Ways to Recognize and Deal with Persistent Depression

Sep 14
14:12

2008

Trevor Price

Trevor Price

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When it comes to depression, treating it can range from a cocktail of medications to something as simple as increasing the amount of exercise you're getting.

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In terms of depression,Ways to Recognize and Deal with Persistent Depression Articles treating it can vary from a lengthy and complex series of psychotherapy sessions to something as easy and obvious as improving your diet and daily lifestyle. To obtain a better understanding of clinical depression and what treatment methods are used, keep reading.

Identifying Clinical Depression

It's normal to feel depressed or get a bout of the blues occasionally, but if these feelings start to interfere with your daily life or never seem to subside, then you may be suffering from clinical depression. 

Because depression can adversely affect your physical health and possibly lead to thoughts of suicide, it's considered a very dangerous and sometimes deadly condition.

Symptoms of clinical depression include restlessness and agitation, excessive smoking and drinking alcohol, poor appetite and weight loss (or increased appetite and weight gain), memory loss, sleeping problems, impatience, loss of libido, anger, low self-esteem, ongoing negative thoughts, feelings of despair, cutting yourself off from others and thinking about suicide.

Causes of Depression

Unfortunately, depression doesn't have one simple cause that can just be rooted out and done away with. This disease will vary with each individual, but can often be triggered by a stressful event like the death of a family member, a family tragedy or a financial or career crisis. Depression is also linked to certain health issues, both physical and mental.

Depression - Treating It

First, the doctor needs to diagnose clinical depression. Once a diagnosis is reached, he or she must then establish the extent of the depression and its root causes. With some cases of depression, your doctor may simply recommend a better diet and increased exercise. With other more severe forms of depression, a patient is often referred to a therapist and prescribed certain antidepressants and other drugs.

Typically, traditional treatment starts by making sure the patient isn't planning to harm himself or herself. Then, it focuses on the symptoms of depression and finally on preventing the depression from recurring. Usually, the most effective treatment programs are those that involve therapy and lifestyle modifications.

How Lifestyle Changes Can Help With Depression

If you're suffering from depression, something as simple as getting regular exercise, drinking lots of water and eating a healthy diet can do wonders for your mental health. As your body and physical health improve, so may your mental health. In addition, exercise and many healthy foods are proven to boost serotonin levels, therefore improving the mood.

Medication

Typically, the drugs used in depression treating are called Selective Serotoninc Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SSRI's), and there are hundreds of them on the market, both branded and generic. The common side effects of these anti-depressants include decreased sex drive, nervous system problems, gastrointestinal issues and weight gain.