How to Get Depression Help Depression is more serious than a sever case of blues or depression and can be treated. Psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both can help many people. If your symptoms are severe an inpatient stay could be needed. Certain medications, medical conditions or the history of abuse of substances and genetics all can increase the likelihood of depression. There are certain situations that could trigger a depressive episode, for example: Speak with a psychiatrist It's crucial to speak with your doctor if you're suffering from depression. Depression is more serious than feeling depressed or sad for a few weeks. It can be life-threatening if not addressed. Schedule an appointment with your family doctor or go to a walk-in center if you haven't done so previously. They can diagnose depression and prescribe medication or recommend you to a mental healthcare professional for further help. A psychiatrist will ask you questions about your mood, and what has been going in your life. They may also perform a physical exam or order lab tests to check for any health issues that may be underlying. Psychologists can also prescribe a variety of drugs to combat depression, such as antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs. Antidepressants balance the chemicals that regulate your mood in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac and Zoloft can increase the amount of serotonin in your body. SNRIs, such as Effexor and Cybalta increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine. When choosing a mental health professional, you should look for someone who has experience treating depression and who has an approach and manner that makes you feel comfortable. Don't be afraid to try various people until you discover a psychiatrist or psychologist with whom you click. Take your medication It is common to use medication to treat depression, specifically for those suffering from severe or moderate depression. There are a variety of antidepressants, but they all affect neurotransmitters (the brain cells make use of to transmit signals). It is normal for people to to try several drugs before they discover one that is effective. The most commonly used antidepressant is the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). They are generally thought to be more secure and have less side effects than the older medications. Examples include citalopram and escitalopram. sertraline, paroxetine Zoloft, and fluoxetine. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar to SSRIs, but they also affect other brain receptors. SNRIs include duloxetine venlafaxine, Pristiq, Khedezla, and levomilnacipran. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are older drugs that are still used for some people. They help to reduce depression symptoms quickly, but they can cause serious adverse effects. Some of the more common side effects include nausea, insomnia sexual issues, weight gain and fatigue. Tricyclics can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some people need a mood stabilizer along with antidepressants to treat depression. Examples include lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), the valproate (Depakote, Depakote ER) and trazodone (Desyrel, Trazodone). Mood stabilizers aren't as effective antidepressants, but they can be helpful to some people. Sometimes, they are combined with psychotherapy. Some people can avoid depression by taking mood stabilizers. Change Your Diet While medication and therapy are often thought of as the main treatment options for depression, making some changes to your diet can also help. Certain foods, like dark chocolate as well as leafy green vegetables like berries, turkey, and salmon, contain nutrients that have been proven to improve mood. Other foods, such as refined sugars, processed meats and fried foods should be avoided as they can aggravate depression symptoms. A balanced diet healthy one should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seeds, along with lean proteins like chicken, fish and yogurt. It is also recommended to reduce added sugars, processed fats, and salt. Also, it is essential to drink enough fluids and eat a lot of fiber. According to some studies foods that are high in tryptophan (a precursor of serotonin) can help alleviate depression symptoms. Tryptophan can be found in many foods high in protein, like eggs, poultry and dairy products. A poor diet can lead to many health issues, and depression is no exception. When Green shifted her diet away from fast food and towards fresh fruits and vegetables, she noticed a difference in her mood. She now reaches for nuts as a snack and sticks to salmon, or homemade burgers at dinner, and has a small portion of dark chocolate to eat for dessert. Eating healthier is not a cure for depression, but it can be a simple and self-empowering way to get help in your journey to recovery. It's a non-invasive, safe alternative to medication that often has unpleasant adverse effects. Exercise We all experience sadness or depression from time to time however depression is more than an occasional low mood. It is a serious illness that can affect your physical and mental health. Treatments include antidepressants and therapy that involves talking. One of the most effective methods to combat mood swings is through exercise. Exercise boosts levels of chemicals in the brain, such as endorphins and serotonin, which improve your mood. And it's also good for your body, boosting strength, sleep and anxiety. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-treatment can also improve your self-esteem, and it helps you socialize with other people. Exercise can also alleviate feelings that are a major contributor to depression, including isolation. Aerobic activities like running, swimming and walking have been shown to reduce depression symptoms. However, non-aerobic exercise, such as yoga, can also be beneficial. A study published in February of 2019 collected data from every study that utilized exercise to treat depression and found that it had the same effects as psychotherapy or medication alone. It's unclear why exercise works however it could be that the changes in the brain that are triggered by exercise -- like the formation of new neurons and the development of connections between themhelp to recover from depression. Researchers recommend that primary care physicians promote exercise as a method of treating depression. However, it's crucial to remember that many depressed patients are sedentary and will need encouragement and support to begin exercising. Join a Support Group A support group could provide an opportunity to speak with others who are experiencing similar situations. Participants in a group may be affected by a medical condition like anxiety, depression or an eating disorder, or they may be caring for someone suffering from one of these conditions. A support group may provide social interaction, the opportunity to share feelings and concerns with others, and advice from professionals in mental health who can act as facilitators. In addition to traditional groups, there are online forums for individuals coping with depression and other mental illnesses. Some forums are open to all who wants to join, whereas others require a formal registration and commitment to regularly attend. For instance, Mental Health America offers an online forum called Inspire that has discussions on more than 20 mental health topics. Other online support groups are more specific in particular areas, like those for postpartum depression or those with particular race-specific identities. If you're unsure where to start, ask your psychiatrist or psychologist for suggestions. Also, take a look at online resources like ADAA's National Support Group Listing. It might take a while to locate the right group, but it's well worth trying. The members of the support group are likely to be more sympathetic than your friends and family, and they can give you a fresh perspective on your situation. Seek Counseling Depression can affect your ability to face problems and challenges in life. It can make it difficult to get enough sleep, eat, or focus. It can also cause feelings of guilt, helplessness and hopelessness. Depression can be felt by both genders regardless of age or background. It can also lead to relationships problems. In addition, depression may cause an increase in the consumption of alcohol and drugs. Psychotherapy (or talk therapy) is a vital component of treatment for depression. It can be done in person or via the internet. Depression is one of the most treatable mental health disorders. Psychotherapy can help you build ways to manage your symptoms. It will also teach you to recognize negative patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to your depression. A therapist can assist you to discover the reasons for feeling in the way you do and help you identify the causes that are contributing to your depression. Various types of psychotherapy may be helpful, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and train their emotions. Interpersonal therapy that concentrates on relationship issues that could be causing depression is a different option. You might be hesitant to seek therapy for depression because of the stigma that surrounds mental illness. However, you should be aware, that depression is highly treatable. It's not a sign that you are weak. In fact, most people who seek treatment for depression express regret that they had sought help earlier.