SNRIs are similar to SSRIs, however they help improve serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It also allows for serotonin and norepinephrine to travel through the synapse to go through the other neuron by blocking the channels from the original neuron it is from.
There are in fact many more categories of antidepressants such as Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), Tetracyclic antidepressant, Dopamine reuptake blockers, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and many more, but SSRIs and SNRIs are the most popular type of drug prescribed by psychiatrists due to their positive outcome, affordability, and the non dangerous side effects they may cause.
Treatments for depression that do not include the use of medicines
The use of medicines have been a popular form to treat depression, however treatments that don’t need the use of medicines have also been an increasing method. The most common method of treating depression without medication is therapy. Cognitive therapy for example is a great therapeutic practice that usually involves one on one sessions with the depressed person and their psychologist or therapist. Through this practice, the therapist helps their client recognize and correct negative thoughts in order to see the world as a more positive place. For example, a client might have thoughts such as “I have no value to people”. The therapist makes them recognize that the client’s particular thought is negative and they help them find a more positive way to think such as identifying all the people that love them in this certain scenario.
A change in lifestyle is something that anyone can usually do. Changes in one’s diet can be highly beneficial towards bringing out a positive mood in someone. Not skipping meals can help stabilize your blood sugar levels, thus reducing mood swings. Adding foods such as healthy fats like coconut oil, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, and increasing protein intake help enhance the serotonin your body produces. Studies also show that avoiding caffeine doesn’t reduce serotonin levels.
Depression can also be caused by seasonal factors such as living in an environment that doesn’t get much light. Light therapy as simple as spending time in the sun everyday increases your mood. One may also invest in a light box if it is hard to find a good source of natural light.
Exercise is an exceedingly healthy method of naturally increasing your body’s endorphins which are also known for giving people that “happy runners high” and giving people a more positive mood.
All of these methods are proven to be significant in decreasing the negative effects of depression. However, talking to your therapist or even personally trying each of these methods is the ultimate way to figure what the best option is for someone who suffers from depression.
What is the best possible way to to decrease the effects of depression?
The answer to this question depends on many factors. Everyone has a unique body that undergoes different chemical changes. Everyone experiences life differently and adjusts to certain stresses according to what their body needs. It is best for someone that has symptoms of depression to seek medical attention from their doctor or a psychiatrist. It will take some time for one’s body to adjust to see the effects of the new medicine they take. However, it is the person’s choice to speed up the process by taking prescribed medication and changing their lifestyle or seeking therapy simultaneously.