8. Eat More Brain Foods

These foods have shown a lot of promise as alternative depression treatments:

Turkey is high in tryptophan which stimulates serotonin production, which is our natural anti-depressant chemical.

Nuts are a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats as well as protein. But walnuts get the edge when it comes to lessening the symptoms of depression because they also are one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3s in walnuts support overall brain health.

Fatty fish like mackerel, bluefish, wild salmon, and tuna are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. These not only have specific brain-boosting properties to fight depression, but also are good for overall health as well. In addition, they fight inflammation. Eat these fish 3-4 times a week and you won’t need to take a supplement.

Green tea is an incredibly rich source of antioxidants, but its depression-fighting properties can be traced to an amino acid known as theanine. Theanine is an amino acid that provides an anti-stress relaxation benefits.

Dark chocolate helps to release serotonin and relaxes the blood vessels of the cardiovascular system. Dark chocolate is calorie-dense, so eat sparingly.