According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most experts consider depression to be a chronic disorder that requires long-term intervention and treatment. If you suffer from depression, you may experience mental symptoms such as persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and self-hate. You may also experience physical symptoms such as a decreased sex drive, insomnia or other sleep disorders, and a change in your appetite. You should consult your doctor or a licensed mental health professional if you think you may be depressed.
Psychotherapy
If you've recently been diagnosed as having a depressive disorder, your physician may recommend you to a therapist for psychotherapy. A therapist is someone with graduate training in mental health issues, usually a social worker, psychologist, counselor or psychiatrist. There are many forms of psychotherapy. According to the UMMC, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a treatment technique that is thought to be very effective for individuals suffering from mild to moderate depression. You work with a therapist trained in CBT techniques to help identify negative thought patterns and learn new ways of coping. You could also try psychodynamic psychotherapy, based on Freud's theories of the unconscious and unresolved childhood issues, or interpersonal psychotherapy, which acknowledges childhood issues but focuses on present-day problems and relationships.
Massage Therapy
You might think massage therapy is just for times when you feel like being pampered. However, a study by Dr. Wen-Hsuan Hou and colleagues, of I-Shou University in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, published in the March 2010 Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that massage therapy may be an effective treatment for depression. The researchers studied 786 people suffering from depression and compared the effectiveness of massage therapy with other treatments such as Chinese herbs, relaxation exercises and rest. The results found that massage may be a potentially beneficial way to alleviate symptoms of depression. You get the benefits of massage including a relaxation response and stress reduction. Your body also produces the "trust hormone" oxytocin, which may help to reduce depression.
Exercise
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, if you suffer from mild to moderate depression, exercise may help you alleviate some of these symptoms. Regular exercise may help stimulate the production of neurotransmitters and endorphins --"feel good" chemicals--in the brain. It may also help you to release stress and focus on something other than your depression. You should pick an exercise that appeals to you so that you stick with it. Try a yoga class or sign up for aerobics at your local community center or gym.
