Treatment
Depression is a common and serious mental illness. Untreated depression can cause serious relationship problems, cause difficulty finding and keeping jobs, and result in drug / alcohol problems. However, treatment is possible and successful. Treatment can improve depression by improving mood, strengthening connections with loved ones, and restoring pleasure in interests.
Medication
Depression is treatable with medication and therapy. Medication is prescribed due to the changes in the biochemistry of the brain. Medication for depression is often in the form of antidepressants. These affect the brain’s chemical transmitters – especially the serotonin and noradrenaline. Improvement may be seen within the first couple of weeks, but full benefits usually take 2 to 3 months to be seen. If little or no improvement is felt, then the dose may need to be adjusted or a different type of medication will need to be tried.
Therapy
Therapy – typically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – focuses on changing the distorted ways that you view yourself and your situations. It also improves relationships and can help you identify and manage the stressors in your life. Significant improvement is typically seen within 10 to 15 sessions.
For best results, medication and therapy should go hand-in-hand.
Self-Help
For those with mild to moderate depressive symptoms, self-help and learning coping strategies can help to reduce symptoms of depression.
You can try:
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Regular exercise
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Getting enough quality sleep
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Eating healthy
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Avoiding alcohol
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Set realistic goals and don’t take on too much
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Break large tasks into small ones
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Try to be with other people
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Do things that make you feel better