Patients who are diagnosed with depression do not have to remain stuck within their condition. Depression is completely treatable once medical care has been sought. If a loved one is thought to be depressed, they should be encouraged to seek treatment for their condition.
Natural Solutions
Patients who are only mildly or moderately depressed can try natural solutions for their depression. Exercise has been shown to increase dopamine levels in the brain. Conveniently, exercise can also improve the individual’s self-esteem and confidence in their body image. After several months of working out, the patient can end their depression.
Some people may also benefit from adopting dietary changes. The healthier they eat, the better their body will feel. Naturopaths generally will recommend that they change their eating habits and take St. John’s Wort. This herbal supplement has been found in countless studies to ease the symptoms of depression and help individuals to return to their normal, healthy lifestyle.
Patients do not have to remain depressed. There are things that they can do. For mild depression that lingers or moderate or severe depression its best to always seek out medical treatment as depression can get worse if it remains untreated.
Medical Options
A doctor will generally prescribe an antidepressant for a depressed person. Depression is often caused by a deficiency in dopamine or serotonin levels. These chemicals are thought to produce feelings of happiness and are considered the “reward” chemicals in the brain. If the brain is not processing these chemicals correctly or there are not enough, the patient will feel depressed and under the weather. By taking antidepressants, the patient is able to increase their levels of dopamine and serotonin.
Therapy
In patients without a family history of depression, the mental disorder is generally caused by life issues or traumatic life events. If a loved one dies, the resulting feelings of grief may cause the patient to become depressed. In these circumstances, the patient will benefit from some form of grief counseling or group therapy.
For ongoing life events, the patient may be told to seek out cognitive behavior therapy. This form of treatment seeks to address how the patient reacts to events in their life. Instead of viewing the situation negatively, cognitive behavior therapy tries to teach the patient how to view everything in a more positive light. If the patient is depressed as a result of ongoing stressors, the therapist may recommend that they make lifestyle changes. A stressful work situation or difficult relationships can be a source of ongoing anxiety and can cause the person to become stressed out or depressed. In these circumstances, the therapist may advice the patient to switch career fields or seek out interpersonal relationships that are less stressful.
Summary
If you are suffering from depression the main thing to remember is that it can be treated. The sooner you seek treatment, the better off you will be and the less risk of the depression getting worse. You deserve to feel better again and that is possible. Getting help is the first step.
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