3 Ways To Ease Depression Without Medications

With the recent controversy around the effectiveness of current SSRI antidepressant medications, more people are searching for different ways to manage their depression. If you’re somebody who suffers from mild to moderate depression, you may be able to ease your symptoms without reaching for medications.

Before we get into this article, it’s important that you speak to your doctor if you want to change your currently prescribed medications or stop taking them altogether. You can experience withdrawal symptoms if you quit taking antidepressants cold turkey. Your doctor will be able to slowly reduce your dosage to wean you off the medications.

Here are some effective ways to ease your symptoms of depression while avoiding medications.

1. Use Hemp Products

The hemp plant contains two active components – CBD and THC. Both CBD and THC have been shown to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve mood.

Many people are concerned about taking products that contain THC because, in high amounts, it can cause a ‘high’. However, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, meaning you get the positive benefits without the negative side effects of the compound.

There are lots of great hemp products that make it easy to gain the benefits of CBD and THC. You can get soft gels, gummies, and lollipops that taste delicious and boost your mood at the same time.

Delta 8 gummies are an easy and simple way to lift your levels. They come in a range of flavors so you can find your favorite.

2. Exercise Daily

Moving your body and getting your heart rate up is important for both your physical and mental health. When you exercise, whether you’re playing golf outside or running on a treadmill, endorphins and neurotransmitters get released inside your body. These chemicals are responsible for making you feel positive and motivated.

Challenging yourself, improving your fitness, and building your ideal body can contribute to your self-confidence too. When you feel good about your body, this will be reflected in your mood.

Socialization can be difficult when you have depression because you can lack confidence in yourself. Exercising and working on your physical health could give you the much-needed boost that you need to go outside and make new friends.

3. Improve Your Gut Health

Your gut health is closely associated with your mental health and this is known as the gut-brain connection. By changing your diet to improve your gut health, you can elevate your mood and ease some of your depressive symptoms.

Here are some important dietary practices to follow when you’re trying to boost your gut health:

• Consume lots of healthy carbohydrates and whole grains
• Eat lots of healthy fats, including those found in nuts, seeds, oily fish, and avocados
• Consume a range of prebiotic foods, such as high-fiber fruits and vegetables
• Eat probiotic foods, including yogurt, sauerkraut, soybeans, tempeh, miso, and kimchi
• Avoid high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar foods
• Limit your intake of artificial sweeteners
• Stay hydrated.