"The grey drizzle of horror," author William Styron memorably called depression. The mood disorder may descend seemingly out of the blue, or it may come on the heels of a defeat or personal loss, producing persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, pessimism , or guilt . Depression also interferes with concentration , motivation , and other aspects of everyday functioning.
Natural Approaches to Depression
Depression requires active treatment, because the disorder can have enduring effects on brain function that make future episodes more likely. The longer a depression episode lasts, the more likely a future episode.
However, there are many ways to treat depression, and some of the most effective, especially in cases of mild to moderate disorder, do not require a prescription or medical-type intervention of any kind.
Depression can be seen as a kind of cave , and it takes some time and effort to get out of the cave. But it is possible, usually by learning some new patterns of thinking and doing. Nutrition plays a role as well.
For more see Natural Approaches to Depression.
How Is Depression Treated?
Depression, even the most severe cases, is a highly treatable disorder. As with many illnesses, the earlier treatment begins, the more effective it can be and the greater the likelihood that recurrence can be prevented.
Appropriate treatment for depression starts with an examination by a physician. Certain medications, as well as some medical conditions such as viral infections or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression and should be ruled out. The doctor should ask about alcohol and drug use, and whether the patient has thoughts about death or suicide.
Once diagnosed, a person with depression can be treated a number of ways. The most common treatments are medication and psychotherapy . Many studies show that cognitive behavioral psychotherapy is highly effective, alone or in combination with drug therapy.
Psychotherapy addresses the thinking patterns that precipitate depression, and studies show that it prevents recurrence. Drug therapy is often helpful in relieving symptoms, such as severe anxiety , so that people can engage in meaningful psychotherapy.
Explore More About Depression
For a comprehensive understanding of depression, read our complete guide: