What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major Depressive Disorder, commonly known as MDD can be characterized by feelings of sadness or a lack of interest in outside stimuli.
What could be my symptoms?
- Sadness
- Interest Loss
- Guilt or Worthlessness
- Energy Loss
- Concentration Loss
- Appetite Change
- Psychomotor Agitation or Persistent Irritability
- Sleep Change
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Hopelessness
- Low Self-Esteem
(Two or more of these symptoms lasting for at least 2 weeks)
How can I relieve my symptoms?
There are many things you can do to relieve your symptoms. One of the best, and all-natural alternatives being, going outside! Engaging in outdoor activities will allow your body to soak up natural Vitamin D. Not only will it help you with MDD, but getting natural vitamin D from the sun has a number of health benefits like decreasing your chance of developing heart disease.
Another great way to relieve your symptoms is by modifying your diet. Adding extra omega-3’s, vitamin D, leafy greens, walnuts, and more is suggested.
Other ways to relieve your symptoms include but aren’t limited too: meditation, dancing (to increase your heart rate), limiting sugar and alcohol intake and trying something new.
Small things you can do at home to relieve your symptoms/self-help:
- Get moving! Go outside and take a walk. Soak up that natural Vitamin D. Stretch to get the blood flowing. The lack of energy flow in the body can cause depressive symptoms.
- Extra omega- 3’s, vitamins B, leafy greens, walnuts, cashews, almonds, avocado, salmon, and dark chocolate.
- Take deep breaths and listen to a meditation video.
- Listen to music and dance – get your heart rate going
- Accomplish a small project – start your day by making your bed
- Limit sugar and alcohol intake
- Try something new
- Watch a comedian. Laugh!
Medical interventions:
- Counseling
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Seeing a Psychiatrist
- Seeing your Primary Care Consultant and asking for information and referrals
- Magnesium and Vitamin D (Mayo Clinic)
- Change in Diet and Increase in Exercise
What are some medical interventions that can help me?
There are a number of medical options that can help you with MDD. Counseling is a great way to help identify and manage MDD. Another great option is Naturopathic Medicine, this will give you the chance to heal holistically. Lastly, Magnesium and Vitamin D are great supplements to take to help with Major Depressive Disorder.
How can Health for Life help you with your depression?
Health for Life will provide an open, positive, calming atmosphere that will help you on your journey. With a number of experienced counselors at hand, we’ll find the perfect fit for you. In addition to the exemplary counseling that we offer, we also sell an antidepressant companion. This supplement works as a complement to an antidepressant. Antidepressant Companion aims to reduce the side effects of your antidepressant medication. In addition, it restores the building blocks of a good mood. It can also be taken as a vitamin which could help restore some nutrients that may be lacking due to the effects of depression
Build a better you with Health for Life.
For more information on help and counseling refer to the links below:
Meet Our Counselors at Health for Life Grand Rapids and the Trauma Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids –they can assist you if you are dealing with Major Depressive Disorder.
The information and techniques listed above do not replace medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare practitioner if you think you are suffering with depression and DO NOT make any changes without consulting your consultant first. The DSM-5 strives to conceptualize an illness as a spectrum, with a domain that should be construed as normal.
This blog is written for information and promotional use only–it is not and should not be considered medical or clinical advice.
