Top 10 Things to Optimize First When Treating Depression

Treating depression isn’t a straightforward process. It’s not like a cold which runs its course as long as you get plenty of rest and fluids, or a broken bone that slowly knits itself back together with time.

Depression is a mood disorder that can be caused by many different imbalances. It’s often linked to an imbalance of neurotransmitters—like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine— chemicals responsible for mood, motivation, and emotional wellbeing. Cortisol imbalances may also lead to depression and disrupt your sleep, energy, and overall physical health. 

If you’re wondering what causes depression? The answer can be complex, involving brain chemistry, lifestyle, and even environmental factors.

Typically, depression is treated with antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, but these aren’t the only options. If you’re exploring how to treat depression naturally, there are many ways to address its root causes without relying solely on medication.

At Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, we’re committed to finding the root cause of depression. By taking a holistic approach, we aim to bring your body back into balance and show you how to treat depression yourself by addressing your unique root cause.

10 Ways to Treat Depression Naturally

To find the root cause of depression, you have to look past the symptoms. Our physical, emotional, and mental health all play a role in the manifestation and treatment of depression.

What to do when dealing with depression? A multifaceted disorder like depression requires a multifaceted treatment. How to treat depression yourself means looking beyond surface-level symptoms and addressing the root causes of your mental health challenges.

1. Check Your Vitamin D

Many of us spend the majority of our time indoors during the day, whether at work, school, or simply doing things around the house. Vitamin D deficiency is relatively common, especially among those who live in colder climates.

A vitamin D deficiency is one of the factors that may lead to depression. If you’re looking to treat depression yourself, checking your vitamin D levels can be an excellent first step.

Tips:

  • Get your vitamin D levels tested.
  • Spend time in sunlight, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM.
  • Consider taking a vitamin D supplement if levels are low

2. Add In Vitamin B

Often, people who suffer from depression are also low in Vitamin B. These essential vitamins support healthy brain function and even synthesize neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. You can get vitamin B through your diet, supplementation, or both.

Common Sources of Vitamin B:

  • Leafy greens, beans, and whole grains for folate.
  • Animal products like meat, fish, and dairy for B12.
  • Poultry, fish, and starchy vegetables for B6.
  • Consider a B-complex supplement if needed.

3. Eat Your Healthy Fats

Interestingly, mood disorders like depression are less common in countries where people eat plenty of fish. Omega 3s are essential for a healthy brain. Not only do they help with learning, memory, and brain development in children, they also help regulate inflammation. Less inflammation is linked to fewer mood swings and a better overall mood.

Common Sources of Omega 3s:

  • Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
  • Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
  • Olive oil and avocado.

4. Try an Elimination Diet

Sometimes, food sensitivities can sneakily contribute to mood issues. Foods like gluten and dairy can cause inflammation, which has been linked to depression. Trying an elimination diet can help uncover whether certain foods are affecting your mood.

Steps to an Elimination Diet:

  • Remove gluten, dairy, corn, soy, and sugar for six weeks.
  • Gradually reintroduce one food at a time and monitor how you react.
  • Consider food sensitivity testing to guide your elimination diet.

5. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is a well-known antidepressant. Not only does exercising release endorphins, which help your overall mood, but it promotes restful sleep. Together, these factors can make a big difference in how you feel. 

Research suggests that regular physical activity can be just as effective as medication for some people with depression. If you’re new to exercise, aim for 30-45 minutes of exercise, four days a week.

Activities to try:

  • Walking, jogging, or cycling.
  • Yoga or Pilates.
  • Strength training or swimming.

6. Check On Your Gut

The gut-brain connection is powerful, and issues in the gut can impact your mental health. A comprehensive stool analysis can uncover hidden infections or imbalances, which may be contributing to your symptoms.

Steps to Check On Your Gut:

  • Consult with a healthcare provider to order a stool analysis.
  • Incorporate probiotics and prebiotics into your diet.
  • Eat a variety of fiber-rich foods to support gut bacteria.

7. Practice Breathwork

Breathwork techniques help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve overall mood. Certain breath patterns can actually increase your resilience to stress and create a sense of calm.

Breathwork Practices:

  • Boxed Breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts.
  • Wim Hof Method: Deep, rhythmic breathing followed by breath-holds.
  • Alternate Nostril Breathing: Inhale through one nostril, hold, and exhale through the other nostril.

8. Manage Negative Thoughts

Our thoughts shape our mood, and negative thought patterns can deepen feelings of depression. Cognitive-behavioral techniques are designed to help reframe these thoughts, giving you tools to handle them more effectively.

Tips for Managing Negative Thoughts:

  • Practice mindfulness and meditation.
  • Keep a journal to track and challenge negative thoughts.
  • Seek support from a therapist trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

9. Eat the Rainbow

A colorful diet is a healthy diet! Fruits and vegetables provide a wealth of nutrients essential for mental health and overall well-being. Including a variety of colors on your plate can support both body and mind.

Tips:

  • Include a variety of colors in each meal.
  • Focus on nutrient-dense options like berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables.
  • Incorporate smoothies and salads to boost your intake.

10. Sit in the Sun (or Try Light Therapy)

Natural light has a significant effect on mood. Exposure to morning sunlight or light therapy helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which can improve sleep and boost your energy levels. This is especially important during the winter months or in areas with limited sunlight.

Tips:

  • Spend 20-30 minutes outside each morning.
  • Use a 10,000 Lux light box for 20-30 minutes each morning if natural light is unavailable.
  • Ensure your light box filters out UV rays for safety.

Work with Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine

Depression isn’t something you can just “push through.” If you’re searching for ways to overcome depression, it requires care and attention to all areas of your life—body, mind, and emotions—to find lasting relief.  

By making small shifts in these areas, you’re supporting your mood naturally and giving yourself the best chance for lasting improvement. These steps can be part of a balanced, holistic approach, whether you’re looking for an alternative to medication or want to add more support to your current treatment.

If you’re ready for personalized guidance on treating depression naturally, Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine is here to help. We’re dedicated to finding the root causes of mood disorders and building a plan that truly supports you. Reach out to start your journey back to balance and wellness.

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Dr. Amy Reidhead

Dr. Reidhead is a double board certified Chiropractic Physician and Family Nurse Practitioner. She is also a Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture and holds a Bachelor of Science in both Nursing and Human Biology. She has spent the past 25 years honing her skills as a functional and integrative medical provider in Boulder, Colorado.

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