How Is Depression Treated?
More than eleven million people in the United States suffer from depression each year. This medical condition
that affects the mind can have lasting effects such as a feeling of hopelessness, lack of ambition and an inability
to focus. Depression can affect all age groups and genders, but is more prevalent in women. Consulting a mental
help professional such as a psychiatrist is beneficial to obtain proper diagnosis and treatment. This condition can
adversely affect school, home life and employment.
Most treatments will involve a combination of drug therapy and natural remedies for a fully balanced physical
and emotional state. Medications will likely involve some form of antidepressant drug. The most commonly used types
are: tricyclic, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOI’s, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI’s.
SSRI’s have become the most popular form for treating depression because of the lower risk of side effects. These
drugs include names such as Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft.
Therapy is often prescribed with drug treatments to help a person come to terms with issues, symptoms and
techniques for dealing with depression. These can be group or individual therapy sessions to talk about issues.
Expression therapy such as dance, art or music can help articulate deep feelings and emotions. Relaxation
techniques will assist in bringing focus and serenity. Yoga and meditation are ideal forms of this.
Changing lifestyle to promote a better self image and naturally adjust chemicals in the body has also proven
helpful. Eating a well balanced diet and adding supplements such as fish oil, Zinc and B vitamins help regulate
depression. Exercising several times each week is also valuable. Alternate treatments such as acupuncture and
hypnosis may be beneficial to help alleviate symptoms of depression and melds the body, mind and spirit.
It is important to discuss all treatment options with your physician or psychiatrist to decide on the proper
combinations. Each person has different levels of depression and a treatment plan should be customized to the
individual. If using supplements or radically changing your diet; make sure to inform the doctor so those can be
taken into consideration when developing a treatment plan.
Depression does not need to negatively affect a person’s life. With proper treatment, many depressed people live
full, happy, successful lives. It is important to take action to help minimize depressive tendencies in order to
allow a better sense of well being and peace. Using a combination of drug therapies and natural remedies will bring
a balance to mind, body and spirit.
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