There are many ways that you can use to help yourself get over being depressed. In this article, you'll find useful information about how to cure depression.
Antidepressants are among the most commonly used conventional tools for treating mental health problems. From the different types of antidepressants, the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs are used as a first line treatment for depressive symptoms. According to Professor Bernard Lerer, a Professor of Psychiatry and the Director of the Biological Psychiatry Laboratory at Hadassah - Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel, " SSRIs are only effective in about 20-30% of cases."
Another common approach to help cure someone who's depressed is Psychotherapy. The different types of psychotherapy used to cure depressive symptoms include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy or MBCT, Interpersonal Therapy or IPT, and Group Counseling.
Rhonda Adessky Ph.D., states that "Treatment is not necessarily only biological." People who are depressed often have a negative thinking pattern. These negative thoughts in your head are keeping you depressed. It's important to identify what these negative thoughts are. It can be helpful to ask yourself these questions - Do I know for certain that this is true? How would somebody think about the same situation? Once you've identified them, challenge these negative thoughts and learn how you can come up with alternative thoughts or a more rational response.
A good therapist can help you learn how to look differently about your situation, and aim to notice more of the things that are going right.
The following video has information from the perspective of conventional medical specialists.
Conventional medical approaches are not always the best solution for everybody. There are natural cures that you can use to effectively cure different kinds of mental illnesses. Dr. Steve Ilardi, a Clinical Psychologist, developed a program with 6 lifestyle based cure for depressive symptoms. Ilardi calls this program, the Therapeutic Lifestyle Challenge, or TLC. The 6 lifestyles elements include physical activity, omega 3-fatty acids, sunlight, healthy sleep, anti-ruminative activity and social connection.
An increase in your physical activity can help boost your serotonin levels naturally. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in your brain that helps regulate your mood. Exercise is considered as a natural cure which can help improve your mood almost instantly.
Studies show that people who eat foods rich in omega 3-fatty acids, are less likely to experience depressive symptoms than those who don't include this in their diet. Further research suggests that this can also help significantly reduce the symptoms in people who are suffering from mild depression.
Exposure to sunlight can help treat mood disorders, particularly the Seasonal Affective Disorder or the type of mental disorder that is associated with the winter season.
It's important to keep in mind that getting yourself a proper amount of sleep is very important. Your body needs to rest and recharge. Despite your busy schedule, it's important to make sure that you’re giving yourself the well deserved rest that you need. This can help improve your mood and make you feel refreshed.
When you're depressed, it can sometimes be easier to just give in to your depressive symptoms. It's important to realize that you need to fight this. Understand that you deserve nothing less than to enjoy your life more. Even if you don't feel like it, make yourself get out there and surround yourself with other people. Being with others can help you feel better. Keep in mind that isolating yourself can only make your symptoms worse. Keeping yourself alone in one place can make you more prone to ruminate, or to dwell on your negative thoughts and feelings.
How to beat depression – without drugs
"Human beings were not designed for this poorly nourished, sedentary, indoor, sleep-deprived, socially isolated, frenzied pace of life. So depression continues its relentless march. - Dr. Steve Ilardi"
St. John's Wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum, is one of the most commonly used herbal remedies in treating different kinds of mood disorders. Previous studies show that this type of herb can work just as well as antidepressants.
Problem Solved: Mild Depression - Prevention
"When depressed, you may find it hard to get motivated to go to the gym, so it's a good idea to set small goals—a short stroll, a gentle yoga class—before working up to 30 to 40 minutes of activity daily."
It can be a good idea to make use of an alternative cure alongside your ongoing treatment, to help speed up your recovery. Among the known alternative treatments for different kinds of mental health problems include acupuncture, massage, and relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation.
"From therapy to medication to healthy lifestyle changes, there are many effective treatments that can help you overcome depression and reclaim your life."
Understand that there hasn't been a known single guaranteed cure for mental illnesses. Just continue to educate yourself about your many options, until you find the right cure (s) that can be most effective for you.
In whatever situation that you find yourself now, keep in mind that there are lots of things that you can do now to help lift your mood.