Depression is an illness that needs to be attended to. It affects the general well being of a person particularly the thoughts, mood and body. There are no known causes of depression but the risk factors include medications, physical/medical illness, hormonal, family history and stress. The factors are known to put the person at risk of going into a state of depression. While there are known treatments for depression, chances are it can recur at any given time if not properly managed. The underlying causes of depression must be addressed to avoid recurrence.

Treatments include a combination of medications and psychotherapy or depending on the underlying cause and degree, it can either be through medication or psychotherapy. People afflicted with depression manifest symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, restlessness and feelings of helplessness, guilt, worthlessness and pessimism.

Dealing with the illness is a gargantuan task because it involves patience, courage and strength from the same person who has the disease. It also entails resilience in managing the obstacles and constraints that block a person from overcoming depression. Many people who suffer from depression are those who cannot accept failures in things they are so fixated at. The patterns of failures thus lead them to depression.

Clinical scientists and the realms of behavioral sciences are continuously finding new ways of depression therapies. However, there are also tried and tested techniques, besides medications, to overcome depression. Psychological research studies show that physical exercises such as jogging, walking and other aerobic activities have significantly reduced the depressive state a person is in. Psychotherapy is a major therapy for depression. This involves a dialogue between the person with depression and a psychotherapist.

Psychotherapy Methods

There are a number of methods engaged in psychotherapy to alleviate the condition. Normally, psychotherapists use a wide range of methods and requires the patient to be involved in a communication with the therapist. This is generally known as the talking therapy to improve on the person’s personal well-being. Sometimes, besides the patient himself/herself, psychotherapists will engage the family of the patient (family therapy) in the talking therapy. Other psychotherapy approaches include the behavioral cognitive therapy, music and arts appreciation to brighten the mood.

Nutritional Therapy

Food rich in serotonin are mood regulators. Serotonin is known to make people happy and excited and thus, decrease the chances of depression. Mostly, this is the carbohydrate-rich and sweets/sugary snacks. Chocolates is one of the best known mood regulator. Other food rich in serotonin are potatoes and vegetables and low-fat cereals. Protein-rich food are to be avoided.

Herbal Treatment

The most common alternative to any disease is the herbal treatment. For depression, St. John’s Wort is said to be help boost the serotonin levels, therefore brightening the person’s mood and reducing depressive feelings and stress. Other herbs include ginko biloba, passion flower and kava kava.

Lifestyle Modification

Lifestyle modification is also recommended to help reduce depression. Vices such as drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking must be avoided, if not minimized. A restful evening helps. Work style and relationships can also be modified to lessen the stress that can lead to depression.

Make your life healthier and happier and fight depression by making the right choices.