Depression is a disorder that affects millions of people at some time in their life. For some, it becomes a chronic condition that can last for months or even years. There are many misunderstandings about this disorder and many ways to treat those who suffer from it. The following article provides you with all the information you need to help yourself or a loved one understand and cope with this oftentimes debilitating illness.
Never stop a medication on your own. Many people will start a new medication when they are feeling down then immediately stop taking it when they are feeling better. This is a terrible idea as it can actually cause you to feel even worse than you did initially. Always consult a doctor before stopping.
Do not depend on herbal alternatives to medication like St. John’s wort. trials of herbal remedies show that they are far less effective than pharmaceuticals, especially for moderate to severe depression. If you are wary of using medication to treat your depression, try talk therapy as a first-line treatment.
If you are suffering from depression, take a realistic account of your life now, as well as, your goals for the future. If you believe you ‘can’t be happy until’ you have the ideal relationship, or higher income, or the like, then look at what is really important! Ask yourself if you “�it is really that bad now’ or if you “�are setting reasonable goals.’ If you are in a situation that is not likely to change, see if you can change the way you look at it.
Stop rewarding bad behavior. Many times someone who is depressed will wallow in self-pity, allowing others to coddle them and take care of their responsibilities. Others abuse drugs, alcohol, sex, and food as a way to feel better temporarily. All of these behaviors do not help the depression in any way other than a temporary fix. Take away the rewards and the depressed person can focus on the root of the depression.
You should never let yourself feel like a broken person because you are dealing with depression. Just as some people have to deal with bad lungs or a difficult disease, you have to deal with your depression. You should consider it to be nothing more than a nuisance in your life.
If you suffer from depression, you should take time out to focus on your past accomplishments. After failures and life setbacks, it is easy to forget all of the positive things that you have achieved in your life. Focus on your strengths and build yourself up by remembering these past successes.
Consider purchasing a journal if you are depressed. Get your feelings and thoughts down on paper can help you a bit feel better. Also, when something is beginning to bother you, keeping a journal of what you are feeling at that exact moment may help you establish a pattern of why these symptoms are occurring.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression and understanding the facts and fallacies about this common mood disorder can help you live a happier and more fulfilling life. In fact, if you are one of the millions who suffer from chronic depression, the information in the above article may even save your life.