Depression Treatment
Depression is often called the “common cold” of mental illness. The effective treatment of depression requires a multi-faceted approach. Here is a list of some of the essential keys to the effective treatment of depression:
Individual Psychotherapy – There is an expression in therapy, “If you’re depressed you’re living in the past and if you’re anxious you’re living in the future.” Individual psychotherapy can help you understand how past experiences and your interpretation of those experiences are contributing to your depression.
Social Contact – People who are depressed tend to socially isolate and often complain of feeling isolated or unloved. An important step in the treatment of depression is establishing a support system and contact with others.
Volunteering – Research has demonstrated that volunteering is one of the best things you can do to reduce your depression. Volunteering provides social contact, helps you put the focus on someone less fortunate than yourself, and helps you get out of the house. By helping someone else you’re actually helping yourself.
Exercise – Exercise increases serotonin levels, elevates mood, and provides a general sense of well-being. Exercise has the added benefit of improving one’s appearance, which generally leads to an increase in self-esteem and reduction in depression.
Sleep - The establishment of a regular sleep cycle and good sleep hygiene is an important step in kicking depression. Sleeping too much or too little can exacerbate depression. Also sleeping all day and staying up all night reduces the amount of natural sunlight a person receives and can depress mood.
Diet – A well-balanced diet can improve mood and health. Foods high in sugar may instantaneously elevate a person’s mood, put sugar highs are followed by sugar lows, and excessive amounts of sugar will lead to weight gain.
Alcohol Moderation - Many depression sufferers use alcohol to ease the pain of depression. Alcohol is classified as a depressant by the FDA and will ultimately only exacerbate depression. Small amounts of alcohol reduce anxiety and serve as a social lubricant. This artificial high creates an artificial sense of well-being and only perpetuates a cycle of abuse.
Medication - Appropriate anti-depressant medication prescribed and monitored by a psychiatrist can help in the treatment of depression. Medication is often essential if you have a low-level depression for a extended period of time or if you are severely depressed for a short period of time. Dr. Long is willing to work with patients without medication, but if the above lifestyle changes don’t yield any improvement medication may be necessary.
If you choose to work with Dr. Long, she will review each of these factors with you and work to create both psychological insight and balance in your life.
