Of all the mental illnesses, major depression is among the most responsive to treatments. Without treatment, however, it can be a life threatening condition, that tends to come back even after the recovery. It is essential that you look for help today.
Step 1
Make an appointment with a psychiatrist today in order to get a prescription for antidepressants. If the waiting time is too long for you, go to emergency room for help. If you suffer from major depression, medication is essential for your recovery. Remember that it can take two to four weeks for you to see any changes in your mood after you start taking antidepressant medication. Moreover, once you start feeling better, you may feel that the medication is not needed anymore. Despite of this, it is crucial that you continue taking the antidepressant for at least six to 12 months and even after this time medication should not be stopped abruptly.
Step 2
Enroll in psychotherapy and schedule a session at least once or twice a week. It is possible to use medication or psychotherapy alone if you suffer from mild depression but major depression requires the use of both in order for you to recover. Some people prefer individual therapy while others like to go to a group therapy session. Both are effective for treating depression. You can find more information about the different treatment options from a brochure of The National Alliance on Mental Illness. Find a link in the Resources section.
Step 3
Start exercising at least three times a week, half an hour a time. This might be the last thing that you want to do right now, but exercising will improve your mood and the quality of your sleep. Exercising releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals that act like natural antidepressants, the Australian Black Dog Institute notes.
Step 4
Maintain a regular daily rhythm. Go to sleep around the same time and wake up about the same time every day. Do not spend your days in bed even if you were not working.
Step 5
Fight the depression by getting active. In the beginning, you may not be interested in any activity that you used to enjoy, but once your medication starts to work and you have been going to your therapy sessions for awhile, you need to start taking interest in hobbies and activities again. Decide to try an activity that you enjoy at least once a day: go to the movies, have dinner with a friend, or take your dog for a long walk.
Tips and Warnings
- You can find more information about the different psychotherapy, and medication options from the brochure of The National Alliance on Mental Illness.
- Antidepressants can have side effects. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of them.
Things You'll Need
- Antidepressant medication
- Psychotherapy
- Exercising
References
- "You Can Beat Depression: A Guide to Prevention and Recovery" ; Dr. John Preston; 2001
- National Institutes of Health: Depression
- Black Dog Institute: Exercise and Depression
