Support Dr. Grande on Patreon:
Depression – How to Recognize and Treat the Symptoms of Depression
|
Depression – How to Recognize and Treat the Symptoms of Depression
Depression can feel like a shadow in your life. It affects your mood, thinking, and ability to enjoy activities. However, it is possible to get better. The key is to know how to recognize symptoms and take steps to treat them.
A health professional can help you diagnose and treat depression. He or she will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. They may also give you a questionnaire. You can also talk to trusted friends and family members about your feelings.
If your health professional finds that your depression is a result of an underlying medical condition, medications may be necessary to treat that condition. Medication may relieve the symptoms, but it is not a long-term solution. Getting the underlying medical problem treated may also prevent future episodes of depression.
Psychological treatments are also important to treating depression. These techniques can help you learn new coping skills and improve your relationships. Sometimes, talking with a therapist is as effective as taking medication.
In addition, you can change your lifestyle to help decrease symptoms. For example, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can reduce depressive symptoms. Make sure to avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Also, you should try to get a full 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can worsen moodiness, fatigue, and irritability. Try to establish a regular bedtime and wake up time.
When you start feeling better, you should take part in social and physical activities. Exercise can be as beneficial as medications. Activities such as walking around the block or playing basketball in your driveway can be enjoyable.
Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan. If you are suffering from severe depression, you might be hospitalized. But even if you are not, you can still find support and learn more about the disease. There are a number of nonprofit organizations that offer free counseling and education about depression.
Another option is to participate in group therapy. Group therapy is designed to bring together people with similar experiences and feelings. Individual and couples therapy are other options.
If you don’t have the time to see a therapist, there are online resources you can use. Many mental health professionals offer e-therapies to help you recover from depression.
You can also learn about depression through mobile health apps. There are many of these available, but they are not a substitute for medical care. Be aware of any risks associated with these alternative medicines.
When you are depressed, it can be tempting to stop taking your medications. However, this can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms and make it harder to treat your depression. To keep depression from coming back, you should continue taking your medications.
Depression is a serious illness, but it is not insurmountable. If you are willing to seek help, you can make a full recovery. Remember that recovery is a process and it takes time. Start to look forward to the future when you will be able to live your life again.
