I’ve battled depression since childhood, although I wasn’t officially diagnosed with depression until 2008. Traditional Western medicine never resonated with me, so I wanted to learn how to treat depression naturally.
For me, depression felt like being in cement—drowning in thick gunk, getting all mixed up and stuck that way, and ending up very [emotionally] heavy and sinking down to the bottom of the proverbial ocean. During my darkest days, I didn’t want to think or breathe. Even blinking was too much effort. The fetal position became my best friend.
I’ve never died before, but I imagine depression is what it’s like to die a slow and painful death. And quite frankly, my depression was death—death to my relationships, my true self, and my fullest potential. That’s why I became adamant about treating depression naturally.
Even at my worst, I knew I wanted more. I wanted to BE more. Wanting to control my depression, rather than allowing it to control me, pushed me forward even when I felt like I couldn’t go on. This drive empowered me to take back my life, beat my depression into submission, and learn to embrace joy.
Medications helped me gain the emotional stability I needed to make coherent decisions. I used that foundation of mental clarity to implement healthy habits and life choices that are not only good for general health, but at least in my case, have allowed me to utilize naturopathic approaches instead of relying solely on medication.
Some, none, or all of these depression coping mechanisms I’ve tried may work for you, but please consult your doctor before attempting to decrease or stop your medications.
Keep reading and listen to the Chronically Conscious podcast to learn the essential steps to beating depression, including how to treat depression naturally.
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