Mental depression can come and go for a short amount of time and not cause much of a disruption. But when it causes you to feel hopeless, empty and low for a long period of time, it can be very serious and treatment is necessary. In order to help your depression, you can take several steps that involve both conventional and unconventional treatments.
Step 1
Seek therapy. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are two types of psychotherapy. In CBT, you learn how to create positive outcomes instead of negative ones, and with IPT, you learn how to deal with troubled personal relationships. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, both of these therapies are effective at treating depression.
Step 2
Get on medication. Antidepressants are a common type of prescription drug to help treat depression. Talk to your doctor about this type of treatment if your symptoms are really severe. Examples of these include sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram and fluoxetine.
Step 3
Avoid certain company. People who are negative and could cause your depression to worsen should be avoided. Surround yourself with people who are happy, positive and supportive.
Step 4
Get daily exercise. Exercise brings numerous benefits to the body such as better joint motion, improved coordination, a stronger cardiovascular system and stronger bones. When it comes to depression, exercise can help release mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain called endorphins, and it can also keep your mind off of what is causing your depression. Do 30 minutes of daily exercise that you find enjoyable, such as biking, running, weightlifting, hiking, swimming or walking.
Step 5
Partake in a relaxation activity. Yoga is a type of mind-body exercise where you hold your body in various positions called "poses." According to the Mayo Clinic, this form of complementary medicine can help improve your depression symptoms. Attend yoga classes or get a DVD and practice yoga at home. Other forms of relaxation activities you can try include guided imagery, muscle relaxation, meditative breathing and Tai Chi.
Step 6
Stop using drugs. High amounts of alcohol are known to have damaging effects on the liver. It can also exacerbate your depression, so you should avoid it. You should also avoid the use of illegal drugs and any other substances that can cause your depression to worsen.
