As summer fades to fall and the long days turn into long nights, people tend to get a bit of seasonal depression. It is a natural thing for this to happen, but since we live in a world of pharmaceuticals people think there is a pill to take care of every issue. However, with all of these pills we take we never give our bodies the chance to go through the process of depression naturally and work it out, which I believe is extremely important to learn for future issues of the same nature. If we never grow and learn from these experiences then how can we better ourselves and stop these things from happening time and time again? WE can't! Instead we go to the doctor and have them prescribe some poison (oops, I mean medicine) to take care of the problem quickly and quietly. Unfortunately a quick cover usually causes more severe symptoms down the road, which ultimately perpetuates disruption throughout your entire life.

As a disabled veteran with extreme PTSD, I go through my fair share of depression. For years I went to the V.A. (hospital) where doctors would prescribe me so many drugs medications I didn't even know my name, but that was always a temporary fix that seemed to snowball and get worse every year. Those pills didn't even work for me, they made me feel like a zombie, I didn't feel like myself at all and I didn't want to go through life feeling that way, that's not living, that's barely existing. Because I had no other option at the doctors office besides medication I was basically forced to find alternate holistic ways to deal with my depression on my own. From my experiences over the years I have found 3 powerful all natural ways to help me out when I get that bit depressed and I want to share that knowledge with you.
First thing you have to realize is that this is a process, you will not feel better over night, but if you start utilizing these tools you will be equipped to deal with your depression without a pill, anytime you need and that is an empowering feeling!

Vitamin D

Most people know that vitamin D can help with (seasonal) depression, what they don't know is nearly ***everyone*** is Vitamin D deficient! I know that sounds crazy because it is so easy to step outside and get the 15 mins of sun you need a day, but for some reason most people don't. If you live in a place that doesn't get good sun you can always get supplements to help.

Magnesium

This is a supplement that is extremely helpful for depression. It can also be found in many foods we eat. Magnesium restricts the release of stress hormones and acts as a filter to prevent them entering the brain. One study found that magnesium was as effective as antidepressants in treating depression. Supplemental magnesium provides significant relief from general depression and major depressive disorder fast, often within a week.

Exercise

This one is so under rated it is ridiculous, it is the #1 most recommended way to fight depression! I am not talking about going to the gym and sweating it out for a hour everyday, just take a walk, get your body moving, your blood pumping, your muscles loose. It is really that easy. And if you exercise outside you can get your vitamin D with your exercise all in one!

"Peace, love and all that hippie shit"