| Depression affects the person physically, mentally and | | | | The doctor will first give a muscle relaxant. When the |
| emotionally. Though there are many causes, it is only | | | | person feels calm, electrodes are placed in precise |
| through proper treatment and with the help of a | | | | locations in the head that will deliver electrical impulses. |
| specialist that this can go away. | | | | For this to be effective, the patient will have to come in |
| Here is a list of treatments that can be used to | | | | the clinic at least 3 times a week. |
| counter depression. | | | | 5. Depressions makes on feel tired, helpless and |
| 1. People who are suffering from mild depression are | | | | hopeless. Since many consider this to be 'all in the |
| given anti-depressant medications. Some of these | | | | head' some doctors have suggested the use of |
| include seretonin reuptake inhibitors better known as | | | | self-help is another way to treat those who are feeling |
| SSRI's, tricyclics and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors | | | | depressed. |
| or MAOI's. | | | | 1- The person can start by focusing on small goals that |
| Doctors who are prescribed these drugs should inform | | | | doesn't take a lot of time and energy. Once this is |
| the patient about the side effects that can be | | | | achieved, bigger ones can be planned. If the task given |
| experienced. The dosage may have to be increased | | | | is too difficult to do, its advisable to break it down into |
| or decreased depending on the person's reaction to | | | | smaller ones so this can be better accomplished. |
| the medication. | | | | 2- It is hard to bottle up the feeling of sadness inside. |
| 2. Over the past few years, scientists have been | | | | Since people need some time to let off some steam |
| researching on new ways to treat depression. One | | | | to feel better, it is suggested to talk to a friend about |
| that is gaining popularity is herbal therapy. | | | | this. |
| Initially used in Europe, doctors in the United States | | | | 3- Exercise is another form of treatment for |
| have started clinical trials using natural supplements | | | | depression. This is because engaging in some activity |
| such as those found in biloba, echinacea, ephedra, | | | | may release endorphins in the body making one feel |
| ginseng and hypericum. People who use these herbs | | | | happy. |
| have shown significant improvements without any side | | | | 4- No man is an island. This means family and friends |
| effects commonly experienced when taking | | | | who are aware of what the person is experiencing |
| medication. | | | | can help out by just being there and listening. Advice |
| 3. Psychotherapy is another common way used to | | | | should only be given when it is asked for and criticism |
| treat depression. The patient will talk to the doctor | | | | should be avoided since this may make the problem |
| regularly so that both can find out what is wrong | | | | even worse. |
| mentally. Some homework is sometimes given to the | | | | Treating depression takes weeks and sometimes |
| individual so that this can be discussed during the next | | | | months. This really depends on the attitude of the |
| session. | | | | person, the doctor and those around who are willing to |
| 4. Next is called electro convulsive therapy otherwise | | | | help. |
| known as ECT. This is only used in patients who are | | | | The patient must remember that not to expect things |
| suicidal and when anti-depressant medications are not | | | | to change after just one session. This will happen |
| working. | | | | gradually and this will reveal itself all in good time. |