The Upside of Depression

Depression. You feel as though you're at the bottom of a deep, dark pit and there's no way out. But there's help. There are more effective ways to deal with it than ever before.

Environment

Where you live and work affects how you feel. Being depressed saps your energy, but keep things tidied up anyway. Don't wake up to face yesterday's messes! Deliberately make things pleasant - a few  flowers, a sweet-scented candle, soft but cheerful music, colorful pictures. And stay connected with supportive friends.

Health

Your diet affects your feelings even more when you re depressed. You crave sweets (and everything else), or you don't feel like eating. Fixing balanced meals? Impossible. It;s much easier to snack. OK, then, snack on the depression fighters: fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains and protein foods. Plan simple meals -- blender fruit drinks, veggie trays, heart bread from the store or your bread machine, nuts, prepared tofu patties. If you cook, make a double batch and save some for later.

Exercise releases endorphins, those brain chemicals that make you feel good (the natural versions of the drugs people take to get high). Endorphins is a gift from God; they reward you when you do things that are good for you, such as exercising, nursing your baby, or accomplishing a meaningful task. Exercise is especially important during depression. Besides releasing endorphins and improving general health, it helps regulate your appetite and your sleep patterns.

Creative hobbies are another way to relieve depression. You won't feel like doing much, but if you  join a friend, it's easier to get started. Watching TV may seem to feel good, but it pulls you down. If you do watch TV, make it a comedy and watch with someone else.

Sunlight is essential for some types of depressions and helps nearly all kinds. Make it a point to get outside in the fresh air and sun every day. Indoors, use bright light.

Treatment

Several psychological treatments are proven to approve symptoms and prevent relapse, even in severe cases. The better the therapist, the better the treatment work. Cognitive therapy helps you change the way you think about what happens to you. Simply said, it puts you in charge of your thoughts in order to improve your feelings. Cognitive therapy may include scheduling fun activities, learning social skills to deal with difficult people, or practicing active stress management.

Medication can help restore balance to your brain's chemistry. It works better when prescribed by a Psychiatrist rather than an internist or family practice doctor. Psychiatrists are more familiar with the best ways to use these medicines.

Some herbal medicines help depression, but please use these only under your doctor's direction. There is a potential for harmful side effects, or interactions with foods or medicines. Even though they're sold over the counter, they can cause you serious harm.

Depression is a treatable illness, but it's not a do-it-yourself project. Get help! You deserve to feel better!

Some herbal medic