Depression is an overwhelming medical condition that can greatly affect the quality of life of its sufferers. It can interfere with your relationships, affect your ability to work, and lessen your ability to enjoy everyday pleasures. Fortunately, many treatment options are available to help you overcome the difficulties associated with depression.
Diet
It should come as no surprise that eating a well-balanced diet is key to good physical health, but did you know it is also a factor in good mental health? Associate professor William A. Carlezon Jr. and associates at Harvard University conducted a study that found a link between increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids, found in certain fish and nuts, and uridine, a compound found in beets and molasses, and a decrease in depression. These findings are backed up anecdotally by a lower rate of depression in nations that consume higher amounts of these foods. While further studies are necessary to determine exactly why and how much of these foods can help combat depression, it stands to reason that including them as part of a healthy diet can't hurt.
Exercise
Just as a good diet can help you combat depression, regular exercise can play a role in overcoming depression as well. Exercise causes the body to release chemicals that can improve your mood and increase your immunity. "Doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day, for three to five days a week can significantly improve depression symptoms," according to the Mayo Clinic. If you are starting a new exercise regimen, be sure to consult with your doctor first to find out which activities will be best suited to your lifestyle and overall health.
Supplements
Supplements get a lot of attention as the solution to a variety of maladies, including depression. People with depression often have lower levels of folate in their system, which can be addressed with supplements, according to Martha Morris, an epidemiologist at Tufts University. St. John's Wort is a supplement that may or may not help depression--clinical studies have had conflicting results, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements, as many of them can conflict with medications or have undesirable side effects.
Medication
Antidepressant medications can be a useful tool in overcoming your depression. There are several different classes of antidepressants and each class addresses a different chemical need inside your body--so don't rule out other classes if one type of antidepressant doesn't seem to be working for you. It is important to allow plenty of time for the medication to take effect, generally three to four weeks, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Always consult with a physician before stopping or changing antidepressant medications.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a treatment option that can help you overcome depression, particularly when combined with antidepressant medications, according to the NIMH. Keep in mind that psychotherapy involves a significant time commitment to be fully effective. As with antidepressants, there are different types of therapy that can be utilized to overcome depression. It is best to discuss your therapy options with a qualified therapist to discover which method would be most helpful for you.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is not a common treatment for depression, but it may be useful for people who have not had success using more traditional methods of treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, the procedure involves using an electromagnetic coil to transmit magnetic pulses through the brain. This treatment is not widely available in the United States, largely because it is considered a "'last resort" treatment.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy, also called ECT, is another treatment method that is reserved for people who do not respond to more traditional methods of treatment for depression. The practice involves sending electric pulses through the brain, causing temporary seizures that are believed to increase the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in improved brain function and alleviating severe depression, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Prescreening is necessary before ECT treatments to prevent unwanted or potentially deadly side effects.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: How is Depression Detected and Treated?
- Mayo Clinic: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: St. John's Wort and Depression
- Mayo Clinic: Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Eases Symptoms
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Depression: Treatment With Electroconvulsive Therapy
