According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) one in 10 Americans suffer from some form of depression. Since there are 317,945,978 Americans, that means there are 31,794,597 Americans who suffer from this disease. There are many different reasons why people battle depression and there are some things you can do to alleviate symptoms and brighten your mood.

1. You are what you eat. If you fill your body with high-calorie, fat-laden food, your body is going to feel heavy and sluggish. Conversely if you fill your body with energy boosting, vitamin rich fare then you are going to feel lighter and full of energy.

2. All couch potatoes cringe, but exercise is also a good way to ease depression symptoms. It is a proven medical fact that exercise increases the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is our body’s own natural “happy” medicine.

3. Sunlight also increases the serotonin levels and the beauty of this wonderful world we live in can brighten anyone’s mood. Simple things like gardening, going fishing, riding a bike, or short hikes, are activities most people are able to do. Even if your mobility is limited just a few minutes out in the sunshine and fresh air can help.

4. Find an outlet for your feelings. Many times we bottle up what we are feeling, especially if we don’t have any close friends to confide in. That’s where the arts can help. Having a constructive outlet can ease the pressure of depression and gives us something we can enjoy.

5. Feed your spirit. It doesn’t matter what denomination you are, attending church regularly can ease depression. Uplifting sermons and music can ease depression symptoms and also give you Biblical instruction and principles to rely on when things are weighing you down.

There is nothing to be ashamed of if you suffer from depression. You are just one in millions who do. The shame comes in when you do nothing about it.