According to the Mayo Clinic, "depression is one of the most common health conditions in the world." Symptoms include intense sadness, loss of interest, sleep disturbance, hopelessness and difficulty concentrating. Your first resource should be your physician for medical guidance. She may order medication, therapy or both. You may be referred to a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional. Beyond that, you may find other resources to help you cope with and defeat your depression.
Physicians and Therapists
Common therapeutics for depression include medications and therapy. Typical medications for depression are SSRI medications (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors. Other drugs that alter neurotransmitter levels may be prescribed. Antidepressant medications work by correcting an imbalance in the chemicals in your nervous system. Your physician may order other medications to further treat your condition, such as stimulants, anti-anxiety medications or sleep medications.
Therapy for depression includes behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis and other psychotherapy. Basically, talking about your problems and receiving guidance and empathy can help to alleviate your depression. Electroconvulsive treatment is occasionally prescribed for depression not relieved by other means. Inpatient treatment may be ordered for a patient who has not responded to other therapies.
Family and Friends
Trusted family members and close friends are often your closest resources for depression. Talking about your difficulties with people who know, understand and care about you provides excellent support as you look for professional treatment.
Support Groups
Support groups for depression can assist participants to develop tools to combat depression. Practical skills are discussed that help to deal with stressful situations that lead to depression. Support groups can be found for various depressive disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder. Depression support groups can be found relative to gender or age as well.
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (see Resources) has a list of local support groups for depression and bipolar disorder.
Online Support
Numerous online support systems exist for people suffering from depression. Forums and other formats allow an exchange of information and friendship with the goal of alleviating depression.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (see Resources) provides a wealth of resource material for depression. At their website, you can find a discussion group, a list of support groups in your area, a depression quiz and a brochure you can share with your family and friends to help them understand what you are experiencing.
Stress Management
Yoga, exercise and the martial arts can all help to alleviate stress and ease depression. Health clubs exist in most cities with classes for beginner to advanced participants.
Clinical Trials
Hundreds of studies are recruiting volunteers for treatment of depression (see Resources). If other treatments have not been effective or you wish to try something new, volunteering in a clinical trial may be a positive step.
