The importance of early management of any condition cannot be overstated. Once certain conditions set in and damage to organs occurs, complete recovery may be difficult to attain. Best results for prevention and longevity is early detection of a possible problem combined with conventional treatments, nutritional supplements and a healthy diet and lifestyle. Exercise – If you have depression, or even if you just feel down from time to time, exercise is a MUST. The research is overwhelmingly positive in this area, with studies confirming that physical exercise is at least as good as antidepressants for helping people who are depressed. One of the primary ways it does this is by increasing the level of endorphins, the 'feel good' hormones, in your brain. Get enough Sleep. Address your stress - Depression is a very serious condition. It's a sign that your body and your life are out of balance. In reality, one of the most important things you need to do is to return balance to your life, and one of the key ways to doing this is by addressing stress. Meditation or yoga can help. Sometimes all you need to do is get outside for a walk. Eat a healthy diet - Another factor that cannot be overlooked is your diet. Foods have an immense impact on your mood and ability to cope and be happy, and eating whole foods will best support your mental health. Avoiding sugar & grains will help normalize your insulin and leptin levels, which is another powerful tool in addressing depression. Spend enough time with family and friends, who have a positive influence on your life. Support optimal brain functioning with essential fats - We also strongly recommend supplementing your diet with a high-quality, animal-based omega-3 oil, like salmon or krill oil. This may be the single most important nutrient to battle depression. Get plenty of sunshine – Making sure you're getting enough sunlight exposure to have healthy vitamin D levels is also a crucial factor in treating depression or keeping it at bay. One previous study found that people with the lowest levels of vitamin D were 11 times more prone to be depressed than those who had normal levels. Vitamin D deficiency is actually more the norm than the exception, and has previously been implicated in both psychiatric and neurological disorders