what kinds of treatments are out there for people with depression?
104287
In addition to visiting your doctor, and probably be putting on a prescription medication, check out natural remedies.  \n\nRead up on these remedies online and then find somewhere to purchase them.  You can look at online pharmacies, as well as your local drug or vitamin store.  Good Luck!
140388
Psychotherapy is an important form of treatment for many kinds of psychological problems. \n\nTwo of the most common problems for which people seek help from a therapist are depression and persistent anxiety.\n\n People with depression may have low self-esteem, a sense of hopelessness about the future, and a lack of interest in people and activities once found pleasurable. \n\nPeople with anxiety disorders may feel anxious all the time or suffer from phobias, a fear of specific objects or situations. \n\nPsychotherapy, by itself or in combination with drug treatment, can often help people overcome or manage these problems.\n\nPeople experiencing an emotional crisis due to marital problems, family disputes, problems at work, loneliness, or troubled social relationships may benefit from psychotherapy. \n\nOther problems often treated with psychotherapy include obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, alcoholism and other forms of drug dependence, problems stemming from child abuse, and behavioral problems, such as eating disorders and juvenile delinquency.\n\nMental health professionals do not rely on psychotherapy to treat schizophrenia, a severe mental illness.\n \nDrugs are used to treat this disorder. \nHowever, some psychotherapeutic techniques may help people with schizophrenia learn appropriate social skills and skills for managing anxiety. \n\nAnother severe mental illness, bipolar disorder (popularly called manic depression), is treated with drugs or a combination of drugs and psychotherapy.
976955
I have had depression for many years and have tried many things.  The counsellor is very important and necessary.  As far as medications go, it takes a while to find one that will work for you. If you are not suicidal, I would try other means of treatment if you do not want to take medications.\n\nI have had good results from accupuncture and vitamins.  Unfortunately neither are covered by my medical plan.  \n\nIf you go see a naturopath, they might be able to help you find some vitamins and other supplements that would help.\n\nExercise is also very important as it releases natural endorphins, and helps burn off stress.  Try to get your heart rate up for half an hour at least three times a week.  \n\nTry avoiding chemicals in the food you eat, as this can throw off your brain chemistty.\n\nTry not to sit at home and watch TV a lot.  Get out and do things because this will help take your mind off things.\n\nIf you don't go to church, try to find one...studies show that people with religious beliefs tend to be happier than those without them.\n\nAlso, do you live in a northern climate, or a place where it rains a lot.  I live in Vancouver, BC, and it rains most of the winter here.  My depression is worse in the winter because of the lack of sunlight.  If the lack of sunlight is a factor for you, get yourself a SAD light (SAD = seasonal effective disorder).  If you do buy one, make sure that the light that comes out of it is white.  Many products say that they are a SAD light, but they have an orange light.  In order for the product to work, if has to be a full-spectrum light, which is white.\n\nOkay, I hope I have been some help.  I wish you luck.
851029
What u need is some expert advise. Go to the\ndoctor where u got the prescription and tell\nhim exactly what u told us and he should be\nable to adjust the treatment. Depression is a\nserious illness and needs to be addressed with-\nout embarassment as it can be a life saver if\ndiscussed and treated . If kept inside the de-\npression gets stronger and one can do harm\nto themselves. Also ask what programs are\navailable to be able to get into to where others\nwho have depression can talk about it and get\nadvise amongst ur peers. Good luck and never\nbe ashamed to discuss ur condition  so that\nu can get the help needed.
33360
Bright light therapy is the recommended treatment for winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, the studies with the best placebo controls have not been able to demonstrate that light treatment has a benefit beyond its placebo effect. \n\nPeople in northern hemisphere are more prone for depression as they r not exposed to sunlight often. so for their depression drs recommend sunlight or artificial lights to stimuate their endocine system and maintain the circadian rhythm of the body
59067
Yes! 98% of depressed people can be treated and many "cured" so it does not return. The cure is a change in both the brain (correct chemicals) and in the mind (appropriate thinking). Dr. Daniel Amen has some amazing SPECT scans of depressed then cured brains as proof.
102076
Psychotherapy. Antidepressants are important but usually there is no use of taking antidepressants on their own. For severe depression and anxiety it's usually best to have a combination of antidepressant + psychotherapy treatments. The medication will relieve your symptoms while psychotherapy will help you get to the roots of your anxiety and depression and to resolve the problems. One thing that most conventional doctors don't pay attention to is the overall health of your body. Try to improve your health using natural medicine like homeopathy and chiropractic.
322303
well i can only say that there is a book called prozac nation, that deals with depression, i suffer from anxiety attacks too.  but have not yet searched out any ways to deal with it naturally.
308368
Reaching out is always a good but tough step.  The best person to ask would be a local mental health practitioner - be it a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist.\n\nBeyond that, it would depend on the area that you are in or would like to go to.  I've attached a link to the National Mental Health Services Information website.  You can click on your state, then click on the 'locator', choose your city and see what services are available.\n\nI'd also consider contacting the Depression and Bi-polar Support Alliance.  It is a patient run support organization and they are in nearly every community and might be able to refer your to a good residential treatment facility.  Depressed Anon is similar and might also be able to help.\n\nAdditionally, the American Residential Treatment Association might be able to help find a facility nearby, though they are limited.
664845
Classic symptom of depression.  Talk with a doctor, get a consult with a psychologist or psychiatrist.  Might be treatable short-term and get you back on track.
77193
I'm sorry you have this disorder.  But I believe with most things there is hope.  So keep at it.  \nAs far as the depression, having any kind of health problem can make a person depressed.  Just knowing you are limited in any way can bring a person's self-esteem down on top of struggling with a health problem.  This is where you need to make sure you get some sort of support, emotionally.  \nBut it can also be coming from and irritated by your disorder.  Depression has many causes, one of them can be  compromised health. And obviously as your instincts tell you, the treatments are helping with your mood.  That's a no tell!  Here are some suggestions:  Look into how depression works on a clinical/neurotransmitter(chemicals that helps us function emotionally and hormonally) level to understand how then your disorder plays into it.  The best way to get control over one's health and health problems is to become your own healer and doctor.  Start by learning as much as you can take about your disorder, even on a molecular level.  Then understand depression and immunity and autoimmune system disorders more in depth.  \nThen you can start to put things together about your own health.  \nAlso look into gut/digestive health and disorders.  The new information out there is that up to 90% of our neurotransmitters are in our gut.  Which is often why people who have depression also have gastrointestinal disorders and vice versa.  \nThere is a good book that I haven't yet gotten to but it is quickly becoming a principal read in this line of thinking:\nThe Second Brain by Michael Gershon.  I can't wait to read it.  Another book is Digestive Wellness by Elizabeth Lipski.  And for mood issues, The Mood Cure by Julia Ross is a really good, informative book on alternatives to drugs for depression and other mood disorders.  She suggests some natural supplements that are really great for depression and anxiety.  Just make sure you do your homework and learn about your disorder thoroughly before taking anything new.   \nNevertheless, the best thing is to trust your own instincts.  Truly and most pertinently, they are what lead you through life.  If you can tell that treatment is helping with depression, than it is.  And if you feel your disorder causes or irritates your moods further, than it does.  Trust your gut!  \n\nAlso, read more about the treatment itself so that you can understand the affect it has on a person.  Read about what is actually involved and what materials/chemicals are put into your body and how it affects a person.  \nIt might be increasing your neurotransmitters without you knowing it!!  Bonus!\n\nI could go on....Either way, learn and trust yourself.  Empower yourself in regards to the healing process, because it is afterall, your health!\n\nGood luck!\n\nOh, also read Healthy Immunity by Lorna Vanderhaeghe.  Really really good book on Immune system and disorders!
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As a Homeopath I can offer you the help you need please give details of your depression and your medical history. \nPlease put all details as to how and what you specifically feel and you can be treated and cured in a very short while ! \nAnd there are no consultation charges :-)\nTake care and God Bless you
196155
Exercise is a great remedy for depression.  Give it a try for a couple of weeks.  Really get your heart rate up; work up a sweat!  Of course, check with your doctor first.\n\nI went through a depressive period a while back and tried a few different antidepressants.  They all blunted my mind.  Exercise has been the only thing to help.\n\nGood luck!
1092268
You need to speak with a psychiatrist. There many drugs on the market for depression.\n\nBut I ask you this, what has been going on in your life? Why are you depressed?
15805
I have hears numerous times that saint johns wort works, but honestly you should try and figure out why you are depressed and talk to your Dr. about it. There are many medications both short term and long term that can help.
251828
While therapy and antidepressant medication are the most effective treatments for depression, home treatment is also important. There are many steps you can take to help yourself during a depressive episode and to prevent future episodes:\n\nSet realistic goals for yourself, and take on a reasonable amount of responsibility. \nBreak large tasks into small ones, and set priorities. Do what you can when you are able. \nPostpone major life decisions (such as changing jobs, moving, or getting married or divorced) when you are depressed. \nTry to share your feelings with someone. It is usually better than being alone and secretive. \nLet your family and friends help you. \nEven if you don't feel motivated, try to participate in religious, social, or other activities. \nGet regular exercise. \nEat a balanced diet. If you lack an appetite, eat small snacks rather than large meals. \nAvoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs or medications that have not been prescribed to you. They may interfere with your medications or worsen your depression. \nGet adequate sleep. If you have problems sleeping: \nGo to bed at the same time every night and, more importantly, get up at the same time every morning. \nKeep your bedroom dark and free of noise. \nDon't exercise after 5:00 p.m. \nAvoid caffeinated beverages after 5:00 p.m. \nAvoid the use of nonprescription sleeping pills or alcohol, because they can make your sleep restless and may interact with your depression medications. \nBe patient and kind to yourself. Remember that depression is not your fault and is not something you can overcome with willpower alone. Treatment is necessary for depression, just like for any other illness. \nTry to maintain a positive attitude—remember that feeling better takes time, and your mood will improve little by little. \n\nOther Treatment\nProfessional counseling is an important part of treatment for depression. Complementary therapies such as massage therapy and yoga may also help you recover more quickly and improve your quality of life. For information about relaxation techniques you can do at home, see relaxation exercises. \n\nFamily therapy may help you and those who care about you deal with depression. \n\nElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used for those who cannot take antidepressant medications, who have not responded to other treatments, or whose depression is severe and includes symptoms of psychosis, suicidal behavior, or an inability to eat. 10 \n\nOther Treatment Choices\nCounseling is an important part of the treatment for depression. The types of counseling most often used for effective treatment of depression include:\n\nCognitive-behavioral therapy, a type of counseling that teaches a person how to become healthier by modifying certain thought and behavior patterns. This type of therapy can be provided individually or in a group setting. \nInterpersonal therapy, which focuses on social and personal relationships and related problems. \nProblem-solving therapy, which focuses on the problems you are currently facing and on helping you find solutions to those problems. \nFamily therapy, a type of counseling involving the entire family. \nElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to treat severe depression or depression that has not responded well to medications and counseling. ECT also may be a treatment choice for someone who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressant medications. Modern ECT treatments consist of mild electric brain stimulation while you are unconscious (under general anesthetic) and are an effective treatment for depression. Side effects of ECT include memory loss and confusion. \n\nComplementary therapies \n\nThe herb St. John's wort has been shown to work for mild to moderate depression, but it can interact with other medications. \nFish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids is currently being studied for possible antidepressant effects. \nSAM-e ( S-adenosylmethionine), a substance that occur
136076
I was terribly depressed and I found that medication helped me the most.  Depacote, Zoloft or Wellbutrin. They helped me immediately.