Major depression is a severe and persistent medical condition that requires careful planning, consistent followup and sustained effort on the part of the patient. Living with depression requires both psychiatric interventions (medications) and psychological interventions (therapy and support). Effective management requires the combined efforts of the patient, medical professionals, counseling professionals and supportive individuals. One of these components alone is not enough to get long-term results.
Step 1
Journal about the experiences you have having. Share these notes with your doctor when you go to your appointments. Writing information down helps you remember all the things you need to tell your doctor but may forget when you get to your appointment. Tell the doctor everything. Although some things may be difficult to talk about, doctors base your prescriptions on the information you give them.
Step 2
Take your medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Psychiatry has made huge advances with the development of many effective medications. However, these medications must be taken as prescribed on a regular basis to be effective in the long run. Even when you are feeling good, take your medications as directed by your physician.
Step 3
Avoid the use of alcohol. Not only does alcohol depress functioning in the central nervous system, it impairs decision making. Alcohol also impairs social and relationship skills, which could lead to an increase in isolation and depression. Alcohol also carries the risk of dependency, which would only complicate the depression.
Step 4
Participate in a support group. Groups offer emotional support as well as practical advice on how to live with major depression. Ask your friends and family to be supportive. Have a conversation with the closest people in your life and explain in detail what you need them to do. The combination of your support group and supportive friends and relatives creates a large network that you can rely on.
Step 5
Improve the quality of your life. Learn healthy communication skills, deal with anger, manage finances, take care of your physical health, and budget and save money. This can reduce the amount of stress you experience, which will help you manage the depression.
Tips and Warnings
- Write a personal relapse prevention plan that includes how to deal with bad days, how to manage conflicts and how to deal with difficult situations.
References
- Understanding Depression: What We Know and What You Can Do About It; J. Raymond DePaulo, Jr. and Leslie Alan Horvitz; 2003
- Understanding Depression; Patricia Ainsworth, M.D.; 2000
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition; American Psychological Association; 2000
