Depression Treatments
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite – weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, making decisions
- Restlessness or feeling slowed down
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you are experiencing five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or more, you may be suffering from depression.
Depression treatments
Depression is a treatable illness. There are many effective treatments for depression, including:
- Medication: Antidepressants are a type of medication that can help to improve the symptoms of depression. There are many different types of antidepressants, and your doctor will work with you to find the one that is right for you.
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a type of treatment that can help you to understand and manage your depression. There are many different types of psychotherapy, and your therapist will work with you to find the one that is right for you.
- Lifestyle changes: There are certain lifestyle changes that can help to improve the symptoms of depression. These include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
If you are struggling with depression, it is important to seek professional help. A doctor or therapist can help you to determine the best course of treatment for you