Going Through Depression That Just Won't Go Away? 2 Tips To Help You
Depression can hit you out of the blue and sometimes for no reason at all. Without treatment, depression will only get worse and may become too hard for you to manage. Fortunately, there are options to help lift this cloud from you, two of which are listed below.
See a Counselor
A local counselor can be very beneficial to help with depression symptoms. You may be surprised at how talking about your symptoms will help you feel better. Knowing there is someone else that can understand the way you are feeling can make a big difference.
The counselor is trained in treating depression and determining why you are depressed. There may be a few reasons you are not seeing them on your own. Some things that can cause depression include:
- A major life change
- Genetics
- Conflict
- Medications
- Age
- Abuse
The counselor will speak with you extensively about your symptoms and your life. This can help them pinpoint the cause of your depression so they know how to counsel you. They may speak with you one on one. There may also be group therapy where you will be with people that are having the same problem as you.
The counselor will develop a treatment plan and may have you come in a few times a week, once a week, etc. You may have to continue seeing the counselor for many months.
Medication
You should consider taking medication to help you with your depression. You should see a doctor, such as a psychiatrist, to have medication subscribed to you. The doctor will suggest taking an antidepressant, starting at a low dose and increasing it as needed. It can take antidepressants a few weeks to start working, however. There are many types available on the market. Because of this, it may take some time to find an antidepressant that works well for you. The doctor may also suggest that you take more than one. Taking medication is not a cure, but it can help your symptoms go away. Medication, along with counseling, will work best for you.
A common type of antidepressant used is known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication helps increase the serotonin levels in your brain.
Another type of antidepressant the doctor will prescribe is known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This medication increases both norepinephrine and serotonin levels. Antidepressants can cause side effects that generally go away over time. This includes having an upset stomach, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite, and more.
Talk with a local counselor and doctor for more information on treatment for depression.