Internationally Accredited Life Coach and Mooloolaba natural therapist, Tracey Carmichael says, 'It is important to have an understanding of how to manage depression and mood swings WITHOUT resorting to medication, using strategies such as meditation, natural therapies and positive thought. Medication can or may help in relieving the symptoms but it shouldn't always be the first action step, and it DEFINITELY, shouldn't be the only step taken in the battle against depression.'

Although medications can relieve symptoms, they also often have side effects which can be harmful to the person's vital organs and general health and wellbeing. Tracey believes that the mental health system lacks a holistic approach and is always geared towards taking medications – which only MASK the problem and don't actually SOLVE it.  Tracey has been so inspired to educate people on how to manage depression, its symptoms and its problems that she shares her expertise in her latest book, Happy Mind Formula. www.happymindformula.com/

The Happy Mind Formula book promotes two core concepts – responsibility and action. According to Tracey, the combination of these concepts plus the strategies included in the book will have a REAL affect on the mental and physical well being of the person applying the strategies. The Happy Mind Formula combines both Tracey's personal experience with depression and the strategies she used to manage depression, as well as her  professional experience as a  Life Coach in one easy-to-read book that helps its readers learn how to manage depression, prevent mood swings and achieve and maintain good mental health through food, movement and personal development.

Tracey explains that depression and other mental health problems are caused by various factors such as traumatic experiences, behaviour, food and alcohol consumption, and drug use, low self-worth, stress and more. 'Prescribing medication as the first and only option masks these underlying problems and unfortunately they will still be there when the person stops taking the medication, but investing in the self and creating self-worth has a lasting positive impact and provides a sustainable way to manage depression and beat it once and for all,' says Tracey.

For more information on how to manage depression without drugs, please visit www.happymindformula.com/.