Treatment options for depression

I have recently been told that I have depression. The news stunned and overwhelmed me.Now I need to know what my treatment options are and how to choose the right one for me.

If you are depressed you may feel like you'll never get out from under its shadow. However, it is important to remember that even the most severe depression is a treatable condition. It has been shown that there are many effective ways to deal with depression. Some of these treatment options include:lifestyle changes, therapy, medications, and alternative treatments. Learning about each of the treatment options will help you decide, what measures are most likely to work best for your particular situation and needs. It is important to learn about every type of treatment, since no two people are affected the exact same way by depression and there is no "one size fits all" treatment that cures depression. Here are some tips to get you started-

• Find out if there is an underlying medical cause for your depression. If there is an underlying medical cause, that will need to be treated first. In addition, you will need to find out how severe your depression is; because the more severe the depression, the more intensive the treatment is likely to be.


• Remember that it takes time, to find the right treatment. It make take trying several different treatment methods, before you find the right one for you.You need to be open to change and a little experimentation.


• Don't rely on medications alone. While it has been clearly shown that medication can be effective for severe depression, studies have also shown that therapy can be as effective, or even a more effective treatment, for many types of depression. For some people therapy and/or lifestyle changes, may be all you need, and they come without the side effects of medication. Whatever you choose, you should discuss all of the options, with your health care provider.


• Get the support you need. It has been shown in several studies that the more you cultivate your social connections, the more protected you are from depression. You should not hesitate to talk to trusted family members, or friends. Remember that asking for help is not a weakness, but a sign of strength.

There are other lifestyle changes that can become a part of your depression treatment plan. For mild to moderate depression, this may be all you need. Regardless, of what else you do, lifestyle changes go a long way towards helping lift depression. Best of all they can help keep depression at bay once you are feeling better. Some of these lifestyle changes include-

• Exercise-Participating in regular exercise provides natural, mood lifting chemical changes in your body. Remember that it does not have to super strenuous, even a short walk every day will help.


• Nutrition-It is crucial to eat a regular, balanced diet is important for both your physical and mental health.


• Sleep-You need to remember that poor sleep has a strong effect on mood. You should make sure you are getting the right amount of sleep for you.


• Support-It has been shown that strong social networks reduce isolation, which is a key risk factor for depression. You need to keep in regular contact with friends and family, or consider joining a class or group. Volunteering is also a wonderful way to get social support, and help others while also helping you.


• Stress reduction-You should understand that too much stress exacerbates depression and puts you at risk for future depression. Meditation, yoga and other relaxation techniques can help in reducing your stress.