How I overcame depression without medication

Alison Canavan, 39, a motivational speaker, shares her My Healthista Story of overcoming 20 years of depression and anxiety whilst ditching the drink and medication

Get more from the Healthista team here:

[champion]

I eat healthy, i workout often, i went to jog sometimes, i pray, i read spiritual books, i watch fun shows, i take care of my body well. but the depression is still there and i did all the thing i said for the sake of no who and i did because human think its good to have a healthy lifestyle. i dont have energy to do anything. i did all the thing with heavy heart. i force my leg to walk, my mind to accept. and now i started to cry everyday for no reason, and it so hard to stop.

[peterjames]

You suggest what every page, website, and person does – Meditation, Exercise, Healthy Diet – and whilst these things are fantastic helpers, how do we get better if our depression is making us unmotivated: thus, we don’t want to do these things.

[srtj.av.]

I didn't understood until I've lost taste for life and everything that used to make me happy, I used to judge rich people for been depressed. I was so wrong because even if you give a zillion dollars now It won't change the way I feel.

[Nikolai]

Honestly, I feel depression and anxiety are there to tell us somthing. I've struggled with many mental health issues for years and honestly, you can't just get rid of them. Taking meds silences that voice that maybe we as individuals value diferent things and that certain things may not be good for us

[ahmetberat]

I have researched and found out that shrooms are very helpful, it has really helps to reduce anxiety and depression . I would love to try magic mushrooms but I can't easily get some, Is there any realiable source I can purchase one

[Gemtiger]

Things that I have tried thus far that have consistently and noticeably improved and stabilised my mood have been:

1. Walking outdoors near Nature.

2. Hatha Yoga.

3. Lemon balm herb.

4. Gingko Biloba.

5. SAMe supplement.

6. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).

7. Power naps.

8. Social connection with friends.

9. Consuming healthy foods and beverages. Avoiding junkfood.

[ervinstankovic]

Never let someone label you depressed for the rest of your life! take life into your own hands 🫶

[a.humphries]

Yes, talking to people about depression has been incredibly difficult. It makes me feel even more alone and like I'm going to be stuck forever. I've definitely isolated myself, because being around people just makes things worse. ...

[dr.karidouglas]

Psilocybin containing mushrooms saved my life . The drastically reduced my benzodiazepine withdrawal allowing me to quite illicit pill addiction after three years of heavy daily use before it would had became medically dangerous to quit . It has also helped me survive depression .

[paranoidgenius]

I'm going to try to make my "cure" explanation quick & simple.
Identify, understand, recognize the pattern & what it does, instead of trying to reject it, embrace it, you are not a robot. When you feel it coming, jumpstart yourself into keeping yourself physically busy, & don't let depression put you into a sadness trance either! Keep fighting the urge to stop & think, which could lead you into a trance. Think positive like, I'm depressed, but at least it's not 100% constant.
Depression is always there, or there in stable percentage & not overpowering. If you haven't noticed symptoms, never ever assume that it is gone for good because it doesn't.
Always keep you're expectations as low as possible, try & reserve good emotions because that can burn out, then you could go into relapse,
These have really helped me because with these pointers in place & instructing, (not forced), to follow them.
A couple of months have gone by, & I'm thinking in wonder, where the hell Has my depression gone?!
I hope my method helps other sufferers.

[tallpoppysyndrome]

I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant
But nothing
I said nothing can take away these blues
'Cause nothing compares
Nothing compares to you

[janiemiller]

Great info
It’s refreshing to hear a model speak out- speak genuine truth. Cheers 👏
Great example- for other depressed people to see- depression can affect anyone- models, actors, wealthy, famous etc. we’re all human beings. Everyone can be affected by depression or low moods. Happiness truly does come from the inside ( not the outside ). Many rich or famous people aren’t happy. Happiness is an inside job

[DISTINGUISHED.GENTLEMAN.]

Taking these 6 supplements helped reduce my depression considerably:

1) Vitamin B9 AKA Folate
2) Vitamin B12
3) Vitamin D
4) Magnesium
5) Omega 3
6) Zinc

I wish everyone luck in their fight against depression

[pratapsinghrana]

Alison! you don't know YOU JUST GAVE ME RAY OF "HOPE" To LIVE

Thank you

[vvelvettearss]

Its the most simple things
Im on a journey and its imperfect but 2 things just TWO helped me begin to get better from lifelong Anxiety, depression, ADD and brain fog and a messed up appetite and they continue to help me and even though they might not make everything hunky dory all the time they have definatley "woke me up" as it were and awakened a deep inner strength, a self concidence, a love for me and others and a passion and optimism about the joys of life that i just couldnt see before and there is now a strong resilience and accepting determination of keeping going even through bad days NOTHING like i used to be. Its nothing short of a miracle

Those two things are being outdoors and in nature, forcing myself to every day no matter the weather and keeping windows open, it stills my mind and oxygenates my brain and energises my soul. Walking, gazing at pamoramic views and forest basking. I cant even say what it does but it DOES help. it helps everything

The other thing was kefir milk to heal my gut and cutting right down on gluten. I need some more but the impact on my digestion and my clarity of mind was so strong that i feel the ability to have hope for the first time in my life and this impact even the memory of it will LAST.

so if you have depression or mental emotional issues, get outdoors!! even in your garden and open your window. Open it right now even if circumstances allow . We arent meant to live cooped up in concrete boxes and our bodies and brains need what has been missing for so long

Have a belief and watch what you expose yourself to and spend your time wisely
And read The Green Cure by Alice Peck
thats what helped me

[nadiaouhmanemaroc]

Love yourself to heal...take time for U...Exercice...eat healthy...meditate...and change will appear

[virginiaforest]

I'm depressed. I live alone, in poverty, in silence, and hopeless. Since 2017, I lived in domestic violence being abused by my youngest son and his bbm and my ex husband along with his mother in law. Especially 2020, the violence became worse for me, aimed at me. I feel totally betrayed by my husband and my youngest son. They would kick me out of my own home where I raised my kids. Where memories would already be remembered as I sure did. Because I am alone being depressed is more intense. I don't have confidence, I don't have the energy, I don't have energy to cook and stand around. Depression is hard to climb out of, probably because we fall into despair. As an Aboriginal living in Canada the poverty and homelessness, addiction and mental health are tentacles of depression. As an Indian, I don't have money to buy healthy products every week. I have rheumatoid and Fibromyalgia arthritis and heart problems, my hands I can't cut meat and vegetables. I will stop because I sound um. Anyways be kind if you have any questions. I would like opinions
How to help myself.

[Sandyg]

This was so beautifully done. Thank you

[ahmedatteya]

This was so beautiful. This inspires me to want the things I want for myself. People keep telling me I'm lucky for all the things I have. That I have to be grateful always. But now I have a voice. My voice is saying I deserve to have the things that I want and love and desire to have in my life. Thank you Alison Canavan, your words have touched my heart and motivated me very much. God bless, god speed.

[drleenaturalhair]

I didn't get the info about what she specifically did. This is kind of vague. Happy she's better though.