Comply with the treatment you are assigned: With depression, it is not often that you will experience immediate improvements with treatment, especially with personal-based/talk therapy. Remember that depression can take a long time to accumulate, and you need to allocate similar time to the treatment phase. Allow also for a period of trial and error regarding treatments you engage in. Medication can take weeks to work and are subjective. You may have to try several types of medications before you determine which is working for you. Patience is important when you are receiving treatment for depression.
Access additional support services: Many consider support groups to be a huge help for coping with depression. Whilst joining such a group requires courage and confidence hearing others echoing your experiences can bring great personal relief and comfort.
Maintain supportive relationships: Whilst the nature of depression makes this hard, try to focus on remaining socially active by continuing to do engage in social activities you have always enjoyed.
Strive to get adequate rest and sleep: During depression your sleeping patterns are likely to be disrupted. Accept that you may lose sleep during this time and try to avoid getting frustrated. In time and with your assigned treatment your sleeping pattern will return to normal. For now try to get some light exercise in the evenings and avoid caffeine to encourage sleep.
Avoid alcohol: Alcohol is a natural depressant and will further intensify the symptoms and effects of depression.
Endeavour to eat a balanced diet: As the foods you eat can affect your mood try to eat a balanced diet, avoiding foods high in sugar and fats. When you are feeling low it can be tempting to comfort eat but in the long run this will impact negatively on your moods and general health.
Depression is an extremely draining and isolating illness. What is important to remember is that recovery is very possible whatever the severity. Early detection and appropriate treatment is vital in overcoming depression or inhibiting any escalation into suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Recovery from depression requires action, taking action while low on energy and motivation is difficult. Critical to overcoming depression is personal commitment and having a good support system.
HealthMatters/September, 2013
9