Strategies for Coping with Depression

Most everyone has felt sad or upset at some point in their lives. These feelings may have even lasted for days before subsiding. Sometimes, these feelings of sadness are signs of depression, especially if they last for longer than two weeks. Depression is thought to be caused by various factors which can include chemical imbalances and external factors like life changes or trauma. There are a variety of strategies for coping with depression that may alleviate your symptoms.

Some people find relief through talking about their feelings. Simply venting their distress to a sympathetic ear can help a depressed individual feel better. If you think that talking about your problems might help, try talking to a counselor or mentor. Many people feel uncomfortable expressing themselves to a close friend or family member and feel more comfortable speaking to an objective outsider. Not only that, but a loved one that is not trained in dealing with a depressed individual may unknowingly make you feel worse by trying to offer advice or minimizing your feelings.

If you are interested in using natural remedies to alleviate your depression, you may want to try something like St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort is a natural herb that has a reputation for being helpful in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Depending on who you ask, you will hear that St. John's Wort is everything from a godsend to utterly worthless. Whether or not this herb will work for you may depend on individual body chemistry. Before using St. John's Wort or any other herbal remedy, consult with your physician. Just because something is natural doesn't mean it's safe for everyone, especially if you have certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications.

Many experts claim that exercise is good for treating certain types of depression. This is because exercise helps raise serotonin levels and releases endorphins, which help encourage a sense of well-being. Also, exercise can help you feel and look more healthy and attractive. For many people, a higher level of physical activity means less depression. Before beginning a new exercise program, check with your doctor to get a clean bill of health.

If you've tried other strategies for coping with depression and nothing has worked, or if you suspect your depression is caused by a chemical imbalance, antidepressants may be your best bet. There are lots of antidepressants available these days, with names like Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Lexapro, Effexor and Celexa. Your doctor may need to experiment with different medicines and different doses before finding the ideal prescription for you. If you experience unpleasant side effects while on antidepressants, tell your doctor but do not attempt to discontinue the drug as you may need to be weaned off gradually in order to avoid more unpleasant effects.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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