1. Find a Good Therapist
Therapy is a very effective treatment for severe depression, helping you to discover the causes of your unhappy emotions and treat the root of the problem. The most common type of therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy, in which you work with a therapist to uncover pessimistic thoughts and routines, replacing them with more positive patterns of thinking. It's based on the notion that while circumstances may be beyond your control, you can control how you respond to them. Other forms of therapy include psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal or group therapy and electroconvulsive therapy, which is usually only applied after other kinds of treatment have failed.
2. Ask About Antidepressants
Prescription medication can be used to treat severe depression, depending upon the cause of your condition and other factors, such as therapy methods. Antidepressants work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, though different types affect the brain differently. Doctors usually prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, such as sertraline, fluoxetine or paroxetine, which increase the levels of serotonin in your brain. Alternate medications include tricyclic antidepressants, which are older and tend to have more side effects, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which have severe side effects and are generally only prescribed as a last resort. A doctor can tell you which kind of antidepressants may work best for you, and you should only take medication as prescribed by a physician familiar with your case.
3. Exercise and Stay Healthy
Though not scientifically proven, may doctors believe that increased physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression. Exercise increases energy levels in the body and can provide a healthy outlet for negative emotions. If you can, exercise outdoors in the sunshine. However, anything you enjoy and can stick with will work fine.
Similarly, eating right and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can address the symptoms of severe depression. Stay away from unhealthy foods and avoid drug or alcohol use, which can make symptoms worse. Get a good night's sleep every night and take steps to rouse yourself in the morning, even if you feel awful. A sensible routine can help shift your outlook and keep the worst parts of depression from taking over your life.
4. Stay Social
Isolation and separation from other people can often make depression worse. Cultivate a good support network of friends and family, and turn to them if you feel like you need to talk to someone. Take steps to keep in touch with people, even if it's just to have lunch or go shopping. If you need to, see about joining a formal support group for people with depression. This can provide peers who know what you are going through and allow you to express your emotions in a sympathetic environment.
5. Be Aware of How Depression Affects Your Mindset
Understand that depression is not your fault or something shameful. Instead, recognize how it influences you and take steps to minimize that influence. Try not to take on too much in your life. Instead, set reasonable goals that simplify your daily routine. Plan out your activities, and try to set a pace that lets you accomplish what you need to without feeling overwhelmed. When depression strikes, try to avoid making any serious decisions, as you're probably not thinking clearly and may do something you'll later come to regret. Yoga and relaxation techniques can teach you a number of ways to center your mind and focus on things other than depression.
