Depression is one type of mood disorder, which is defined as a feeling of sadness, loss, or anger that interferes with a person's daily activities, for example by decreasing productivity. Depression is often thought of as no different from sadness. Although depression and sadness share some of the same characteristics, depression is different from sadness. Treating depression requires a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Here are some medications that are used to manage symptoms of depression:
- Medications
Medications to manage symptoms of depression may be prescribed by a psychiatrist if needed. Antidepressant drugs often have certain side effects, therefore consulting a psychiatrist before taking these drugs is necessary.
- Psychotherapy
Talking to a psychologist or psychiatrist can help you learn skills to identify and learn to deal with factors that contribute to your mental health conditions and negative feelings, including depression. Psychotherapy is often used in conjunction with medication. Psychotherapy has a different impact on each person.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
In cognitive behavioral therapy, patients will be invited to work together to uncover unhealthy thought patterns and identify how these thought patterns can lead to harmful behaviors, reactions, and beliefs about themselves. The patient may be given "homework" to practice replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones.
- Dialectical behavior therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy is similar to cognitive behavioral therapy but places special emphasis on validating, or accepting uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, rather than fighting them. By accepting these thoughts or emotions, the patient is expected to also accept that changes can be made to recover.
- Psychodynamic therapy
Psychodynamic therapy is a form of talk therapy designed to help understand and deal with problems in the patient's daily life. Psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea that current states are shaped by unconscious childhood experiences. In this therapy, patients will be helped to reflect on and examine their childhood and past experiences to help them understand and cope with current life problems.
- Light therapy
Light therapy is done by giving exposure to doses of white light that can help regulate mood and improve symptoms of depression. Light therapy is commonly used in major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses an electric current to induce seizures to help people with major depression or depression that is resistant to other treatments or antidepressant medications.
In addition to medical therapy, alternative therapies for depression can be done. Some examples include:
- Meditation
Meditation can help change the way the brain responds to depressing emotions such as stress, anxiety, and anger. Meditation practices can help improve symptoms of depression and lower the chances of relapse.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that is thought to help medical therapy to relieve some of the symptoms of depression. During acupuncture, a practitioner uses needles to stimulate specific areas of the body to treat various conditions.
In addition to medical and alternative therapies, we can also make lifestyle changes to support depression treatment. Some of them are:
- Do regular physical activity
Try to do regular physical activity 3-5 times a week with a duration of 30 minutes to help improve your mental health. Physical activity is recommended because it can increase the production of endorphins, hormones that can improve mood.
- Avoid alcohol consumption
Although drinking alcohol is thought to temporarily improve your mood a little, in long-term consumption it can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Set boundaries between personal life and professional life
Feeling overwhelmed at work can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression. Therefore, it is important to set boundaries between your personal life and professional life to make you feel better.
- Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself by getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet, avoiding negative people, and participating in pleasurable activities can help in reducing symptoms of depression.
- Taking supplements
Certain types of supplements may have a positive effect on depressive symptoms, such as S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMA), 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), and omega-3 fatty acids. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking these supplements to ensure their safety.
- Taking vitamins
Taking B vitamins (especially vitamins B6 and B12) and vitamin D can help to relieve symptoms of depression. Vitamins B6 and B12 are essential for brain health. The lower the levels of B vitamins, the higher the risk of developing depression. Vitamin D is also important for brain health, and there is thought to be a link between vitamin D deficiency and depression, but more research is needed.
We recommend that you contact a medical professional immediately when your mental health is disturbed to get the best treatment. There's no need to be ashamed, Ladies! Also, suggest the people around you do the same things to deal with depression.
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Source:
Higuera, V & Saripalli, V. (2021). Everything You Need to Know About Depression (Major Depressive Disorder). Healthline. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/depression