical that is responsible for our happiness, called serotonin, is released in large amounts after a good workout. People looking to fight off depression should put this practice at the very top of their agenda for the long list of ways that will improve your life even beyond fighting depression. There are many resources online to help you find a good workout regimen. You should focus on finding a good balance of cardio and strength training.

photo by indie-cisive

2. Get Some Sun

Going out and catching some rays will not only give you that lively glow, but has been proven to help fight depression . We absorb vitamin D through the sun’s rays which is important to the proper functioning of our bodies. A lack of this vitamin has been proven to increase depression rates. The coining of the new term SAD (seasonal affective disorder) has now come into the English language, referring to a depression that only comes in the cloudier months of the year. It is also true that the cloudier parts of the country (northern states like states like Washington, Wyoming, and Montana) have higher than normal suicide rates.

photo by el-paseo-del-muerte

3. Get Stoned

Just a little bit, not a lot, says a recent study. Small amounts of THC have been found effective in increasing serotonin levels in the brains of lab mice. Anybody who has used this recreational drug knows it has the ability to bring inspiration and an alternative perspective to life’s complicated ways. The opposite effect can be had when too much cannabis is ingested, making you more depressed, so be careful to practice moderation if experimenting with this illegal substance. The insight gained from such an experience is lost when it becomes an everyday habit, offering you no alternative perspective but a new crutch on which you rely to maintain normalcy. Don’t get too stoned or this might happen to you.***Disclaimer*** (People with lung disorders such as Cystic Fibrosis should not smoke anything, ever! If you absolutely must then consume it in its edible form)

4. Eat Healthy

It is common knowledge that our American diets of processed sugars and flours and chemically preserved, nitrate-laden fast food affects our bodies negatively on many levels. If this is true then it should be of no surprise that our diets are closely related to our mental health and can be an effective way of treating depression. One should eat a diet focusing on natural and unprocessed foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts, and seeds. The main culprit in depression is refined sugar, causing highs and lows in blood sugar and inducing mood swings. DO NOT substitute artificial sweeteners for sugar as these can be more harmful. Choose to prepare your foods at home in order to ensure that all of the ingredients are wholesome and natural.

5. Find a Purpose

Finding a way to offer yourself to the world is not only one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it is a great way to fight depression. Not sure what your purpose is? Well take something you are good at and have a passion for and then think of a way that you can benefit the world with your gift. More often than not, you can find a way to turn your natural talent into your job. The most successful people in the world will tell you that pursuing your passion in life will make you more likely to achieve success than pursuing something for the sole purpose of getting rich. You can just count the mood lifting factor in as a side perk to the success to be had from finding your purpose.

The worst thing that you can do is trust somebody when they tell you that you have no control over a problem in your life and that you need their help. In this case the pharmaceutical companies would like you to believe that they have the one magic cure for depression, through the use of harmful drugs. A true warrior of life realizes that he is the only one who possesses the key to his own health and well being. Use these methods carefully and consult your physician before making any changes to your medication.