Dealing with Dealing by Focusing on the Causes

Depression is a condition that can take many forms much to some people's surprise.We tend to think of a depressed person as someone who sleeps all the time and never engages with other human beings.That is certainly one form of its more extreme manifestation,but in reality depression can range from constantly feeling blue to feeling suicidal.

The fact is that all stages of depression require treatment.It tends to be a progressive problem.That person who feels blue most of the time will usually enter a downward spiral as the blue thoughts lead to increasing feelings of discouragement or hopelessness.

When you are depressed,the future only seems to hold doom-and-gloom.Nothing in your life seems to be going right so why try? No one likes you,but it's because you are incompetent.You can't handle the children because you are an inadequate mother.You are afraid to make a decision because it is sure to be wrong.

A Comprehensive Treatment Plan is Best

Depression is evidenced by a general malaise and a little desire to be an active person.The world begins to revolve around you while you succumb to your negative feelings and thought.Your thoughts and emotions disengage from the active world.That is why a depressed person simply doesn't care about much of anything including the house, job and relationships.

What many people don't realize is that depression is sometimes the result of feelings of lack of control.You also must learn to address the negative thoughts that self confirm you feelings of worthlessness.

The fact is that there are many steps you can take to deal with depression.You don't just rely on medication as a fix.Instead the treatment of depression should be an overall program that looks at the entire lifestyle.

>> Psychotherapy which uses cognitive restructuring so you can learn how to independently change your mood and feelings of worthlessness

>> Exercise which increases the release of natural feel-good hormones like endorphins and reduces stress

>> Take vitamins and supplements to insure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy

>> Learn how to do nice things for yourself to boost self-esteem

>> Evaluate your lifestyle to determine changes needed to make daily activities more manageable

>> Eat a healthy diet that includes carbohydrates that stimulate the production of serotonin

>> Take prescription medication when necessary

Change Your Lifestyle

As you can tell,treating depression is not a matter of just taking prescription pills.Except in cases where there is a physical reason for the depression, medication is a temporary treatment option.It is much better to learn how to stop the thoughts that lead to depression and how to change your lifestyle so that you are able to prevent depression in the future.

If you or someone you know is depressed, it is important to get help right away.As mentioned,depression will send a person into a downward spiral.The sooner there is intervention,the better.Depression does not "cure" itself.