Tips for Overcoming Depression

Lots of people suffer from depression. It is estimated that one in every twenty American adults will deal with depression at some point. Years ago, depression was thought of as a mental problem that many sufferers were ashamed of. Others claimed that depression simply didn't exist. These days, we know that depression is indeed a real medical problem that may have something to do with a chemical imbalance in the brain. Chemical imbalance isn't the only potential cause of depression, however. Other factors that may contribute to depression in some individuals include personal loss, major trauma, illness, life changes and genetics. Overcoming depression can be done, when the problem is properly addressed.

First, symptoms should be examined to determine whether or not they indicate depression. Common symptoms include prolonged sadness, lack of interest in favorite activities, a feeling of despair, emptiness, anger, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, a lack of attention to appearance and hygiene, fatigue and lethargy. Some people have more symptoms, others have less. Symptoms can be mild to severe. They may or may not interrupt daily activities. It's thought that any symptoms that last for longer than two weeks may be indicative of depression.

If you think you are depressed, see a doctor or psychiatrist right away. They will ask you about your symptoms and evaluate other factors. You may be asked about your diet, level of exercise, alcohol and drug consumption, and any personal situations that are going on that may be causing your depression. If your doctor thinks that your depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance, antidepressants may be prescribed. Most antidepressants prescribed these days are the SSRI variety, such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. It's important to understand that it takes one to two months for full effects to be reached, so patience is crucial when attempting antidepressant therapy.

In addition to antidepressants, other ways of overcoming depression include counseling and lifestyle modification. It may be recommended that you try changing your routine, adding exercise, improving your diet or implementing stress relieving techniques in addition to or instead of taking antidepressants. By attending regular sessions with a licensed professional therapist, you can learn strategies for coping with your depression. Such strategies can be quite helpful, especially for those waiting for their antidepressants to take effect. You might be taught relaxation exercises or cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to deal with your feelings and symptoms.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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