More recently, depression was not considered a disease at all, but rather the lot of lazy loafers who, by any means, lose their ability to use their abilities for the benefit of society. It is not surprising that during the USSR there was zero statistics on this issue, because Soviet citizens simply did not write such a diagnosis on the cards. Of course, people with such mental disorders could not count on sick leave. As for the elimination of symptoms, they had to deal independently with the question of how to get rid of depression at home.
A completely different situation was observed over the ocean, where the tradition of treating this disease began even from Hippocrates. This famous healer of the times of antiquity proposed his own method of healing patients, which contains the first tips known to modern science for self-relieving depression.
How to get rid of depression at home according to Hippocrates
The famous ancient Greek physician called mental disorder, which causes poor mood, negative thinking and motor inhibition (the so-called triad of characteristic symptoms), melancholy.
His recommendations consisted of four components:
- tincture of opium to improve mood;
- an enema to combat constipation (modern medicine recognizes the correct assumptions of Hippocrates about digestive disorders that are the result of depression);
- drinking from a mineral spring in Crete (its water contains a high concentration of bromine, lithium and magnesium, that is, substances that are now used to treat a depressed state);
- psychological support for relatives and friends (this recommendation is not outdated to date).
Egyptian innovation in the fight against melancholy
The ancient Egyptians, whose observations were largely guided by Hippocrates, attribute the depression to a demonic origin. The Ebers papyrus contains tips on performing rituals and ceremonies for expelling the evil spirits that cause the disease. But getting rid of depression at home on them is unlikely to seem appropriate to anyone today. Therefore, we turn once again to the experience of the ancient Greeks, whose recommendations are much more rational.
Hippocrates was the first to discover the dependence of the onset of depressive states on the seasons and weather. He was also close to discovering the positive effects of herbal medicine and normal sleep for treatment, but did not fully understand this relationship. Today we can say with confidence that a walk in the afternoon, especially in nature, improves mood and makes the world view more optimistic.
Modern treatments
Since there are no completely identical people in the world, there are no completely identical symptoms of depression. Therefore, the 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 depressed state: medication and psychotherapeutic. In this case, the second one is considered to be the most effective, which cannot but please those who are wondering about how to get rid of depression at home without the help of doctors. But in case of deterioration, it is necessary to consult a specialist who will prescribe the necessary drugs or give psychological advice.
What steps should be taken?
The highest chances of recovery from this disease are among those who can adapt the possible treatment options to their needs. Therefore, the question of how to get rid of depression at home, without the help of doctors, there is no exact answer.
But there are specific steps that suit almost everyone:
- determination of the depth and severity of his mental disorder;
- an attempt to find the starting point and cause of depression;
- analysis of past failures and mistakes;
- search for a new hobby, traveling, visiting the theater and cinema;
- walking and chatting with 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;
- the beginning of a healthy lifestyle: playing sports (morning jogging really gives a boost of energy for the whole day) and refusal from fast food.
Getting rid of depression at home without help
The treatment process is never completely uniform, but over time, the deterioration should become more and more short-term, until they completely disappear. It is important to understand that friends and doctors can only help to cope with a bad mood and other symptoms of depression, and only the patient himself is responsible for his recovery. Therefore, an essential part of treatment is a change in lifestyle and outlook on the world. It is from this that you need to start getting rid of depression. Physical exercises performed independently at home, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and a reduction in stress levels can significantly improve the patient's condition.
The right way of life is the best treatment and prevention
Depression is a disease primarily of the mind, not the body, however, the mutual influence of spiritual and physical health allows us to prove a positive effect, for example, from a regular jog or charge before bedtime. Modern psychology identifies the four main components of a correct 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 chemical compounds in the brain, in particular serotonin and endorphins, which causes the growth of new cells and improves mood. It is their substitute that antidepressants are. In this case, it is not the competitive spirit that is important (although all sorts of races and competitions can become the meaning of life), but the enjoyment of the classes themselves. Working for the result (the goal is a good motivation for regular training), you need to enjoy the process, otherwise possible failures will only aggravate depression.
As for nutrition, a balanced diet is important here. You need to eat 3-5 times a day, because a lack of nutrients or their rapid saturation during the "royal" dinner will lead to mood swings. Fans of sweets are better off switching to complex carbohydrates, which do not cause a big jump in blood sugar.
Stress reduction and adequate sleep
As mentioned above, Hippocrates also paid attention to the effect of sleep on the fight against depressive states. However, modern science does not agree with its conclusions, and 7-9 hours of night rest are considered the key to good mood and activity. However, lack of sleep not only leads to a deterioration in well-being, but also is a cause of disruption of social ties due to increased irritability and moodiness.
Features of self-healing
Depression is considered one of the most common psychological disorders that are found in the modern world. Its main features are: bad mood, emotional instability, general pessimistic mood, impaired 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 correct way of life, stress resistance and strong social connections, and not at all all kinds of medications that simply block the problem, and not eliminate it.