1. Light Therapy

Phototherapy, or light therapy, has been shown to be effective in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder, but some research also indicates the benefit of using a light box in conjunction with anti-depressants to lessen depression in general. Especially if you live in an area without a lot of sunlight, or if you’ve recently moved to an area with less sunlight than you body is used to, light boxes can help mimic the light composition your body is craving. If you have bipolar disorder, however, consult a doctor before using a light box to help your mood as some light can stimulate those with bipolar disorder into a manic episode. Personally, I use my light box on a medium setting for fifteen minutes in the morning and late afternoon. Different light boxes supply various types of light, and intensities of light, so it’s important to find the one that’s right for you.

2. B12 Vitamins

Vitamin B12 aids in the production of myelin sheath, the connection of nerve impulses, and the formation of red blood cells. In short, Vitamin B12 plays a huge factor in whether our nerves are functioning properly and our blood is coagulating efficiently. This is why many who are deficient in B12 may develop anemia, or appear to have cognitive and spatial judgment issues. Common symptoms of those in the early stages of B12 deficiency include memory loss (or a foggy brain), fatigue or general weakness, and frequent headaches. All of these are also symptoms in common with depression, which is why a B12 deficiency can actually cause depressive disorders. B12 vitamins can be taken orally, or even taken through shots. Personally, I have a severe B12 deficiency and I find that taking B12 vitamins orally causes jitteriness and anxiety, so I drink smoothies containing B12 when I feel low on energy.

3. Reducing Intake of Artificial Sugars

Artificial sugars such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin can actually increase depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Artificial sugars, such as aspartame, can increase the body’s levels of phenylalanine, an amino acid which works positively with the body when produced naturally, but causes severe damage to the brain when isolated for artificial sweeteners, like Equal. Phenylalanine in large doses causes an increase in dopamine, which can in turn cause an imbalance in dopamine levels. Those with depression, anxiety, and panic disorder already have an imbalance and sweeteners may exacerbate this dysfunction.

4. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an Eastern approach to emotional and physical well-being, and therefore most Western doctors cannot legally suggest its benefits. While traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture in the sense of removing blockages of energy flow, some Western doctors explain acupuncture’s effectiveness through its pinpointing of certain nerves and how this may in turn affect the body’s physical and emotional pain. The benefits of acupuncture lack some scientific research, mainly because of the difficulty of developing a placebo needle to serve as a control for an experiment; however, many personal testimonies can be found online and finding a community acupuncture center can provide a less costly alternative to Western medications.