Before people used to openly talk about depression it was taboo and had a stigma of mental instability. Back in my days growing up, those who admitted depression were shamed, and teased which led to embarrassment and fear. No wonder at the age of thirteen, (when I first began struggling) I hid my pain from the world.

When darker times came for me, at age twenty-two, I finally swallowed my pride and went to a doctor who put me on the anti-depressant Fluoxetine, a generic form of Prozac. I had come to accept this as part of my life, until at the age of forty-two, my life took a turn because I discovered, overall, I have a lot of control over my brain chemicals and how to fight depression. I can fight it naturally!

Depression is caused by lack of “happy” brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine which is also referred to as neotrosmissters. For some people, depression could be genetically passed down but because you have the genetics doesn’t mean you are doomed for suffering depression. Depression can be onslaught by extreme or chronic stress, grief, environment, lack of healthy body unit (the gut/brain relationship), lack of movement, little exercise and lack of sleep.  

The brain is complex but now with neuro-brain imaging scans and other tests, we are learning more than we’ve ever known. How depression affects the brain and what works to control it is one of many.

After years of being focused on eating healthy, natural anti-aging remedies and herbs I had an epiphany, “Herbs are like medicine for inside and out, I wonder if they could do something for depression as well?”

‘I’ became my own personal experiment as I educated myself (and continue to educate) on the brain, food, and research studies that have been completed regarding brain functioning. I slowly went off my anti-depressant medicine after twenty years and replaced it with nature's miracle herb, saffron, other vitamin supplements, began eating 80/20 and maintained a regular exercise regiment. I decided to call my journey the BBLC, Brain Boosting Lifestyle Change, which started in February of 2019 and transformed my life, health and way of thinking.

It hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine. Due to the many factors of depression, and mine most likely genetic, I have to maintain stress levels and make sure the BBLC is a consistency in my life.

During the first year of creating the BBLC, a healthier brain for myself, I realized how unhealthy my marriage was. The magic of becoming brain healthy, through lifestyle change and self-growth, actually spotlighted the toxicity in all areas of my life, including my marital relationship.

I stayed resilient through high levels of unhealthy stress, though I know  cortisol levels in my brain were high and affecting parts of my memory. On top of the high levels of stress, PTSD and emotional trauma became evident  due to the life circumstances I was handed.

I humbly called my doctor around the holidays of 2021 and told her I might need a little help in regulating depression symptoms. She was supportive and we figured out how many milligrams I should take. I educated myself on the new research released regarding saffron and began upping my doses of saffron while minimizing the prescription, with my doctor’s approval.

I am proud to say I have things back on track naturally, as of winter 2022, and the experiences leave me with an important reminder, it’s okay to know your limits and seek help. Never carry heavy weight alone. Be brave, ask for help. People want to be there for you.

I have a lot to credit all my knowledge to the professionals in the field spreading the word and providing guidance on how to have a healthier brain. Once opened to the possibility, it has been jaw dropping of the amount of information provided through books, podcasts, blogs, articles and social media. I’m proud to now contribute to spreading the word.

Since my BBLC transformation, not only have I’ve been able to fight depression naturally but I’m also now cleared of genetic high blood pressure, asthma and my seasonal allergy medicine is cut significantly back.

What you do for your body matters more than weight management. What you feed your body with food, sleep, exercise, spiritually and stress management all affect your body and mental health. Changing your lifestyle to have a healthier brain causes your body unit to sync, creating a healthier and happier version of you.

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Background in the video production industry for over twenty years, Rebecca Ann Price continued her passion for story telling by writing and creating Realm Komiks. In addition, she is an active Blogger at www.TheCloverNook.com and writer for Thrive Global. Her specialty is in Keeping You Younger physically, emotionally and mentally as we travel through life together.