Until quite recently, depression was not considered a disease at all, but the lot of lazy loafers who by any means shirk from using their abilities for the benefit of society. It is not surprising that in the days of the USSR there was zero statistics on this issue, because Soviet citizens simply did not write down such a diagnosis on their cards. Of course, people with such mental disorders could not count on sick leave. As for the elimination of symptoms, they had to independently deal with the question of how to get rid of depression at home.
A completely different situation was observed overseas, where the tradition of treating this disease began with Hippocrates. This well-known healer of antiquity proposed his own method of healing patients, which contains the first knownmodern science tips for getting out of depression on your own.
How to get rid of depression at home according to Hippocrates
A famous ancient Greek doctor called a mental disorder that causes bad mood, negative thinking and motor retardation (the so-called triad of characteristic symptoms) melancholia.
His recommendations had four components:
- opium tincture to improve mood;
- enema to combat constipation (modern medicine recognizes Hippocrates' assumptions about digestive disorders that are a consequence of depression as correct);
- drinking from a mineral spring in Crete (its water contains a high concentration of bromine, lithium and magnesium, that is, substances that are used today to treat depression);
- psychological support for relatives and friends (this recommendation is not outdated today).
Egyptian innovations against melancholy
The ancient Egyptians, whose observations were largely guided by Hippocrates, attribute depression to a demonic origin. The Ebers papyrus contains advice on rituals and ceremonies to exorcise evil spirits that cause disease. But getting rid of depression at home according to them is unlikely to seem appropriate to anyone today. Therefore, let us turn once again to the experience of the ancient Greeks, whose recommendations differ much morerationality.
Hippocrates was the first to discover the dependence of the occurrence of depressive states on the seasons and weather. He was also close to discovering the positive effect of herbal medicine and normal sleep for healing, but did not fully understand this relationship. Today it is safe to say that a walk during the day, especially in nature, improves mood and makes you look at the world more optimistic.
Modern treatments
Since there are no completely identical people in the world, there are no completely identical symptoms of depression. Therefore, a method that helped one person may not give any result in another case. Today, it is customary to distinguish two types of treatment for a depressive state: medication and psychotherapy. At the same time, the second one is considered the most effective, which cannot but rejoice those who are wondering how to get rid of depression at home without the help of doctors. But in case of deterioration of the condition, it is imperative to contact a specialist who will prescribe the necessary drugs or give psychological advice.
What steps should I take?
The best chances of recovery from this condition are those who can tailor treatment options to fit their needs. Therefore, there is no exact answer to the question of how to get rid of depression at home without resorting to the help of doctors.
But there are specific steps that are suitable for almost everyone:
- determining the depth and severity of your mental disorder;
- trying to find the starting point and cause of depression;
- analysis of past failures and mistakes;
- search for a new hobby, travelling, going to the theater and cinema;
- walking and meeting new people;
- talking about your problems with friends in order to get an answer to the question of how to get rid of depression at home;
- start a he althy lifestyle: exercise (jogging in the morning really gives you a boost of energy for the whole day) and avoiding fast food.
Recovering from depression at home without help
The healing process is never completely uniform, but over time the aggravations should become more and more short-lived until they disappear altogether. It is important to understand that friends and doctors can only help to cope with bad mood and other symptoms of depression, and only the patient is responsible for his recovery. Therefore, an essential part of the treatment is a change in lifestyle and outlook on the world. This is where you need to start getting rid of depression. Self-exercise at home, getting enough sleep, eating he althy, and reducing stress levels can greatly improve the patient's condition.
The right lifestyle is the best treatment and prevention
Depression is a disease primarily of the mind, not of the body, but the mutu althe influence of spiritual and physical he alth allows us to prove a positive effect, for example, from a regular jog or exercise before bed. Modern psychology identifies four main components of a he althy lifestyle, getting rid of depression on your own at home should include each of them.
Exercise and nutrition
Regular exercise can work wonders. This is primarily due to the production of important chemicals in the brain, in particular serotonin and endorphins, which causes the growth of new cells and improves mood. It is their substitute and are antidepressants. At the same time, it is not the competitive spirit that is important (although all kinds of races and competitions can become the meaning of life), but getting pleasure from the classes themselves. While working for the result (setting a goal is a good motivation for regular training), you need to enjoy the process, otherwise possible failures will only aggravate depression.
When it comes to nutrition, a balanced diet is important. You need to eat 3-5 times a day, because the lack of nutrients or the rapid saturation of them during the "royal" dinner will lead to mood swings. Those with a sweet tooth are better off switching to complex carbs that don't cause a big spike in blood sugar.
Stress reduction and adequate sleep
As mentioned above, even Hippocrates paid attention to the effect of sleep on the fight against depressive states. However, modern science does not agree with his conclusions, and 7-9 hours of nightrest are considered the key to good mood and activity. However, lack of sleep not only makes you feel worse, but also causes disruption of social bonds due to increased irritability and moodiness.
Features of self-healing
Depression is considered one of the most common psychological disorders that occur in the modern world. Its main features are: bad mood, emotional instability, general pessimistic attitude, disruption of the normal functioning of the body. The main answer to the question of how to get rid of depression at home is considered to be the right lifestyle, resistance to stress and strong social connections, and not at all all sorts of medications that simply block the problem, and do not eliminate it.
