Learn to counter stress, especially if you have a genetic predisposition to depression (family history), as stress is identified as a major factor that can trigger depressive episodes.
Incorporate regular therapy into your routine, as it provides a good rapport, emotional support, directed guidance, and useful insights, which are considered vital for overall health.
Engage in consistent physical activity, including aerobic and resistance training, as it is a protective behavior against depression and helps relieve symptoms by increasing norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin levels.
Consume more than 1000mg, and ideally closer to 2000mg, of EPA omega-3s daily to limit inflammatory cytokines, which diverts tryptophan towards serotonin production and can benefit mood and offset major depressive disorder.
Consciously avoid overstimulating your pleasure centers through excessive activities or compounds, as this practice can set you up for anhedonia and depression.
Regularly expose yourself to deliberate cold showers or ice baths, as this releases norepinephrine and epinephrine, which can help alleviate depressive symptoms related to low norepinephrine levels.
Consult a doctor for a blood panel that includes measurements of thyroid hormone and cortisol hormone, especially if experiencing depression, as hormonal shifts are linked to susceptibility and severity of the condition.
Choose cookware and other kitchen products that are free of PFASs (forever chemicals), as these toxic compounds are linked to major health issues like hormone disruption, gut microbiome disruption, and fertility problems.
If you are a woman with major depressive disorder taking SSRIs, consider creatine monohydrate supplementation, as it can augment or enhance the response to SSRIs, potentially lowering the required dose or improving effectiveness.
Explore a ketogenic diet if you have major depressive disorder that is refractory (does not respond) to classical antidepressants, as it may increase GABA and provide some relief for depressive symptoms.
Consider daily intake of AG1, a vitamin, mineral, and probiotic drink, to support overall health, energy, focus, digestive health, immune system health, bowel regularity, and to reduce bloating.