Depression is commonly treated through a combination of medication and psychotherapy. In very severe cases where medication and therapy do not help, electroconvulsive therapy, often called “shock therapy”, has been shown to be successful.
Common medications used to treat depression include Citalopram, Cymbalta, Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Wellbutrin and Zoloft. These drugs work in different ways, so if one is not effective at treating your depression, your doctor or therapist can prescribe another until the one that works for you is found.
In addition to debilitating emotional distress, the stress from depression can cause a host of physical issues including heart trouble, high blood pressure, headaches and digestive troubles. People with diabetes, asthma, arthritis or angina are found to have a higher incidence of depression.
Treating depression is the single most important thing you can do for yourself if you have been suffering from its debilitating effects. Your doctor can guide you toward the proper treatment, including medication and therapy, which can both be extremely effective and help you to return to a normal life that you can look forward to participating in again.
Natural treatments
There are many different natural treatments for depression that have proven to be effective. If you’re considering a natural treatment it’s first important to speak with your physician.
Meditation
Meditation has shown to significantly help with both anxiety and depression. The art of controlling ones thoughts and stilling the mind is very important and beneficial on a variety of levels. If you’re unfamiliar with the process of meditation, check out our meditation techniques page
Exercise
The body was meant for motion and feeling good. In a recent study conducted through the Journal of Neuroscience, they compared two groups of mice; one group that received a regimented exercise routine and one that did not. In conclusion they found that the group that did not exercise experienced higher stress while the group that did exercise experienced lower stress. Stress has continued to have a direct correlation with depression and anxiety. If you’re considering reducing your stress, try exercising for 30 minutes every day.
Counseling and sharing
Often times, the root of depression lies in our thinking and past emotional pain that is subconsciously weighing us down. When we sit with a counselor or good friend and share how we feel, many of those past pains arise and we’re able to deal with them as opposed to shoving them back down into the depths of the sub conscious. I recommend speaking with someone you know will not judge but rather just listen. Do this on an occasional basis and do not be afraid with the idea of being open and expressive.
