How Do You Stop Being Depressed Without Medication

Most people experience depression at some point of time in their lives. But if the depression lasts for more than two weeks you may need treatment. If you are depressed, your behavior, appearance, communication and attitude towards others may change completely. You will be disinterested in everything around you, including your daily chores. You may feel like avoiding company and would like to be alone. You may lose your appetite, and become forgetful. You may also sleep more. Uncombed hair, unshaven beard and dirty clothes are all signs of depression. At times you may even feel like committing suicide. Depression may make you feel that it is the end of the world for you. First you have to realize that the depression is temporary. You have to analyze the causes of depression.

Depression
Source: Photograph by Fakelvis
  Creative Commons File

Major Causes of Depression

Most people feel depressed when someone close to them dies. But if you are emotionally attached to the dead person like son, daughter, wife or husband the grief will be very difficult to bear. The depression could last long.

Divorce

Divorce or separation could be a major cause of depression. You may feel unwanted. The question crops up as to what to do next. You may feel insecure. If you have small children, getting separated from them could cause more agony.

Health Problem

Severe health problems could be another reason. A disease like cancer and unbearable pain due to the disease could be major cause of depression.

Environmental Factors

A hostile work environment with an unreasonable boss or coworkers may cause depression. Inability to meet the targets and likelihood of losing the job could cause anxiety and depression.

Detoxification

If you are an alcohol or drug addict trying to kick the habit, the sudden deprivation of the substance may cause depression.

For women the cause of depression could be hostile home environment, where they face violence.

Solutions

Has your girl friend deserted you? Do you have a problem at the office and you have been overlooked for promotion?

Just think that no problem is insurmountable. Keep thinking of the solutions to the problem. You may get a more understanding girl friend. You can get a better job.

Spend as much time as possible with people with whom you feel comfortable. Socialize with positive people and put out the negative thoughts out off your mind. Avoid negative thinking people like plague.

Confide your thoughts and problems with your close friends and family. You can even go to a counselor or a clergyman.

Go to a concert or a movie with friends.  

Change your place of residence and move to a different place or town.

A good night’s sleep is essential to rejuvenate your mind and body. Your mind will rest and it can be said that you will be away from your problems as long as you sleep

Don’t always think about yourself and your problems.

Everyone faces difficulties at some point of time in their lives. You should understand that these problems are temporary and have confidence to overcome these problems.

Natural Expectorant Remedies for Phlegm

Several naturally available substances have properties of an expectorant. They help to push out phlegm.

An expectorant thins out the mucus and helps to expel it from the bronchial tubes and lungs. This helps to make breathing easier. It is very important for an affected patient to expel mucus. Coughing helps to clear the mucus buildup in the chest and the lungs. It makes breathing easier. If you have common colds, flu, bronchitis, sinus congestion or pneumonia, it is necessary to get the phlegm out of the system. 

Licorice

  Source: Wikimedia Commons: Erin Silversmith

 Licorice

Licorice is a root which has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. Licorice tastes sweeter than sugar. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. It is also a very good expectorant. Licorice helps to break down the thick phlegm and push it out. It can also help to soothe the irritation due to the inflammation in the respiratory tract and throat. It is advisable to drink licorice root tea twice a day to make the best use of its expectorant properties.

Garlic

Garlic has several medicinal properties. Garlic can be used as a steam inhaler. Garlic based cough syrup can be prepared by grating a garlic and mixing it with a teaspoon of honey. It would help to thin and push out the phlegm. Garlic is a decongestant as well as an expectorant.

Onion

Onion is a natural decongestant and an expectorant. You can eat raw onion slices. It is very easy to do so if you develop a taste for it. Grated onion can be combined with grated garlic and honey to be more effective.

Eucalyptus Oil

Apply eucalyptus oil or Vicks to your chest and rub it vigorously so that some warmth is generated. This will be of great help thin out and loosen the phlegm.

Ginger

Ginger is a natural expectorant. Drinking ginger tea 3 times a day can help to loosen the phlegm and expel it. Add grated ginger to water and boil it. Strain it after it cools and it is ready for drinking. Honey can also be added to ginger tea as it is also an expectorant. It will sweeten the tea and add to its taste.

Steam

One of the best methods to get rid of phlegm is to inhale steam from a vaporizer. Moist air helps to loosen the phlegm from the air tubes and expel it.

• Elevate your pillow so that the phlegm does not get back to the lungs.

• Drink lots of water as it thins out the mucus and helps its expulsion.

• Hot spicy foods like chilli peppers help to loosen the mucus.

• Hot tea will also help to loosen the mucus.

These are some of the natural expectorants which will help you to get rid of phlegm.

Don’t

If you have phlegm in your air tubes and lungs it is essential to stop smoking. Smoke can irritate nasal passages and aggravate the problem. Certain over the counter expectorant syrups, suppress mucus are available. Don’t over use them. 

References

health911.com:  Coughs

umm.edu        :  Eucalyptus