How to Cure Chronic Depression

Researchers have been studying the reasons for chronic depression. Progress has been made in understanding chemical imbalances that contribute to feelings of depression. Targeted drugs have been developed to restore changes in neurotransmitters in the brain thought to cause depression. Treatment includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. An early diagnosis leads to a better outcome in chronic depression. Interventions to cure chronic depression result in less incidence of relapse when therapy and medications are started early.

Instructions

1. Learn about the illness. Chronic depression that lasts for two years in adults, causing less severe symptoms than major depressive disorder, is called dysthymia. In children and adolescents, dysthymia is recognized as mild depression lasting for one year or more. Dysthymia is usually accompanied by at least two of the following: overeating or loss of appetite, poor sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating on simple tasks, feelings of despair, and physical aches and pains. Symptoms can escalate, causing double depression.
   Chronic depression is easily cured, with the right medication and the help of a therapist.

2. Take antidepressants. Your family physician can prescribe antidepressants to help cure chronic depression. Several types of medications are available.
   Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) target low serotonin level. Serotonin is an important chemic responsible for mood. Examples include Lexapro, Celexa, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Luvox. Other antidepressants used include MAO inhibitors, which have been around for many years, tricyclic antidepressants, and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which include Cymbalta and Effexor.

3. Seek counselling to help cure chronic depression. A combination of medication and psychotherapy is usually the best treatment. Psychotherapy can help teach coping mechanisms for dealing with chronic depression. Ask your family physician for a referral to a licensed professional.
   Remember that antidepressants take several weeks before they become fully effective.

4. Enlist the support of family and friends. Exercise can boost levels of beneficial chemicals to help cure chronic depression. Adopt a healthy diet. Surround yourself with positive people. Studies show that happiness is contagious.

5. Request a thorough checkup if you think you suffer from chronic depression. Your doctor will look for underlying causes of depression such as hypothyroidism or other illness that might explain symptoms of fatigue or aches and pains that mimic symptoms of chronic depression. Open dialogue with your family physician can help cure chronic depression with the right medication, combined with psychotherapy and a healthy lifestyle.

Tips & Warnings

• Approximately 10.9 million Americans aged 18 and older are affected by chronic depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It is important to know that you are not alone.

• Never stop taking antidepressants suddenly.

References

• Depression
• Treatment of Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)