Over the last years, as society has developed into an information society, depression has reached almost epidemic proportions. All the time, I see people around me depressed. Family members, friends and 2-3 years ago, myself. Here are three things you can do today to help yourself feel better.

1. Take fish oil. Plenty of research has proven that taking top-quality pharmaceutical grade fish oil capsules can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. This is because fish oil is high in two omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. Of these, it is DHA which is the most important for mental health. DHA is the main building block of our brain cells. Being deficient in DHA has been shown to cause depression in many people, or at least pre-dispose them to the condition. If your diet is not rich in good-quality, fresh fatty fish, like Pacific sockeye salmon or fresh sardines from clean seas, then you are very likely to be deficient in DHA.

2. Exercise. This is perhaps the most direct way to make yourself feel better right away. Exercising releases endorphins, chemicals in our brains that make us feel good. They function as a natural drug. I have found that any type of exercise, whether it be walking, cycling, weight lifting, etc... is very good at making me feel better, but that exercising outside, like taking a hike in nature, is particularly beneficial. Take up hiking, or even better, join a hiking or nature group so you exercise with other people. This can help get your mind off the negative things in your life.

3. Goal-setting. About two years ago, after having suffered from mild to moderate depression for some months, I found that setting small, achievable goals and then taking the first step is toward achieving those goals now is one of the best things you can do to help yourself.

My experience shows that a holistic approach is the best approach to treating depression. Eating healthy foods, taking a molecularly distilled fish oil supplement that is as high as possible in DHA, thinking positively and exercising often is a very good way to overcome this challenge. I know it can be done.

Author's Bio: 

Sector rotator. Natural health and biophysics devotee. I enjoy mountaineering, baguazhang, learning interesting things and the music of Piazzolla.

Get more in-depth self-improvement information please read my blog at life sucks, or check out my post at benefits of green tea.