Treatments for Depression
Treatment for depression usually involves some combination of medication and psychotherapy. The most popular medicines for depression are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. That probably doesn’t mean anything to you offhand, and that’s fine. The way they work is pretty straightforward.
There are other medications, but this is far and away the most common. We’ll talk a little bit about that. But medicines don't always work all by their lonesome selves. So we'll also talk a little bit about what to expect from therapy. Then, we'll briefly discuss a few treatments that you'll probably never actually see yourself, treatments that are only used in the most extreme cases.
Image: Seth Macey, Unsplash.
Did you know...
- Does your job make you stressed? We all know that stress is psychologically bad for you, but it also has an effect on…your allergies? A Harvard Medical School study has shown that stress causes your allergies to become worse because your body's defense response loses efficacy when repeatedly triggered by stress. Then, when you really need to physically fight something off, you're less able to!
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!
- Are you currently or often tired? As contradictory as it may sound, one of the best things you can do is exercise! It gives you more energy by improving your blood flow and increasing your oxygen throughout your body. You don't need to do much; a brisk walk is all it takes!
- Have you ever told your husband something and he promptly forgets it? It's not his fault, actually. It really is because he's a man. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with memory) begins to shrink with age faster in men than it does in women. That's why you can remember everything, and he can't!