Medically reviewed by Dr. Unsa Mohsin.
“What is depression like? It’s like drowning, except everyone around you is breathing.”
Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects the way you think, feel and act. It is the constant feeling of being numb to emotions, people and life. This might range from a level of low to considerably high. Depression causes feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed doing.
This mental illness is like a venomous snake slithering within you, making it hard to explain to people around you. Yes, one needs therapy for it but here we will talk about a few vitamins that will help you get through or at least manage your depression and uplift your mood up.
Say Bye-tamin to your depression!
Natural remedies might not be a cure for depression, but for a majority of people, supplements do seem to work very well. Here we are mentioning some of our favorite Vitamins that turned our dull nays to massive yays!
1. Vitamin B 12:
Vitamin B12 has long been championed for its distinct ability to help in the formation of red blood cells. This Vitamin plays a vital role in creating chemicals (present in your brain) that affect brain functions and uplift your mood. You can fulfill your Vitamin B-12 requirements by eating eggs, breakfast cereal or getting your hands on Vitamin B-12 supplements present out there.
2. Vitamin D
This is ‘D’ Vitamin everyone raves about as it helps to maintain healthy bones and teeth. But, apparently, this Vitamin is also a multi-tasker as it helps combat depression. There are theories that Vitamin D affects the amount of monoamines (chemicals that work in the brain). This, in turn, helps to boost your mood and make you the human version of the smile emoticon.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins out there that helps with the healthy functioning of the body. This vitamin helps to improve, both, mood and cognitive function. Depression often tends to lead to energy loss and unhappiness. This Vitamin strengthens the immune system, therefore, giving you the energy to function properly. So stock up on these Vitamins and live your happy days!
4. 5-HTP
5-hydroxytryptophan, an amino acid, helps to increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is a contributor to feelings of happiness and well-being. Therefore, 5-HTP helps to fight against depression and mental agony. Also, some depressed people have trouble sleeping. However, this amino acid promotes sleep by increasing your melatonin (hormone that helps in regulating sleep) production.
5. Omega 3-6-9
Omega 3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 are all crucial dietary fats. These fats are found in flaxseed oil, fish, walnuts, etc. Taking these reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even bipolar disorder. Moreover, your brain needs fatty acids that are present in Omega-3 for normal functioning. People with depression disorder are believed to not have enough DHA and EPA. Therefore, these Omega-3-6-9 supplements are promising enough to help treat depression.
While depression is a serious mental disorder, you can definitely treat it. Yes, these Vitamins shouldn’t be used as replacements for medical treatment but they can help you manage your depression. Before using these Vitamins, inform your doctor so that you get the ideal dosage according to your body. So get these vitamins right now and start living your best life yet!
Guest Post Credit: Asma Qadri
