How to Get Depression Help Depression is more than just an unpleasant case of the blues and it can be treated. Psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both can help many people. If your symptoms are serious, you may require admitted to a hospital. Certain medical conditions, certain medications, the history of abuse of substances and genetics can all increase the risk of developing depression. There are also certain circumstances that can trigger a depressive episode, including: Speak to a Psychiatrist If you're suffering from depression it's crucial to speak to your doctor. Depression is more serious than feeling depressed or sad for a few weeks. It could be life-threatening if not treated. Make an appointment to see your family doctor or go to an emergency room in case you haven't already. They can diagnose depression and prescribe medication, or refer you to a mental health specialist for further assistance. When you meet with a psychiatrist, they will ask you questions about your mood and what's going on in your life. They may also perform a physical exam or order tests in the lab to determine if there are any underlying health issues. Psychologists can prescribe a range of drugs to combat depression, including antidepressants as well as other psychotropic drugs. Antidepressants balance the chemical that regulate your mood in your brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibition (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft can increase the amount of serotonin in your body. SNRIs, such as Effexor and Cybalta increase serotonin as well as norepinephrine. When selecting a mental health specialist to treat depression, pick someone who has experience and whose approach and manner is comfortable for you. Don't be afraid to test different people until you find an therapist or psychiatrist with whom you click. Take your medication The use of medication is commonly used to treat depression, especially for those suffering from moderate or severe depression. There are a variety of antidepressants. However, they all affect neurotransmitters (the chemicals brain cells use to transmit signals). It is normal for people to to test several drugs before they can find one that works. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most popular kind of antidepressant. They are generally thought to be safer and cause fewer 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. Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq, Khedezla) and levomilnacipran (Fetzima). Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are older medications that are still being used by certain people. They help to reduce depression symptoms quickly, but can also cause serious adverse effects. Some of the more common side effects are insomnia, nausea sexual issues, weight gain, and fatigue. Tricyclics can also raise the heart rate and blood pressure. Some people require a mood stabilizer in addition to antidepressants to combat depression. Examples include lithium (Eskalith and Lithobid) and depakote (Depakote and Depakote Er), and trazodone. Mood stabilizers aren't as effective as antidepressants, however they can be beneficial to certain people. They are often combined with psychotherapy. Mood stabilizers may help people avoid a switch to mania. Change Your Diet While medication and therapy are usually considered to be the primary treatment options for depression, making changes to your diet can also aid. Dark chocolate, leafy vegetables salmon, and berries are all foods that are rich in nutrients that have been proven to improve mood. Other foods, such as processed meats, refined sugars, and fried foods, should be avoided because they can cause depression-related symptoms to worsen. A balanced diet that is healthy should comprise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seeds, as well as lean proteins such a fish, chicken, and yogurt. It is also recommended to reduce processed fats, sugars, added sugars and salt. It is also important to consume enough fiber and drink plenty of water. According to some research, foods high in tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin) can help alleviate depression symptoms. Tryptophan is found in many protein-rich foods, including poultry, eggs dairy, nuts, and eggs. Poor nutrition can cause number of health issues. Depression is no exception. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-treatment noticed a change in her mood when she changed her diet from fast food to fresh vegetables and fruits. She now enjoys nuts as a snack and sticks to salmon, or homemade burgers for dinner, and enjoys a small piece of dark chocolate to eat for dessert. While eating healthier won't cure depression, it is an easy, self-empowering method to get assistance while working towards recovery. It's also a secure and non-invasive alternative to medications that often come with a list of undesirable adverse effects. Exercise Depression is more than a mood that is not good. It's a serious illness that can affect both your mental and physical health. Treatments include antidepressants as well as psychotherapy. One of the most effective methods to combat low mood is by exercising. Exercise increases the levels of chemical in the brain, like endorphins and serotonin that boost your mood. It's also beneficial for your body, increasing energy, sleep and anxiety. Exercise can also boost your self-esteem, and can help you connect with others. It can also help reduce feelings of loneliness which is often a major cause of depression. Aerobic exercise like running, walking and swimming has been proven to be particularly effective in reducing symptoms of depression however, non-aerobic exercises such as yoga have also been proven to be beneficial. A study published in the year 2019 gathered data on all recent experiments that used exercise to treat depressive disorders and discovered that it was as effective as medication or psychotherapy alone. It's not clear what causes the exercise to work however it is possible that the changes to the brain caused through exercise -- such as the formation of new neurons and the development of connections between them -aid in the recovery process from depression. The researchers suggest that primary care physicians encourage exercise as an option to treat depression. But, it's important to keep in mind that a lot of sufferers of depression are sedentary and require encouragement and support to start exercising. Join a Support Group A support group can offer an opportunity to speak with other people who are in similar situations. People who attend a support group might have a medical condition like anxiety, depression, or an eating disorder. Or they may care for someone with one of these issues. A support group may provide social interaction, a chance to discuss concerns and feelings with others, and get advice from mental health professionals who can act as facilitators. In addition to the traditional groups, there are also online forums for those who suffer from depression and other mental illnesses. Some forums are open to anyone who wants to join, while others require registration in a formal manner and a commitment to attend regularly. For example, Mental Health America offers an online forum called Inspire that hosts discussions on more than 20 different mental health topics. Some online support groups are more specific, like those for postpartum depression or those who have a specific ethnicity. Consult your therapist or psychiatrist for suggestions if you're unsure certain where to start. Check out online resources such as ADAA's National Support Group Listing. It could take some time to locate the appropriate group, but it's worth trying. The members of a support group are likely to be more understanding than your friends and family, and they can give you a fresh view of your situation. Seek Therapy Depression can hinder your ability to tackle problems and deal with the challenges that life throws at you. It can make it difficult to sleep, eat and concentrate. It can also cause feelings of guilt, despair and despair. Depression can affect both men and women regardless of age or background. It can also cause relationships problems. Depression can also cause the use of alcohol and drugs to a greater extent. Psychotherapy (or talk therapy) is an essential part of depression treatment. It can be done in person or online. Depression is among the most treatable mental health conditions. Psychotherapy can help you develop coping skills to manage your symptoms. It can also help you learn to recognize negative patterns of thinking and behaviors that contribute to depression. A therapist can assist you to understand why you feel in the way you do and identify factors that are contributing to your depression. Various types of psychotherapy may be beneficial, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and change their emotional patterns. Interpersonal therapy, which concentrates on relationship issues that could be causing depression, is another option. You might be hesitant to seek treatment for depression because of the stigma that still surrounds mental illness. You should know, however that depression is treatable. It is not a sign that you are weak. The majority of people who seek treatment for depression wish they had sought treatment sooner.