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Treating Depression
Your doctor or mental health
specialist can treat your depression
successfully. Different therapies
seem to work in different people.
For instance, support groups can
provide new coping skills or social
support if you are dealing with a
major life change. A doctor might
suggest that you use a local senior
center, volunteer service, or
nutrition program.
Several kinds of "talk" therapies
are useful as well. One method might
help give you a more positive
outlook on life. Always thinking
about the sad things in your life or
what you have lost might have led to
your depression. Another way works
to improve your relationships with
others to give you more hope about
your future.
Don't forget to let family and
friends help you. Getting better
takes time, but with support from
others and treatment you will get a
little better each day.
Antidepressant drugs can also help.
These medications can improve your
mood, sleep, appetite, and
concentration. There are several
types of antidepressants available.
Some of these can take up to 12
weeks before you are aware of real
progress. Your doctor may want you
to continue medications for 6 months
or more after your symptoms
disappear.
Some antidepressants can cause
unwanted side effects, although
newer medicines have fewer side
effects. Any antidepressant should
be used with great care to avoid
this problem. Remember:
The doctor needs to know about all
prescribed and over-the-counter
medications, vitamins, or herbal
supplements you are taking.
The doctor should also be aware of
any other physical problems you
have.
Be sure to take antidepressants in
the proper dose and on the right
schedule.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can
also help. It is most often
recommended when medicines can't be
tolerated or when a quick response
is needed. ECT, which works quickly
in most people, is given as a series
of treatments over a few weeks. Like
other antidepressant therapies,
follow-up treatment with medication
or occasional (called maintenance)
ECT is often needed to help prevent
a return of depression.
Content Courtesy :
www.niapublications.org
Note : Information herein is
provided for informational purposes
only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. You
should not use this information for
diagnosing or treating a medical or
health condition. If you have or
suspect you have a medical problem,
promptly contact your professional
healthcare provider. Please consult
your healthcare provider before
beginning any course of
supplementation or treatment.
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