In a recent government study... OVER 70% of people taking anti-depressant drugs reported that they were still suffering from feelings of depression!

Huh? Excuse me...

That is depressing!

Depression can be crippling... it can be devastating. It can cause a person to withdraw from everyone he loves and stop doing activities that he once enjoyed. It can cause a deep despair and social isolation that is overwhelming. Victims of depression encounter memory problems, sleep disruption or a need to sleep excessively, a sense of hopelessness and an inability to join the rest of the world. Depression afflicts an estimated 19 million Americans, and they cant just snap out of it.

Although there are ways to ease some symptoms of depression, sometimes medication therapy is needed for a person to fully enjoy a life without depression. However, there are some free tips that you can try if you have the blues.

1. Talk to Someone - Counselors and therapists can help you to sort out issues and make sense of things in your life. If you are not comfortable with a counselor, talk to a close friend or write in a journal. Sometimes just talking about things can make you feel better.

2. No More Nicotine - Nicotine is a stimulant. It acts in the body much like caffeine. It can make you feel better temporarily, but in the end it will only add to depression in several ways. The stimulant in nicotine can increase your anxiety. Smoking also tends to make a person more prone to upper respiratory illnesses and illness can increase you depression.

3. Eat Fresh - Eat as much fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy as possible. The more you rid processed foods from your diet, the better you will feel. Fresh vegetables are good for you and boost your body with vitamins. The healthier you are, the better you tend to feel emotionally.

4. Lighten Up - Turn on the lights, don't sit in the dark. The more light you bring into a room, natural light is best if possible, the better chances you have of raising your mood. Sitting in the dark will only contribute to your depression.

5. Reduce Caffeine - Caffeine brings you up - then drops you like a rock. It can increase your anxiety and distress and contribute to your depression as well. Drink more water, sodas and even fruit drinks have sugar and preservatives that can drag you down and make you feel worse.

6. Exercise - A brisk walk or a good workout can do wonders for your mood. As you exercise and raise your heart rate, your body releases endorphins which improve your mood. Youve heard of the runners high? Well, that is why.

7. Try Meditation - Meditation can do wonders for alieving feelings of depression. There are various forms of meditation from conscious breathing to guided meditation to creative imagery. Find a form that works for you and practice. The focus and peace does wonders for a troubled spirit.

8. Get Enough Sleep - Sleep deprivation can cause depression and anxiety. Too much sleep can also contribute to depression and anxiety. The average adult needs between six and nine hours of sleep a night. Each individual has different needs, but this is a good guideline.

9. Reduce Sugar - Sugar can cause serious problems, especially if your depression is combined with anxiety. Sugar can increase your anxiety, give you a let down when you come down off of a sugar high and it can hinder your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Frequent illnesses can contribute to depression.

10. Buy a Horse - Or even a cat. Having a pet can actually reduce your depression and anxiety. Just the act of stroking an animal can lower your blood pressure and calm you. If you have allergies, you can check out certain breeds of dogs, such as Chihuahuas that do not seem to irritate and incite allergic reactions.

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