Depression is a serious mental illness that can affect your mood, thoughts, and actions. It is a common problem, but it is also treatable and manageable if you get the right treatment.
Your health professional may need to do a full diagnostic evaluation to confirm the presence of depression and decide on a course of treatment. This will involve a personal interview, physical exam, and a thorough discussion of your medical history and family background.
Genetics, environment, and culture contribute to depression. Certain people are more vulnerable than others, such as women and Native Americans. They have a higher risk of developing depression because they are more likely to experience ongoing stress and trauma passed down through the generations. These experiences can affect the brain’s chemical balance and cause depression.
Getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, and being active can help to reduce your feelings of depression. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Avoid using alcohol or recreational drugs, which can worsen your symptoms and make it harder to recover from depression.
Try to find activities you enjoy doing and plan a daily schedule of these activities. This will give you something to look forward to and help build your motivation to get through the day.
Keep a journal to record how you are feeling and to help you recognize your depression triggers. Doing this can also help you to identify ways of coping with your feelings better.
Talk to someone about your depression, whether it is a friend or a family member. It can be a daunting prospect, but it is important to seek support. This person doesn’t have to be able to fix you, but they should be a good listener and be supportive without making you feel judged or uncomfortable.
Be patient when undergoing treatment. It can take time to see a difference in your depression, but most people do respond well to therapy and medication.
It is important to find a therapist who is experienced in helping people with depression, and who you can trust to provide effective treatment. They will be able to help you work through your feelings and get the most out of psychotherapy, which can include one-to-one sessions and group therapy.
If you are having trouble finding a therapist in your area, there are online therapy services that match you with a therapist based on what you’re looking for. These online therapists have been vetted by licensed professionals, and can be contacted in less than 48 hours.
You can also find a therapist through the UK’s Mental Health Foundation website, which offers a wide range of online services. These include online therapy and tools based on proven CBT strategies.
Get support with your depression and learn about its causes from a qualified therapist who can explain it to you in easy-to-understand terms. This will give you the confidence to cope with your depression and help you to feel happier, healthier, and more hopeful again.