Aug 8, 2011

Treatment for Depression.

The good news is that Depression is treatable. One’s primary care physician can effectively treat Depression by Supportive counseling, prescribing an antidepressant medication and/or referring you to a mental health professional. Understanding the underlying cause of your depression may help you overcome the problem.

1. Seek help and Support:

If even the thought of tackling your depression seems overwhelming, don’t panic. Feeling helpless and hopeless is a symptom of depression—not the reality of your situation. It does not mean that you’re weak or you can’t change! The key to Depression recovery is to start small and ask for help. Having a strong support system in place will speed your recovery. Isolation fuels depression, so reach out to others, even when you feel like being alone.

2. Make healthy lifestyle changes:

Lifestyle changes are not always easy to make, but they can have a big impact on depression. Take a good look at your own lifestyle. What changes could you make to support depression recovery?  Self-help strategies that can be very effective include:
  • Cultivating supportive relationships
  • Getting regular exercise and sleep
  • Eating a healthy, mood-boosting diet
  • Managing stress
  • Practicing relaxation techniques
  • Challenging negative thought patterns

3. Seek Help from Mental Health professionals:

If positive lifestyle changes and support from family and friends aren’t enough, seek help from a mental health professional. There are many effective treatments for depression, including therapy, medication, and alternative treatments. Learning about your options will help you decide what measures are most likely to work best for your particular situation and needs. Effective treatment for depression often includes some form of therapy. Some types of therapy teach you practical techniques on how to reframe negative thinking and employ behavioral skills in combating depression. Therapy can also help you work through the root of your depression, helping you understand why you feel a certain way, what your triggers are for depression, and what you can do to stay healthy.

Talk with your Mental Health Care Professional/Psychologist/Counselor/Therapist/ Physician about how you are feeling. Ask questions and follow through with the treatment that both you and your primary care physician/mental health professional decide is best for you, keep appointments, be open and honest.

No comments:

Post a Comment