Depression Treatment

by **Afra** 29th June 2010, 6:18 pm

When you’re depressed, it can feel like you’ll never get out from under its shadow. But take heart. Even the most severe depression is treatable. With the right help and support, you can and will feel better.

Depression treatment tips:

1.Learn as much as you can about your depression.
It’s important to determine whether your depression symptoms are due to an underlying medical condition. If so, that condition will need to be treated first. The severity of your depression is also a factor. The more severe the depression, the more intensive the treatment you're likely to need.

2.It takes time to find the right treatment.
It might take some trial and error to find the treatment and supports that works best for you. For example, it might take a few tries to find a therapist that you click with if you decide to pursue therapy. Or you may try an antidepressant, only to find that you don't need it if you take a daily half hour walk. Be open to change and a little experimentation.

3.Don’t rely on medications alone.
Although medication can relieve the symptoms of depression, studies show that other treatments, including exercise and therapy, can be just as effective or even more so. What's more, they don't come with unwanted side effects. If you do decide to try medication, remember that medication works best when you pursue therapy as well.

4.Get social support.
The more you cultivate your social connections, the more protected you are from depression. If you are feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to talk to trusted family members or friends. Asking for help is not a weakness but a sign of strength.

5.Treatment takes time and commitment.
All of these depression treatments take time, and sometimes it might feel overwhelming or frustratingly slow. That is normal. Recovery has its ups and downs.

Lifestyle changes that can treat depression

*Exercise.
Regular exercise is a powerful depression fighter. Not only does it boost serotonin, endorphins, and other feel-good brain chemicals, it triggers the growth of new brain cells and connections, just like antidepressants do. Best of all, you don’t have to train for a marathon in order to reap the benefits. Even a half-hour daily walk can make a big difference. For maximum results, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of activity on most days.

*Nutrition.
Eating well is important for both your physical and mental health. Eating small, well-balanced meals throughout the day will help you keep your energy up and minimize mood swings. While you may be drawn to sugary foods for the quick boost they provide, complex carbohydrates are a better choice. They'll get you going without the all-too-soon sugar crash.

*Sleep.
Sleep has a strong effect on mood. When you don't get enough sleep, your depression symptoms will be worse. Sleep deprivation exacerbates irritability, moodiness, sadness, and fatigue. Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night. Very few people do well on less than 7 hours a night. Aim for somewhere between 7 to 9 hours each night.

*Social Support.
Strong social networks reduce isolation, a key risk factor for depression. Keep in regular contact with friends and family, or consider joining a class or group. Volunteering is a wonderful way to get social support and help others while also helping yourself.

*Stress Reduction.
Make changes in your life to help manage and reduce stress. Too much stress exacerbates depression and puts you at risk for future depression.