How to Treat Depression: Your Most Common Questions Answered

Опубликовал Admin
28-10-2020, 15:10
134
0
Experts say that depression is a very common mental health condition, but it’s also really serious. Getting help for your depression can feel intimidating, but professional help can make a big difference in your recovery. Research suggests that professional treatment combined with lifestyle changes will give you the best chance for managing your depression. If you think you may be depressed, you likely have a lot of questions about how to treat it.

Understanding Depression

  1. Is depression a real illness? Yes! Depression is a mental illness, and it’s just as serious as a physical condition. Not only is depression real, it’s also fairly common. When you're suffering from depression, your brain might trick you into thinking your symptoms are a weakness or fault, but that's not true.
    • Since depression is a mental illness, you’ll likely need treatment to help you feel better.
  2. Who gets depression? Anyone can have depression. It can happen at any age, and sometimes there’s no obvious reason why you have it. There are a few risk factors for developing depression, which include a personal or family history of depression, a major life change, a trauma, stress, and certain medical conditions and medications.
    • If you’re feeling depressed, you aren’t alone. Lots of people have been in your shoes, and help is available.
  3. Can children get depression? Yes! Just like adults, children might experience symptoms of depression. This can interfere with their daily life and may make it hard for them to complete schoolwork and have fun with their friends. It’s important that children who have depression get treatment from their doctor.
    • Sometimes depression in children is related to another condition like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
  4. What causes depression? There are several possible causes of depression, and researchers are still learning about the condition. Experts believe depression may be caused by a combination of factors. If you have depression, your doctor can help you figure out why. Here are some potential causes of depression:
    • Biology: You may have physical changes to your brain that make you more likely to experience depression. Experts aren’t sure how or why these changes happen.
    • Genetics: It’s possible for depression to run in families, but experts aren’t sure why.
    • Brain chemistry: You may have a chemical imbalance in your brain that makes you more likely to feel depressed.
    • Hormones: Hormone fluctuations may trigger depression in some people. Because of this, you may experience depression during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause, or because of thyroid problems.
  5. How can you tell if you’re having a bad day or if you’re depressed? It’s totally normal to have bad days sometimes. Additionally, you may go through difficult times when it feels like everything is going wrong. During these times, you may still find enjoyment in things you like to do, which is different than with depression. When you’re depressed, you may feel unhappy, empty, and hopeless even if things are going well for you.
    • For instance, you might feel really down after losing your job, but you might still find joy in spending time with loved ones or engaging in a favorite hobby. This would likely mean that you're going through a rough time but aren't depressed. However, you should still talk to your doctor if you're worried.
  6. How is grief different from depression? Grief is a normal response to losing someone or something important to you. It’s normal to experience all of the symptoms of depression during grief, aside from guilt, worthlessness, and low self-esteem. You may experience grief for several months, but your symptoms should fade over time. In a small number of cases, grief may turn into depression, which may require treatment.
    • If you’re worried you may be depressed, talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling. You may benefit from counseling or an antidepressant that can help you cope.

Diagnosing Depression

  1. What are the symptoms of depression? You might think depression just means feeling sad, but it’s much more than that. In fact, some people may have feelings of emptiness instead of sadness. Your symptoms may make it hard for you to keep up with your responsibilities. When you’re depressed, you may have some or all of the following symptoms:
    • Feeling sad, empty, worthless, guilty, and/or hopeless
    • Being angry or irritable
    • Loss of interest in your interests or activities
    • Lack of appetite or increased appetite
    • Insomnia or sleeping too much
    • Fatigue
    • Trouble thinking or concentrating
    • Feeling anxious or restless
    • Unexplained physical symptoms, like headache or backache
    • Thoughts or death or suicide
  2. What should I do if I think I’m depressed? Take your symptoms seriously. Talk to your primary care doctor about your concerns or make an appointment with a therapist. They can help you get the treatment you need so you can start to feel better.
    • If you’re not ready to talk to a doctor, you might call a mental health hotline or talk to a trusted mentor, such as a spiritual leader. You can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24-hr helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
    • Depression is a mental illness, and it’s just as real and serious as any other medical condition. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
  3. How do you help someone who may be depressed? Offer them support and help them get into treatment if you can. Talk to the person about your concerns that they may be depressed. Tell them that you care about them, then ask how you can help. If you’re close with this person, it may also help to learn more about depression so you better understand the condition.
    • Do your best to stay calm during the discussion in case the person already feels like they’re in a mental health crisis.
    • Don’t force the person to get treatment if they aren’t ready. Instead, tell them you’re there for support and give them resources to help them get help.
  4. How is depression diagnosed? Your primary doctor will likely talk to you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Then, they may do a blood test or a thyroid test to rule out a medical issue. At this point, your doctor may diagnose you with depression or another condition. However, they might recommend you for a psychiatric evaluation. If so, your mental health professional will review your symptoms and give you a diagnosis.
    • If you prefer, you can go directly to a mental health professional to get a diagnosis.
  5. Is it weird to feel relieved when you're diagnosed with depression? No, it's totally normal. Experiencing symptoms of depression can be frustrating, so knowing why you feel that way might be a big relief to you. It’s normal to feel good about finally having answers.
    • Feeling relieved doesn’t mean you’re happy you’re depressed. It just means you’re comforted by knowing why you feel this way.

Finding the Right Treatment for You

  1. What are the most common treatments for depression? Depression is often treated with medication, psychotherapy, or both. Your doctor will explain your treatment options and help you create a treatment plan that works for you.
    • If you have any questions about your treatment, ask your doctor.
  2. How does psychotherapy help treat depression? Psychotherapy can help you work through painful events in your past, learn new coping strategies, and change negative thought patterns and beliefs. Your therapist may also help you identify your issues, change your outlook on life, and set goals for yourself. Over time, this can help you overcome your depression.
    • You might use workbooks to help you practice skills as part of your therapy.
  3. What are the best medications for depression? The right medication for you depends on your needs. Your doctor will likely start you on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) because they’re the most commonly prescribed antidepressant. However, they might try serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Additionally, they may prescribe you an anti-anxiety medication, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics if you need them.
    • SSRIs include medications fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), and vilazodone (Viibryd).
    • SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla), venlafaxine (Effexor XR), and levomilnacipran (Fetzima).
    • Tricyclic antidepressants include medications like trimipramine (Surmontil), doxepin, desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor), and protriptyline (Vivactil).
    • Atypical antidepressants are medications like bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR, Aplenzin, Forfivo XL), nefazodone, trazodone, mirtazapine (Remeron), and vortioxetine (Trintellix).
    • MAOIs include isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and phenelzine (Nardil).
  4. What are the side effects of antidepressants? Antidepressants may cause side effects, which can sometimes be serious. These side effects may go away in a few weeks, but they sometimes continue. Here are the common side effects:
    • SSRIs and SNRIs may cause agitation, anxiety, indigestion, stomach ache, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, low sex drive, or sexual dysfunction.
    • Tricyclic antidepressants may cause dry mouth, blurring vision, constipation, trouble passing urine, drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain, and heart problems.
    • Atypical antidepressants may cause dry mouth, blurred vision, fatigue, weight gain, nausea, sleepiness, and nervousness.
    • MAOIs may include dry mouth, headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, muscle spasms, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, trouble urinating, weight gain, low libido, and tingling.
  5. Can you treat depression without medication? Yes! Your doctor can help you choose the right treatment for you. You might be able to treat your depression with therapy and lifestyle changes alone. However, follow your doctor’s advice to get the treatment you need.
    • If you’re already taking medication, don’t stop taking it unless your doctor says it’s okay. Stopping your medication abruptly may cause harmful side effects or withdrawal.
  6. What are the best natural anti-depressants? Some people treat depression by St. John’s Wort, SAMe, and Omega-3 fatty acids as supplements. However, there’s no proof these supplements will help. You may also try mind-body exercises like meditation, guided imagery, acupuncture, yoga, Tai Chi, massage therapy, and music or art therapy. Regular exercise may also help you overcome depression. Finally, try lifestyle changes like simplifying your life, connecting with loved ones, journaling, and using self-help books.
    • Check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Additionally, don’t take St. John’s Wort if you’re on an antidepressant.
  7. How long does it take for treatment to start working? Medications may start working in 2-4 weeks, but it can take longer. Additionally, you might gradually feel better after going to therapy. Talk to your doctor if you’re worried your treatment isn’t working. They may recommend you try a different treatment.
    • When you start a new treatment, ask your doctor what you can expect. For instance, they might be able to tell you how long it takes most patients to see results.
  8. How long does treatment for depression last? It depends. You may need to manage your depression for the rest of your life if it’s caused by a chemical imbalance. On the other hand, you may be able to transition out of treatment once you feel better. Your doctor can help you decide when and if to stop your treatment.
    • If you have severe depression, you might take medication for the rest of your life, and that’s okay!

Living with Depression

  1. How do I tell people I have depression? You only need to tell people you have depression if you think it will help your recovery. Start by talking to someone you think will be supportive. With their encouragement, talk to other people in your life who you think need to know. Give suggestions for how they can help you during your recovery.
    • You might practice what you want to say before you talk to people about your depression.
  2. Can you make lifestyle changes to improve depression? Maybe. Healthy lifestyle changes and self care may help you feel better. Exercise regularly, spend time with people who care about you, and set realistic goals for yourself. Additionally, eat a healthy diet, get sleep, and avoid drugs and alcohol. While these changes won’t cure your depression, they may help you manage your condition.
    • It may be really hard for you to practice self care while you’re depressed. Just do your best.
  3. What can you do to boost your mood when you’re depressed? Try doing an activity you normally enjoy, even if it doesn’t sound appealing right now. If you can, spend time outdoors, even if it’s just sitting right outside your door. Additionally, reach out to someone supportive.
    • If something makes you feel good, it’ll probably help you feel a little better while you’re dealing with depression. For instance, your favorite songs or favorite comedy movie may give you a temporary boost.
  4. Will depression go away on its own? Generally, no. Depression is a mental illness, and it typically requires treatment. Don’t let that discourage you, though. You have a lot of treatment options, and depression is a really common condition.
    • Start by talking to someone you trust or by making an appointment with your doctor.

Warnings

  • If you’re having thoughts of suicide, reach out for help immediately. Your life is very valuable, even if it’s hard to see that right now. Contact someone you trust or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Теги:
Information
Users of Guests are not allowed to comment this publication.