When you have a bacterial infection, you treat it with antibiotics. When you break a bone, you get a cast. When you have a cavity, you go to the dentist to get it filled. But what do you do when you suffer from depression? Mental health is often a much more complicated issue. People experience depression differently, and this makes finding the right treatment option much more difficult.
If you’re suffering from depression, you should explore all your options before deciding which treatment is best for you. You may even have to make adjustments before everything feels just right. It can be overwhelming, but the work is well worth it. If you’re suffering from poor mental health, here are four ways to combat severe depression:
Go to Mental Health Rehab
A lot of people go to rehab because of a drug addiction. When you think of rehab, this is probably what comes to mind. However, rehabilitation is simply any care that one receives to get back on track and develop skills they need for daily life. There are different types of rehab to help those who need it, rehab for mental health being one of them.
If you’re suffering from severe depression, mental health rehab may be the solution. Mental health rehab centers typically offer an outpatient as well as an inpatient treatment option for those suffering from depression. If your symptoms are less severe and you would like to treat your depression while still living at home, outpatient is best. Inpatient treatment is best for those with severe symptoms who need a warm, comforting environment where they can heal. At rehab, patients also receive individualized care; this can include medications and various therapies.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You may be surprised by how big of a difference small lifestyle changes can make in your mental health. Things like adequate rest, daily movement, and the right diet can have a major impact on the way you feel.
Exercise Regularly
If you’re struggling with depression, try moving your body. If you’re active, you’re probably familiar with that great feeling you get afterward. Exercise boosts your mood — but why? Regular exercise leads to better sleep, higher energy levels, and a change in levels of chemicals in the brain. Not to mention it can distract you from the negative thoughts depression causes.
Pro tip: Try to exercise outside when you can. Being outside in nature decreases stress, and vitamin D from the sun regulates your mood.
Get Plenty of Sleep
An adequate amount of rest is essential if you want to feel your best mentally. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, it can lead to difficulty in regulating emotions. Plus, symptoms of depression include irritable mood, difficulty concentrating, and low energy. Exhaustion will only make these symptoms worse.
Eat Healthy
You know what they say; you are what you eat. If you’re filling your body with food that isn’t great for you, you’re not going to feel great, either. Nutritional deficiencies can cause symptoms of depression, such as poor mood, fatigue, and irritability. Fuel your body appropriately, and you’ll be amazed at what it can do to improve your mood. Focus on eating a variety of whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables. If you are consistently deficient in certain vitamin(s), you can also take supplements.
Start Going to Therapy
When you’re struggling with depression, sometimes the best way to deal with it is by simply talking to someone. Talk to friends, family, and others who care about you, but also consider talking to a licensed professional. Different psychological therapies can be extremely beneficial in dealing with depression and other mental health conditions.
It’s important to understand the different types of therapies if you’re considering seeing a therapist. Some of the most common approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, mindfulness-based therapies, dialectical therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Once you choose a type of therapy, look for a therapist. Start by looking for someone who specializes in issues that you are struggling with (e.g., relationship therapy, grief, etc.).
Consider Medication
Sometimes, to make your depression more manageable, prescription medication is needed. If you’re thinking about going on antidepressants, talking to your primary care doctor is a great first step. Depression looks different for everyone, and you’ll likely respond differently to various medications. The type of medication and the dosage must be tailored to your needs.
When talking to your doctor about antidepressants, be prepared to answer a series of questions. They’ll likely want to know specific symptoms and other health conditions and medications you’re taking. When you start taking an antidepressant, remember to be patient, be consistent with taking it, and keep an open mind. You can always change your dosage or explore other options if a certain medication doesn’t work well for you.
Dealing with depression is never easy. Dealing with the symptoms of depression is one thing, but treating depression is an entirely different issue. With so many solutions and no ‘right answer,’ the journey to recovery can feel overwhelming. But the first step is always to educate yourself. If you know all the ways to treat severe depression, then you have the building blocks. The next step is to simply build the perfect treatment plan for you. It might take time, but it’ll be worth it.
