Natural ways to deal with depression

Sometimes I think—or maybe I just refuse to believe, because that feels like too strong a word—but I don't know what else to call it.🙄

I’m not sure if there's any hope left for anything. I don't personally believe there is, but I'm asking here in case anyone actually knows otherwise.

Is there a "natural" way to manage or heal depression? Something I can work on by myself?

restlesshound48 said:Sometimes I think—or maybe I just refuse to believe, because that feels like too strong a word—but I don't know what else to call it.🙄

I’m not sure if there's any hope left for anything. I don't personally believe there is, but I'm asking here in case anyone actually knows otherwise.

Is there a "natural" way to manage or heal depression? Something I can work on by myself?

There is... finding someone to love.

John Palmer9 said:There is... finding someone to love.

Just don't bring that up to me. 🙄

restlesshound48 said:Sometimes I think—or maybe I just refuse to believe, because that feels like too strong a word—but I don't know what else to call it.🙄

I’m not sure if there's any hope left for anything. I don't personally believe there is, but I'm asking here in case anyone actually knows otherwise.

Is there a "natural" way to manage or heal depression? Something I can work on by myself?

When you're dealing with depression, you're ultimately fighting that battle on your own. Every method people suggest—whether it’s therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication—is technically "natural" in its own way (though I suppose one could argue about what counts as unnatural), but the real question is how effective and sustainable those methods actually are in the long run. Having support and understanding from the people around you certainly provides a much-needed tailwind, but even with all that encouragement, the individual still has to be the one to find their own path. At the end of the day, you have to be the one to find the internal motivation to actually get moving.
You have to avoid standing still, isolating yourself from everyone, or just sitting around spiraling about the meaning of life. It’s vital to set small, realistic goals every single day. That creates a steady stream of momentum that keeps you from just lying in bed and letting the day slip through your fingers. Basically, less overthinking, more doing.
Of course, through psychotherapy, a person can reach those genuine breakthroughs and gain a much deeper understanding of their own situation. It helps strip away all that unnecessary guilt—after all, life happens to the best of us. We couldn't control certain things in our past, but we absolutely have control over the work we do on ourselves today.

To get things started...

https://www.webmd.com/depression/fea...l-treatments#1
https://www.everydayhealth.com/colum...ion-naturally/
https://www.healthline.com/health/de...ements#saffron

restlesstiger49 said:When you're dealing with depression, you're ultimately fighting that battle on your own. Every method people suggest—whether it’s therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication—is technically "natural" in its own way (though I suppose one could argue about what counts as unnatural), but the real question is how effective and sustainable those methods actually are in the long run. Having support and understanding from the people around you certainly provides a much-needed tailwind, but even with all that encouragement, the individual still has to be the one to find their own path. At the end of the day, you have to be the one to find the internal motivation to actually get moving.
You have to avoid standing still, isolating yourself from everyone, or just sitting around spiraling about the meaning of life. It’s vital to set small, realistic goals every single day. That creates a steady stream of momentum that keeps you from just lying in bed and letting the day slip through your fingers. Basically, less overthinking, more doing.
Of course, through psychotherapy, a person can reach those genuine breakthroughs and gain a much deeper understanding of their own situation. It helps strip away all that unnecessary guilt—after all, life happens to the best of us. We couldn't control certain things in our past, but we absolutely have control over the work we do on ourselves today.

By "natural," I meant without any professional help. I don't have any kind of support system.
I try to find motivation, but it isn't working. 🙄
I've never really been a people person—never liked new environments—and lately, I've been completely alone with nothing new in my life.

Action used to mean hanging out online, but even that feels exhausting now. You know how it is. 🙄

Joseph Bailey41 said:To get things started...

https://www.webmd.com/depression/fea...l-treatments#1
https://www.everydayhealth.com/colum...ion-naturally/
https://www.healthline.com/health/de...ements#saffron

Thanks.

You have to force yourself through all of it. Looking at that first link, it seems like the same old story, just with an old face. 🙄

Seems like there's only one option worth actually trying. 🙄

Do you actually have a psychiatric diagnosis confirming that it’s clinical depression?

Vitamin D and depression:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/b...and-depression

https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/are-...ency-pandemic/

Vitamins, fish oil, hitting the gym, or cranking up some high-energy music...

Diet, exercise, daily walks, religious principles, hitting the sauna, socializing, weekend trips, hiking, working in the orchard, a massive library of psychology books, online forums, video games, alcohol (definitely wouldn't recommend), cigarettes, coffee (also a no). I’ve been microdosing nicotine—still experimenting, but I’m leaning toward the conclusion that alcohol was the bigger issue.
Dietary supplements like fish oil, magnesium, and zinc. Reading, browsing the web, TV, resting, learning how to unwind, and knowing when to unplug.
Looking back at everything, I honestly think what helped me most was simply time and having my family's support. I refused to take antidepressants, and I actually walked out on my psychiatrist after just one session. In hindsight, that was probably a mistake; I could have saved myself two years of struggle if I had stayed.

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Nicole Booth25 said:Do you actually have a psychiatric diagnosis confirming that it’s clinical depression?

No.

Ethan Kim4 said:Vitamin D and depression:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/b...and-depression

https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/are-...ency-pandemic/

Vitamins, fish oil, hitting the gym, or cranking up some high-energy music...

I'm a dead blower. 🙄

Karen Morgan6 said:Diet, exercise, daily walks, religious principles, hitting the sauna, socializing, weekend trips, hiking, working in the orchard, a massive library of psychology books, online forums, video games, alcohol (definitely wouldn't recommend), cigarettes, coffee (also a no). I’ve been microdosing nicotine—still experimenting, but I’m leaning toward the conclusion that alcohol was the bigger issue.
Dietary supplements like fish oil, magnesium, and zinc. Reading, browsing the web, TV, resting, learning how to unwind, and knowing when to unplug.
Looking back at everything, I honestly think what helped me most was simply time and having my family's support. I refused to take antidepressants, and I actually walked out on my psychiatrist after just one session. In hindsight, that was probably a mistake; I could have saved myself two years of struggle if I had stayed.

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Time isn't helping me. If anything, it's doing the opposite. Family isn't exactly a source of positivity either.

Maybe spending some time around people wouldn't be the worst thing. But I've always been boring, withdrawn, just... nothing. No social circle. I even thought maybe meeting a girl might jumpstart something, but given everything else—including my looks—it’s probably not happening. 👎

Look, let’s start with some practical advice: go see a psychiatrist. Once you actually have a formal diagnosis in hand, then you can sit down and follow a professional's guidance. At the very least, following those clinical recommendations might give you a bit more energy and momentum to work with.

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I once dealt with depression myself. My approach? Drink about ten beers a day, knock back a few cups of black coffee, and just let time take its course. Throw in a session of weed once a week, and you're set.

restlesshound48 said:No.

I'm a dead blower. 🙄

Time isn't helping me. If anything, it's doing the opposite. Family isn't exactly a source of positivity either.

Maybe spending some time around people wouldn't be the worst thing. But I've always been boring, withdrawn, just... nothing. No social circle. I even thought maybe meeting a girl might jumpstart something, but given everything else—including my looks—it’s probably not happening. 👎

Well, that makes sense when you're dealing with depression.
Start small by adding some vitamins and fish oil to your routine; it's a low-risk first step. It might also be worth reaching out to a professional therapist.

restlesshound48 said:By "natural," I meant without any professional help. I don't have any kind of support system.
I try to find motivation, but it isn't working. 🙄
I've never really been a people person—never liked new environments—and lately, I've been completely alone with nothing new in my life.

Action used to mean hanging out online, but even that feels exhausting now. You know how it is. 🙄

Thanks.

You have to force yourself through all of it. Looking at that first link, it seems like the same old story, just with an old face. 🙄

Seems like there's only one option worth actually trying. 🙄

Honestly, if you ask me, psychotherapy is just the most natural and effective way to handle things, so I really don't see why anyone would try to navigate all that mental clutter without some professional guidance to steer them in the right direction.

Douglas Gray8 said:I once dealt with depression myself. My approach? Drink about ten beers a day, knock back a few cups of black coffee, and just let time take its course. Throw in a session of weed once a week, and you're set.

Honestly, you could just throw anything at it at this point, really, because when things get this messy and unpredictable, there isn't exactly a perfect playbook to follow, so I guess we might as well just see what happens if we try something completely different, right? What do you think we should even bother doing about it in the meantime?

restlesshound48 said:No.

I'm a dead blower. 🙄

Time isn't helping me. If anything, it's doing the opposite. Family isn't exactly a source of positivity either.

Maybe spending some time around people wouldn't be the worst thing. But I've always been boring, withdrawn, just... nothing. No social circle. I even thought maybe meeting a girl might jumpstart something, but given everything else—including my looks—it’s probably not happening. 👎

Right, nobody really touched on that specific point. I think in today's pop culture, they call that being an 'incel.' Here’s a video that covers the topic:

restlesshound48 said:No.

I'm a dead blower. 🙄

Time isn't helping me. If anything, it's doing the opposite. Family isn't exactly a source of positivity either.

Maybe spending some time around people wouldn't be the worst thing. But I've always been boring, withdrawn, just... nothing. No social circle. I even thought maybe meeting a girl might jumpstart something, but given everything else—including my looks—it’s probably not happening. 👎

Man, I feel everything you just said. Total introvert here, never been social, just passive. Not moving forward and feeling unmotivated basically every other day. Life just feels stuck. Don't know how long I can keep this up.

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Ethan Kim4 said:Well, that makes sense when you're dealing with depression.
Start small by adding some vitamins and fish oil to your routine; it's a low-risk first step. It might also be worth reaching out to a professional therapist.

I know I am... 🙄

rapidtinker3 said:Honestly, if you ask me, psychotherapy is just the most natural and effective way to handle things, so I really don't see why anyone would try to navigate all that mental clutter without some professional guidance to steer them in the right direction.

Honestly, you could just throw anything at it at this point, really, because when things get this messy and unpredictable, there isn't exactly a perfect playbook to follow, so I guess we might as well just see what happens if we try something completely different, right? What do you think we should even bother doing about it in the meantime?

I don't buy it. The idea that someone can just "instill" a sense of willpower into me? I’ve been searching for that drive for ages. It’s not happening. It just isn't happening.

Ethan Kim4 said:Right, nobody really touched on that specific point. I think in today's pop culture, they call that being an 'incel.' Here’s a video that covers the topic:

I’m not sure if I’d actually go through with it. I’ve thought about it, though. Maybe it would help to have someone to lean on—someone I actually trust, someone intimate... just someone there. But let's be real: since I'm far from being a model, finding someone willing to be all that for me? Probably not. Especially not for a guy like me. 🙄

Jesse Barnes5 said:Man, I feel everything you just said. Total introvert here, never been social, just passive. Not moving forward and feeling unmotivated basically every other day. Life just feels stuck. Don't know how long I can keep this up.

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I get it.

I’m an introvert myself, but I still crave connection. Back in elementary school, I had a small circle of friends. Things were fine then.

Then high school happened, and everything went south. Loss, bullying, being the outsider in a new environment... plus having zero desire or money to actually go out. I never learned how to enjoy partying or anything else. Fast forward over a decade later, and I've just become a worse version of my already mediocre self.

Honestly? I don't know. It feels like I'm reaching the end of the line... but maybe that's for the best.🙂

restlesshound48 said:I get it.

I’m an introvert myself, but I still crave connection. Back in elementary school, I had a small circle of friends. Things were fine then.

Then high school happened, and everything went south. Loss, bullying, being the outsider in a new environment... plus having zero desire or money to actually go out. I never learned how to enjoy partying or anything else. Fast forward over a decade later, and I've just become a worse version of my already mediocre self.

Honestly? I don't know. It feels like I'm reaching the end of the line... but maybe that's for the best.🙂

Same story.

Don't say that. We gotta move.

Ever feel like one part of you is desperate to actually try, while the other side is just leaning hard into self-destruction and sinking deeper?

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Jesse Barnes5 said:Same story.

Don't say that. We gotta move.

Ever feel like one part of you is desperate to actually try, while the other side is just leaning hard into self-destruction and sinking deeper?

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Yeah. Unfortunately.

On one hand, I know it’s a step-by-step process and recovery could take years—if it happens at all. On the other, years are passing by without any real improvement.

I don't think there's any "moving forward" left in me. 🙄

I'm exhausted. Like I said, when even browsing the web feels like too much work, you know how bad things really are.🙄 🙄