How to Get Depression Help Depression is more serious than a bad case of blues or depression, and it can be treated. Psychotherapy, medication, or a combination can help many people. If your symptoms are severe an inpatient stay could be needed. A history of substance abuse, medical conditions, certain medications, and genetics all increase the risk of depression. There are other circumstances that can trigger a depression episode, such as: Talk to a psychiatrist It's important to speak to your doctor if you are suffering from depression. Depression is more serious than feeling depressed or depressed for several weeks. It could be life-threatening if not treated. Make an appointment to see your family doctor, or visit an open-door clinic if you haven't already. They can diagnose depression and prescribe medication, as well as refer you to an expert in mental health for additional help. When you see a psychiatrist, they will inquire about your mood and what's happening in your life. They may also perform an examination of your body or order tests to check for underlying health problems. The psychiatric physician may prescribe antidepressants and other psychotropic medications to treat depression. Antidepressants regulate the chemicals that control your mood in your brain. Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) boost the amount of serotonin that is present in your body, while SNRIs like Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cybalta (duloxetine) assist in increasing serotonin and norepinephrine. When selecting a mental health professional, search for someone who has experience in treating depression and who has a style and approach that makes you feel comfortable. Don't be afraid to meet with various psychologists or psychiatrists until you find one you like. Take your medication The use of medication is commonly used to treat depression, especially for those who suffer from severe or moderate depression. There are a variety of antidepressants. But they all function by affecting neurotransmitters. It is normal for people to to test several medications before they find one that works. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used kind of antidepressant. These medications are generally considered safer and cause fewer side-effects than older drugs. 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. Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq, Khedezla), and levomilnacipran (Fetzima). Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are older drugs that are still being used by some people. They can reduce symptoms of depression quickly but can have serious adverse effects. Some of the most commonly reported adverse effects include stomach upset, insomnia, sexual problems weight fluctuations, and fatigue. Tricyclics can also increase heart rate and blood pressure. Some people need a mood stabilizer in addition to antidepressants to combat depression. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-treatment include lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Valproate (Depakote, Depakote ER) and trazodone (Desyrel, Trazodone). Mood stabilizers aren't as effective as antidepressants but can help with certain people. Sometimes, they are coupled with psychotherapy. Mood stabilizers may help people avoid a transition to mania. Change Your Diet While medication and therapy are typically thought of as the main treatment options for depression, making some changes to your diet can also aid. Certain foods, like dark chocolate and leafy green vegetables, berries, turkey, and salmon, contain nutrients that have been proven to improve mood. Other foods, like processed meats, refined sugars and fried foods should be avoided as they can cause depression-related symptoms to worsen. A healthy, well-balanced diet should include vegetables and fruits, whole grains as well as seeds and nuts, and lean proteins, like fish, chicken, and yogurt. Limit processed oils, added sugars, and salt. Also, it is important to drink enough water and consume plenty of fiber. According to research foods that contain tryptophan (a precursor of serotonin) may help improve depression symptoms. Tryptophan is found in a variety of protein-rich foods, including eggs, poultry, dairy, and nuts. Poor nutrition can cause variety of health issues. Depression isn't an exception. When Green changed her diet from fast food to fresh fruits and vegetables and noticed a change in her mood. She now eats nuts as snacks and salmon, or homemade hamburgers for dinner. For dessert, she enjoys a small dark chocolate bar. Eating healthier is not an effective treatment for depression however it can be a simple and self-empowering way of getting support as you work towards recovery. It's a non-invasive and safe alternative to medication that typically has undesirable adverse effects. Exercise Depression is more than a mood that is not good. It's a condition that affects both mental and physical well-being, and it can result in a variety of types of treatment options, including talking therapies and antidepressants. Exercise is among the most effective things you can do to fight low moods. Exercise increases levels of chemicals in the brain, including endorphins and serotonin, which enhance your mood. It's also beneficial for your body, boosting strength, sleep and anxiety. Exercise can also boost your self-esteem and helps you socialize with others. It can also reduce feelings of isolation, which are often the main factor in depression. Aerobic exercise such as walking, running and swimming has been found to be particularly effective in reducing depression symptoms but non-aerobic exercise, such as yoga, have also been proven to be helpful. A study published in February 2019 collected data from every study that utilized exercise to treat depression. It found that it had similar effects as medication or psychotherapy alone. Exercise may work because it promotes recovery from depression by causing changes in the brain. These changes include the formation of new neuronal connections and the creation of new cells. The researchers suggest that primary care physicians encourage exercise as a treatment option for depression. It's important to remember that a lot of people suffering from depression are sedentary, and will require encouragement and support in order to start exercising. Join a Support Group A support group is a great opportunity to share your experiences with other people. The people who attend the group could be affected by some medical condition, such as anxiety, depression or an eating disorder, or they might be caring for someone suffering from one of these ailments. The benefits of a support program include social interaction with other members as well as opportunities to discuss feelings and concerns, and guidance from mental health professionals, who often act as facilitators. In addition to traditional groups, there are online forums for individuals coping with depression and other mental illnesses. Some are open to everyone who would like to join but others require a formal joining process and commitment to regularly attend. For example, 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 for people who have particular race-specific identities. Consult your therapist or psychiatrist for suggestions if you're not certain where to start. Look up online resources, such as the ADAA's National Support Group Listing. It may take some time to find the appropriate group, but it's well worth trying. Support group members are more sympathetic than friends and family members, and may offer a fresh perspective on your situation. Seek Counseling Depression can interfere with your ability to solve issues and face the challenges that life throws at you. It can make it difficult to sleep, eat or concentrate. It can also trigger feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and guilt. Depression can affect men and women of all different ages and backgrounds. It can also cause problems in relationships. In addition, depression can result in an increase in use of drugs and alcohol. Talk therapy (or psychotherapy) is a crucial component of treatment for depression. It can be done in person or online. Depression is among the most treatable mental health disorders. Psychotherapy can help you learn strategies to manage your symptoms. It can help you recognize negative patterns in thought and behavior that contribute to depression. A therapist can aid you in understanding why you feel the way you do and can help you identify the factors that can cause depression. Psychotherapy can be of different types, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. This helps people learn to alter negative thought patterns and how to change emotions. Interpersonal therapy is a form of therapy that concentrates on relationship issues that could be causing depression, is another option. You may be reluctant to seek treatment for depression due to the stigma that still surrounds mental illness. You should know, however, that depression is highly treatable. It's not a sign that you are weak. Many people who receive treatment for depression would have sought treatment sooner.