Major depressive disorder, the clinical name for depression, affects as many as 14.8 million adults over the age of 18 in any given year. It's the leading cause of disability for people age 15-44, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. While your doctor may suggest prescription drugs to help you manage your symptoms, depression needn't always be managed with medication. Because severe depression can be deadly, however, it is imperative that you check with your health care provider before embarking on any alternative self-treatment.
Exercise
Exercise helps to release neurotransmitters and endorphins that help to ease some of the symptoms of depression, notes MayoClinic.com. It can also help you feel better about yourself, provide better chances for social interaction and give you a temporary reprieve from the things that worry or upset you. By engaging in a daily exercise program, you may find that your depression symptoms are less severe and easier to manage on a day-to-day basis. Work out whenever you can, whether at home, around town or in a gym.
Cognitive Therapy
Positive thinking can help you gain a better outlook on life and replace your negative thoughts with more hopeful ideas for the future. Cognitive therapy helps you learn to reduce negative thoughts by replacing them with more realistic, positive ones, notes Medline Plus. For instance, instead of thinking "I'll never get better," replace the thought with "With proper care and therapy, I can reduce my depression symptoms." The second statement is both more positive and more realistic.
Psychotherapy
Sometimes depression has an underlying psychological cause. Perhaps something triggers your depression, or an event from your past is bothering you. If so, meeting with a therapist at a private office or hospital can be beneficial, notes the National Institute of Mental Health. If you can't afford mental health services, many community health programs and schools offer services at reduced costs. Talking about your depression with a professional can help you identify triggers and coping mechanisms.
Support Groups
Depression can be an isolating condition, despite the fact that almost 7 percent of the over-18 population suffers from depression each year. To help yourself feel less isolated and alone, consider joining a support group made up of other depression sufferers. There, you can find strength in numbers, develop meaningful relationships and talk about ways to cope with your condition. A support group can help you realize that you're not alone and that people care about you and your well-being.
