5 Natural Ways to Combat Divorce Depression

Depression strikes many people at one point or another in their lives. Divorce is a difficult life transition, and it is common to experience depression during the process and afterward. Symptoms may include persistent sadness, hopelessness, anxiety about the future, loss of enjoyment in activities, and changes in sleep patterns and appetite. While severe cases of depression may require a pharmaceutical approach, many milder cases of depression may be treated using natural methods.

Here are 5 natural ways to combat the depression involved in divorce:

1. Eat right. Addressing your physical health is important during this time, since the mind and body are intricately connected. The health of one impacts the health of the other. Try eating fresh vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid foods that are highly processed or that contain a lot of sugar. If you struggle with appetite, carry around a variety of high protein snacks that you can eat throughout the day in small amounts. If you tend to comfort eat or overeat, make sure you do not eat while distracted, such as when watching television. Try setting a time in the evening past which you will not eat.

2. Try supplementation. Start with a good, food based multivitamin. Add in a calcium supplement, especially if you do not eat a lot of calcium rich foods. Fish oil is an excellent supplement to combat depression. Among its many benefits is improvement in brain health. You can take 5 HTP (hydroxytryptophan), a natural antidepressant that is a precursor to serotonin, a natural brain neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. L-Theanine is frequently taken in conjunction with 5 HTP, and is a good anti-anxiety supplement.

3. Set up a doctor approved exercise program. Cardiovascular is the ideal form of exercise to do, as it encourages the release of endorphins, compounds that elevate mood. Choose an activity or activities that elevate your heart rate over a sustained period of time. An added bonus to exercise is that it will improve physical health and body image as well as lift your spirits.

4. Talk things out. Divorce is a hard transition, and a good counselor can help you process the whys and what nows. Having a professional, trained perspective is very helpful. Enlist the support of friends and family as well, for emotional support as well as companionship to help fill the void of your missing partner.

5. Do one kind thing for yourself each day. Make a list of little things that you enjoy doing, and choose one to do each day. Cross it off your list, and when that list is exhausted, make a new one.