Helpful Depression Management Techniques
Depression is a medical condition that leads to both emotional and physical symptoms. Symptoms of depression can be overwhelming, sometimes affecting your ability to function in everyday life. However, a combination of doctor-recommended treatments and lifestyle changes can help you develop healthy depression management techniques and reduce symptoms of depression.
Treatment of Depression
Consulting with your doctor and choosing an appropriate course of treatment can help manage symptoms of depression. Treatment of depression depends on your specific situation, and may include:
- Antidepressants
- Non-pharmaceutical physical treatments, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Psychotherapy
- Specialized treatment for specific types of depression (such as light therapy).
Other Depression Management Techniques
Along with medical and psychological treatments, lifestyle changes can also help in the management of depression. Although it’s well known that exercise is beneficial to the body, it helps the brain as well. Physical activity causes the release of certain neurotransmitters, which can improve depression. Exercise can also aid in treatment of depression by:
- Assisting in stress management
- Helping you cope with negative emotions without turning to unhealthy behaviors.
- Increasing social interaction.
Spending time with trusted and supportive family members and friends may help you improve your outlook and manage symptoms of depression. Participating in group activities can keep you from spending too much time alone and focusing on your depressed mood. However, these lifestyle changes alone are unlikely to alleviate depression symptoms completely. Instead, lifestyle changes work best when used in combination with a program of antidepressants, psychotherapy or other treatment of depression approved by a doctor or mental health professional.
Management of Depression During Stressful Times
Symptoms of depression can surface during times of increased stress or intense emotion. For example, different people may experience depression due to:
- Divorce
- Holiday-related stress
- Loss of a relative.
Changing your outlook can help you in your management of depression. If you blame yourself or expect perfection in all that you do, this may contribute to symptoms of depression. Participating in psychotherapy may help you to deal with these difficult feelings.
Managing Antidepressant Side Effects
One option for treatment of depression is the use of antidepressants, or medications that affect hormone and neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Note that some antidepressants have side effects, including:
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Sexual side effects
- Weight gain.
Side effects vary widely depending on the type of antidepressant, and your doctor will help you weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing an antidepressant. If you experience unwanted side effects, your doctor may be able to change your medication, or its dosage.
In addition, you can manage some side effects with lifestyle changes. For example, changes in diet may manage constipation and weight gain, while exercise and relaxation activities can reduce anxiety.
Resources
Medline Plus Staff. (n.d.). Major depression. Retrieved May 11, 2010, from Medline Plus website: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000945.htm.
Melin, G. (2009). Managing depression during the holidays. Retrieved May 11, 2010, from Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/holiday-depression/MY01122.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Antidepressants: Get tips to cope with side effects. Retrieved May 11, 2010, from Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/mh00062.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms. Retrieved May 11, 2010, from Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-and-exercise/mh00043.