These symptoms may last for 2 weeks or more and they may stop and come back again. These are called “recurrent episodes. ” In this case, the symptoms are more than just a “bad day. ” They are severe changes in mood that affect the way someone functions socially or at their job. You may have stopped going to school or showing up for work. Similarly, these feelings might make you lose interest in some of your favorite hobbies or activities, like playing sports, doing crafts, or visiting with friends. If you have undergone a major life event, such as a death in the family, you can exhibit many depressive symptoms and not be clinically depressed. Consult with your doctor or therapist to determine if you are experiencing more depressive symptoms than is typical in the normal grieving process. [1] X Research source American Psychiatric Association. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition (DSM-5).
Significant loss of appetite or loss of weight Disrupted sleep (either unable to sleep or sleeping too much) Fatigue or loss of energy Increased agitation or decreased movement noticeable by others Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt Having difficulty concentrating or feeling indecisive Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, attempting suicide or having a plan for suicide
A major life event, such as the death of a loved one, can bring on symptoms similar to depression. A noticeable difference may be, during the mourning process, that positive memories of the deceased are possible and one may still gain pleasure from certain activities. Depressed people have a harder time doing normal activities with a sense of pleasure. [3] X Research source American Psychiatric Association. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition (DSM-5).
Use this list to observe if you are engaging in risky behaviors. People who are depressed may do risky things because they no longer care about the outcome of their lives, and may need help from others to take care of themselves. [4] X Research source If you are depressed, this may be a difficult task to complete. Take your time with it, or ask a trusted family member or friend to help you write a list.
Others may notice that you are prone to unprovoked bouts of crying or the inability to complete simple tasks like taking a shower. [5] X Research source Solomon, Andrew. The Noonday Demon
Certain medical conditions, especially terminal or chronic conditions, may carry a risk for depressive symptoms. In these cases, an objective medical professional is essentially for helping to understand the source of the symptoms and how to alleviate them. [7] X Research source
Counseling psychologists: Counseling psychology is a field of therapy that focuses on helping skills and helping people overcome difficult times in their lives. This type of therapy can be short or long-term and is often problem-specific and goal-directed. [8] X Research source Licensed professional counselor or licensed social worker: These types of mental health providers are often much easier to find and schedule counseling sessions with than psychologists. Ask your doctor for a referral or find one in your area by searching online. Clinical psychologists: These are trained to administer tests to confirm a diagnosis and therefore, they tend to focus more on psychopathology, or the study of behavioral or mental disorders. Psychiatrists: These may use psychotherapy and scales or tests in their practice, but are typically consulted when medication is an option the patient wants to explore. In most states, only psychiatrists can prescribe medication, although some states now allow psychologists to prescribe medication. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
Other professional associations like the American Psychological Association may provide search functions for locating their members in your area. [11] X Research source
Therapists will generally prompt you to speak with careful questions, and then listen to what you have to say. It can be nerve-wracking at first to open up to your counselor, but most people find it hard to stop talking after a few minutes have passed.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): The goal of CBT is to challenge and change beliefs, attitudes, and preconceptions that are thought to underlie depressive symptoms and to effect change to maladaptive behaviors. Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT focuses on life changes, social isolation, deficits in social skills, and other interpersonal issues that may contribute to depressive symptoms. IPT may be particularly effective if a specific event (such as a death) has triggered a recent depressive episode. Behavioral psychotherapy: Behavioral therapies aim to schedule enjoyable activities while minimizing unpleasant experiences through techniques such as activity scheduling, self-control therapy, social skills training, and problem solving.
The most common types are SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and tricyclics. Names of some of the most widely used antidepressants can be found by searching for antidepressants online. [15] X Research source A psychiatrist will also know the best choices for medications for your particular case. Your psychiatrist may have you try a few different medications until one seems to work. Some antidepressants backfire on some people, so it’s very important to stay in close contact with your practitioner and note any negative or unwelcome change in mood immediately. Usually, switching to a different class of drug will fix the problem.
There are people who teach journaling, books about journaling, and even websites to keep online journals if you require more structure.
This diet also avoids alcohol, which is a depressant itself.
You don’t need to keep detailed notes of every nutrient you take in, but it is important to pay attention to what you eat and how it makes you feel to avoid falling back into depression.
This person can also help you determine what exercises could be safe and fun for you, and which can help provide motivation for getting started.
A positive part of exercise as a treatment for depression is that activities like running do not cost a lot of money.
Start with the “A” in SMART in setting your goals. Set an easy goal at first, since attaining it gives you the experience of success early. It will also give you confidence to set your next goal. If you don’t think you can push yourself to do more (such as walking for 10 minutes), then push yourself to do more often (such as walking for 10 minutes every day for a week, then a month, then the whole year). See how long you can keep your streak going.
Some counselors prescribe sunlight lamps for depression patients who live in areas with low winter sunlight: it produces the same effect as going outside and standing under bright sunlight. If you’re going to be out in the sun for more than a few minutes, take sensible precautions by applying sunscreen to your bare skin and wearing sunglasses.
Be sure to follow directions on the package for proper dosage and frequency. Be sure to buy herbal supplements from a reputable seller. Supplements are only very loosely monitored by the FDA, and as such, levels of purity and quality vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Do not take St. John’s Wort with medications such as SSRIs. This can cause your body to have too much serotonin, which can be life threatening. St. John’s Wort can make other drugs less effective when taken at the same time. Drugs it can affect include oral contraceptives, antiretroviral medications (e. g. , drugs to treat HIV), anticoagulants (e. g. , Warfarin), hormone replacement therapies, and immunosuppressant medications. Work with your doctor if you are on other medications. Because of the lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort, the American Psychiatric Association does not recommend it for general use. The National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine recommends caution in using homeopathic remedies and encourages open discussions with healthcare providers so that treatment can be coordinated and safe. [30] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Mental Health Informational website from U. S. government focused on the understanding and treatment of mental illness. Go to source
Be sure to follow directions on the package for proper dosage and frequency. Be sure to buy herbal supplements from a reputable seller. Supplements are only very loosely monitored by the FDA, and as such, levels of purity and quality vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Do not take St. John’s Wort with medications such as SSRIs. This can cause your body to have too much serotonin, which can be life threatening. St. John’s Wort can make other drugs less effective when taken at the same time. Drugs it can affect include oral contraceptives, antiretroviral medications (e. g. , drugs to treat HIV), anticoagulants (e. g. , Warfarin), hormone replacement therapies, and immunosuppressant medications. Work with your doctor if you are on other medications. Because of the lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort, the American Psychiatric Association does not recommend it for general use. The National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine recommends caution in using homeopathic remedies and encourages open discussions with healthcare providers so that treatment can be coordinated and safe. [30] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Mental Health Informational website from U. S. government focused on the understanding and treatment of mental illness. Go to source
The preparation of SAMe is not regulated and the potency and ingredients can vary among manufacturers. Be sure to follow directions on the package for proper dosage and frequency.
Check with your health insurance provider to find out if acupuncture is covered by your insurance. Evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture is mixed. [33] X Research source One study has shown a link between acupuncture and normalization of a neuroprotective protein with an effect similar to Prozac. [34] X Research source Another study has shown effectiveness comparable to psychotherapy. [35] X Research source These studies lend some credibility to acupuncture as a treatment for depression, although more research is needed. [36] X Research source
ECT has the highest response rate of any antidepressant therapy (70%-90% of patients respond). [38] X Research source Some limitations of ECT use include the stigma associated with it, as well as potential side effects, including cardiovascular effects and cognitive effects (such as short-term memory loss).
Treatment is required daily, which makes is difficult for the average person to undergo.
Data on the effectiveness of VNS is limited and there are potential side effects associated with having a medical device implanted, including interference with other medical devices. [43] X Research source , [44] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Mental Health Informational website from U. S. government focused on the understanding and treatment of mental illness. Go to source
There is limited information on the effectiveness of DBS. [46] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Mental Health Informational website from U. S. government focused on the understanding and treatment of mental illness. Go to source As an experimental treatment, DBS would only be used if other treatments failed or were not an option.
Neurofeedback can be costly and requires a lot of time. Insurance companies may not pay for this procedure.
