How to Treat Major Depression

Major depression is more than just the feelings of the blues. People who have major depression, experience more severe symptoms. Many people feel tired or heavy as if they don't have enough energy to make it through normal everyday activities. Major depression can develop over time or after a traumatizing event. Sometimes women go through a major depression or postpartum blues after the birth of a child. Signs of major depression include change in appetite, weight gain or weight loss, trouble sleeping, difficulty focusing, low interest with intimacy, chronic pain, digestive difficulties, and thoughts of suicide or death. If you are struggling with major depression, here are some treatments to help your life get back to normal.

Instructions

1. See a psychiatrist who specializes in major depression and talk about antidepressants. Many times major depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and antidepressants can help restore chemical imbalance. Antidepressants should only be taken under a doctor's supervision. There may also be side effects. However, antidepressants have helped millions of people find recovery from major depression.

2. Talk with a psychiatrist about cognitive therapy for major depression. Cognitive therapy works by helping patients alter critical self-evaluations, pessimistic feelings, and sensitivity to life's problems and challenges. By learning new coping skills, cognitive therapy helps people with major depression change their attitudes and have more realistic and less stressful attitudes towards life.

3. To treat major depression, it is possible to get to the root of the problem through psychotherapy. The aim of psychotherapy is to talk and analyze a past traumatic event or events that are the underlying causes of major depression. Many times patients with major depression cannot remember the events that are affecting their lives. Nonetheless, the stress and trauma are causing an inability to function normally in everyday life.

4. Eat a healthy diet and take supplements to treat the symptoms of major depression. Many people claim to feel better by avoiding sugar and taking St. John's Wort. Other supplements to help major depression include vitamin B12, zinc, gingko balboa and 5-Hydroxytryptophan. Keep in mind that most people with major depression need antidepressants, and there may be interactions when taking supplements and prescription medication together.

5. Start a regular exercise routine to treat major depression. A good cardio and strength training program have helped many people overcome feelings of major depression. Exercise increases the "feel good" chemicals in the brain like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, which ease the symptoms of major depression

6. Consider taking a holistic approach to treat major depression. Many people take antidepressants, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and work with a therapist to recover from major depression.

Tips & Warnings

• Immediately contact a doctor if you are feeling suicidal.

References

• American Psychiatric Association
• AllPsych for more information