How to Treat Depression
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How to Treat Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. Fortunately, it is a treatable condition, and more than 80% of people can benefit from treatment. In order to treat depression, a health care professional should do a comprehensive evaluation, which includes an interview and physical exam. They may also order blood tests to rule out any medical causes, which may be contributing to your depression. The evaluation will identify specific symptoms and consider your family and medical histories, as well as environmental and cultural factors.
Depression is a serious condition, and it can affect the quality of your life. It can affect you physically, emotionally, and socially. While many people experience periods of mild depression, others may experience episodes that last for months or even years. There are two types of depression: major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
Psychotherapy may be an effective way to treat depression. This treatment may involve individual therapy or family counseling. For more serious cases, a doctor may recommend a combination of two or more antidepressants. He may also prescribe mood stabilizers or antipsychotics. In severe cases, a person may also need to undergo a hospital stay. This is necessary if he or she is unable to care for themselves or is in imminent danger. However, there are also some nonmedical treatments that may improve your mood and help you cope with your symptoms.
A person may experience one or several major depressive episodes throughout their lives. Symptoms can include not wanting to get out of bed, avoiding spending time with friends and family, and avoiding activities that make you sad or angry. This type of depression often leads to other problems as well. Anxiety and depression are closely linked, and up to 60% of people with anxiety disorder will also experience depression symptoms.
Depression affects the way the brain responds to different types of stress. Often, it can lead to a weakened immune system and high blood pressure. The symptoms of depression may also affect the way a person perceives their environment. These symptoms may affect their ability to work, and they can make it difficult to concentrate or feel motivated.
Psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for depression. It aims to identify the underlying causes and teaches patients to control their emotions. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat the depression. Typically, these are the newer, safer antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Exercise can also be helpful in treating depression. This treatment can release feel-good chemicals that can aid in relaxation and a sense of well-being.
A person suffering from depression may feel better immediately, or it may take time to recover. In the meantime, they can make lifestyle changes to avoid or manage the symptoms. It may take several weeks or months for the symptoms to go away completely. In many cases, however, a doctor can prescribe a combination of medication and therapy to help a person with depression cope with the symptoms.
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