Depression is a common problem that has a broad range of causes, but there are available solutions that are effective in most situations. Understand the treatment options and find relief from the symptoms of depression. The challenges of life can lead to a sense of hopelessness that can undermine your ability to live an enjoyable life. If you are struggling with depression, know that you are not alone and there is hope.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that affects how a person feels and thinks, inhibiting their ability to carry out daily activities and resulting in a lack of interest in doing activities they’d normally enjoy. People cope with depression in different ways, so some show few outward signs of depression while others appear sad, irritable, and detached.
The reduced motivation that people struggling with depression experience can have a snowball effect that leads to deeper feelings of hopelessness. Eventually, a person struggling with chronic depression might give up on trying and start engaging in reckless behaviors or self-harm.
Signs and Symptoms
Depression can be caused by a wide range of factors, such as a traumatic event, a sense of failure, or a severe personal loss. In other cases, depression has no clear cause. If you think you might have depression, look out for the following symptoms.
Feelings of Sadness
People who are depressed often feel sad at all times. It’s common to feel sadness even when you’re with people you love or while doing an activity you used to enjoy. When you are alone, you might find yourself unable to do anything except to contemplate your sadness.
Anxiety
It is not uncommon for people who are suffering from depression to feel severe anxiety as well. You might feel tense about problems at work or within your family. Paradoxically, anxiety can also be experienced as a result of reduced performance due to a decline in motivation caused by depression.
Sleeping Problems and Lack of Energy
People who experience depression often have little interest in sleeping, or may feel like sleeping all the time. You might also have sleeping problems if you are struggling with trauma or experiencing severe anxiety.
Low motivation can lead to lethargic feelings that cause people who suffer from depression to feel as though they lack the energy to do anything. Feelings of low energy might cause you to ignore your alarm clock, skip meals, or arrive late for appointments.
Irritability
You might lash out at friends or family after only a minor provocation when depressed – sometimes unintentionally. In many cases, people who become irritable as a result of depression have no history of angry outbursts.
Common Treatment Options
Since depression has a wide variety of causes, there are many different treatment options available.
Therapy
Meeting with other people who are struggling with depression in group therapy can reduce your sense of isolation and help you to find practical solutions.
You can also meet with professional psychotherapists one on one who will work with you to eliminate negative thought patterns and develop coping mechanisms.
Antidepressants
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications that help to increase your serotonin levels and improve your mood.
There are also over 50 antidepressant medications that are available, and many of these drugs are designed for special cases. Some, for example, can specifically treat depressed patients who also have ADHD.
Alternative Remedies
Some people believe that alternative remedies can be effective for treating depression, at least as supplementary treatment, though it’s always best to consult a doctor first.
Some herbs may help in the treatment of depression, including St. John’s Wort, Ashwagandha, and Holy Basil. Meditation and yoga can also provide some relief, promoting relaxation and stress reduction. Physical activity also has a positive effect, potentially improving mood and reducing anxiety through the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. Engaging in art or music therapy can sometimes offer a creative outlet for expression and potentially help in reducing symptoms. You can find more alternative remedies with an online search.
Learn More About Depression and Treatment
A universal cure for depression is unlikely to be found in the near future because of the wide variety of circumstances that can lead to depression. But you don’t have endure the effects of depression without medication or therapy to mitigate symptoms.
Learn more about treatment options that can help provide some relief. Talk to your doctor or a licensed therapist and start your journey towards wellness today.