by Regina Hill

Created on: July 17, 2007   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

As a recently divorced 41 year old who has ventured through various stages of depression throughout my life, I write this with the intention of providing insight to those who have experienced similar episodes of hopelessness and despair.

My definition of depression might or might not agree with medical terminology or references, but from my personal journey through the tears and fears, the anxiety and disillusionment, the state of despair that seems to drain the body, discourage the heart and darken the soul, I would describe depression as a state of pure dread or sadness that is so profound it is capable of actually sapping the very life from it's victim.

And, yes, I have been the victim of depression on occasion. It isn't fun and it isn't a illness that I would wish upon anyone.

From my own taste of depression's scornfulness, I've concluded that I would prefer a bought of poison ivy (one of those allergic reactions that has been a enemy of mine since I was quite young), than a lingering phase of lethargic dread that is often accompanied with feelings of worthlessness, anxiety and weariness that forces me to feel that I haven't accomplished nearly what should have been accomplished during any specific time frame.

Due to this complete and utter loathing of depression I have taken the process of discovering a cure for my worst despair as a personal vendetta against the disease that saps, sours and soils the best of times. I have sampled and experimented a medley of preventive and curative methods intended to knock the life from this joy robber.

Over the years, I have worked my way through a variety of anti-depressants along with a sampling of drugs intended to relieve anxiety and panic, two of depression's most amazing collaborators. I have sampled some very potent drugs that have been wonderful for a time, yet have done very little to actually cure this disease that resembles a plague of the soul.

The best methods for truly curing depression that I've found have come from the most natural sources and have truly amazed me with their considerable ability to render depression helpless in discouraging me. These natural resources are available to anyone and, from someone who has experienced varying levels of depression ranging from mild to severe, I can attest to the fact that these are methods that truly are preventatives and cures.

First, I believe, is the individual's diet. A diet lacking nutrition is one that acts as a true friend to depression. Good nutrition is a

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