Depression Treatment: Tips You Can Use
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
People experiencing depression may find it challenging to come out of it. After a proper diagnosis, even severe depression may be treatable.
If you're depressed and unable to live the life you want, don't hesitate to seek help. Many treatment options are available, such as a change in lifestyle, psychotherapy, and medication for people suffering from depression.
Different people suffer different types of depression, and there's no one size fits all treatment. What works for one person may not work for others. After a proper diagnosis, treatment is tailored to that particular person.
Depression Treatment Tips
The first step of the process is to know as much as you can about depression. There can be several reasons for depression. You may be suffering from depression due to an underlying medical condition or a past traumatic experience that's haunting you, and it may trigger depression on several occasions. Depending on the type of depression, you may need medical treatment or psychotherapy. If you're suffering from severe depression, you may be given more intense treatment.
After several trials, you may find the right treatment and support that works for you. For instance, if you want to take the help of psychotherapy, it may take several attempts to find the right therapist that works best for you. Or you may take shelter in antidepressants only to find out later that a 30-minute walk may help you more than the pills you take.
Although medication may help you relieve depression, long-term use may affect your health. Along with therapy, if you follow a simple exercise routine, it may work as effectively as taking medication and, in some cases, maybe more effective than taking pills. If you're following an exercise routine with therapy, you don't have to worry about side effects, which you've to worry about when taking medication.
Lifestyle Changes May Help Treat Depression
Doing regular exercise may prove to be as effective as taking antidepressants. Like antidepressants, regular exercise boosts serotonin, endorphins, and other brain chemicals that may trigger new brain cells' growth. Even a 30-minute walk may give positive results. Aim for one hour of aerobic activity to get maximum results.
Another activity that may bring a sea change in your life is socializing. Building strong social support networks may help reduce the symptoms of depression. Staying in contact with loved ones may help you from isolation, the key factor for depression. Volunteering to help or joining a support group may lower the risk of depression.
Find ways to have fun as it works against depression. Keep going to movies or dinner with family and friends to stay away from isolation. Also, try to get quality sleep as it may help lower stress levels, which in turn reduces depression.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Marietta, Ga.