If you suffer from depression and anxiety, it may seem like you are alone. However, you're not: millions of people around the world deal with the effects of depression and anxiety each day. What's more encouraging is that many people are able to improve or even eliminate their depression and anxiety through a variety of methods. These methods, either implemented alone or together with other methods, can help improve your symptoms and help you live a happier and less-stressful life.

Improve Your Nutrition

One of the best ways to start treating your depression and anxiety is to change your habits. You may not realize it, but your diet, exercise (or lack thereof) and personal relationships can have a direct impact on your depression and anxiety. The first thing you should do is change your diet. A diet that's rich in vitamins and minerals helps your body function in its optimal form. Try to get the recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, dairy and grain each day. Also, it's a good idea to take a multivitamin and drink at least eight glasses of water a day to ensure your body is properly hydrated. Try to stay away from foods that are high in fat and sodium, as well as avoid caffeinated beverages as much as possible.

Make Exercise a Priority

The Mayo Clinic says that people with depression and anxiety should maintain a regular exercise routine. Exercise is one of the best medicines available. It provides many benefits to people with all levels of depression and anxiety: it helps the brain release feel-good chemicals, called endorphins; it provides more oxygen for your body, which can help your mood; and it gives your more confidence as you see the strength and condition of your body improve over time. You don't have to join a gym or start an intensive routine to feel the benefits of exercise. Instead, simply walking outside for at least 30 minutes a day three times per week can help you alleviate your depression and anxiety symptoms.

Seek Professional Guidance

Proper nutrition and exercise are important to helping your depression and anxiety; however, it's vitally important that you get to the root of your depression and anxiety. The best way to do this is to talk to someone with a professional background in treating these diseases. A psychologist or psychiatrist is medically certified to help you talk through your problems and understand why you feel the way you do. These professionals can also recommend other treatments, like medication or other forms of therapy, that can help you deal with your depression and anxiety and get back to leading the happy and successful life you deserve.

Source:

MayoClinic.com: Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms

HelpGuide.org: Dealing with Depression

More Information:

How to Cope with Anxiety and Depression