Depression Days

There are over eleven million people in the United States alone that suffer from depression. So if you are reading this understand you are not alone. Depression is a mental disorder that can affect your personal, school, and work life. Some of the signs of depression are an intense feeling of hopelessness, inability to take pleasure out of little things in life, a lack of ambition, and loss of mental focus. While depression affects both genders, it is strongest in women. It doesn’t just affect one group of people. To get an appropriate diagnosis you need to talk to your doctor who may refer you to a therapist.

The most common treatments for depression are a combination of drug therapy and natural remedies. The most common drug treatments used is an anti depressant drug regimen. The ones doctors prescribe the most are: tricyclic, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MOI’S), and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s). Out of the two SSRI’s are the more commonly used due to the lesser amount of side effects that taking this medication could cause. Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft are the brand names of the most common forms.

Along with a drug regimen, therapy is also advised to people who have depression. Going to therapy can help you come to terms with the fact you have depression and teach you ways to cope with this disorder. You can go to group therapy (if you can share openly with other people) or do one on one with you therapist.  Another really good form of therapy that helps people who have problems talking is expressive therapy. There is dance, art, music, or even writing therapy to help people deal with their feelings and emotions. There are also relaxation techniques you can use such as meditation and yoga to help you cope in a healthy way.

Another way to help your depression is to make some lifestyle changes. If you drink or suffer from a substance abuse addiction, seek help immediately. Alcohol and drugs will only help feed your depression and make it worse. You can also change your diet and include more supplements. Fish oil has been proven to help aid depression. There are also vitamins like Zinc and B vitamins that help regulate depression. You can also try other things like acupuncture and even hypnosis has been known to help.

You need to discuss any and all treatment options with your doctor and psychologist. Everyone has different levels of their lows. So deciding what combinations of therapy are right for you is up to you and your healthcare professionals. If vitamin supplements are your best then talk to your doctors and make sure it is healthy. Depression does not have to rule your life. It doesn’t even have to have an effect on your life. But you have to be willing to get help and treatment.

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