If you’re suffering from depression, it’s important to consider some of your treatment options. Some of the most effective treatments include emotional support, vigorous exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy. You should only use prescription drugs as a last resort. In addition to speaking to a doctor or therapist, here are five things you can do to treat your depression.
Antidepressants
While antidepressants play an important role in recovery from depression and other mental health disorders, they should not be relied on. Pharmacology is still in its early stages and most drugs don’t produce the same results in each individual. A drug that may work well for one patient may not do anything for another patient but leave them with dangerous side effects. It’s important to speak to a doctor who’s experienced in treating various mood disorders.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a method of brain stimulation that helps treat major depression in most patients. A series of TMS treatment sessions is a completely safe non-invasive procedure for patients who haven’t benefited from prescription medications or can’t tolerate drugs due to its side effects. Approximately half of those who undergo TMS for depression report positive results, with the other half reporting no change. These are pretty good odds from the perspective of someone unable to treat their depression with medication.
Emotional Support
One of the best ways to treat your depression is with a solid support system. As human beings, we crave an emotional connection with others. That’s why emotional support from a trusting and loving group of family, friends, psychiatrists, psychologists, and supports are one of the most effective strategies. Emotional support can be found in a wide variety of ways. If you can’t rely on your family and friends for support, there are plenty of support groups in your area. You can choose to see a counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist since each of them offers varying forms of treatment.
Psychological Treatment
Sometimes psychological treatment is beneficial to combatting depression. Some effective forms of treatment include acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, interpersonal therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and psychoanalysis. Sometimes a treatment that includes letting go of unrealistic goals and building your self-esteem is beneficial to your mental health.
Lifestyle Strategies
Exercise has been proving to help combat depression. Vigorous exercise (15 minutes per day, 4 to 6 days per week) combined with moderate exercise (30 minutes per day, 4 to 6 days per week) have been shown to be effective in those suffering from depression. Other lifestyle strategies include learning how to relax, regular exercise, doing meditation or yoga, eating a healthy diet, getting a good night’s sleep, and reducing your intake of alcohol and recreational drugs. Breathing exercises and mindful practices can also help those suffering from depression feel better about themselves.
Fulfilling Work
Fulfilling is one of the keys to feeling better about yourself. It’s been rated higher than cognitive behavioral therapy for helping patients stay well and on the path to recovery. But according to a Gallup poll, only 20% of employees enjoy their job. People with a higher career path are twice more likely to succeed. Committing yourself to your career path and purpose can help you with your depression.
These are just a shortened list of treatment options for depression. There are exhaustive lists on the Internet. To determine which treatment works best for you, it’s best to speak with a licensed doctor. He or she can help you determine the best treatment options based on your mental disorder.