Depression Help Resources: Where To Find Support
Depression is more than feeling sad and down; it is a biological
disease that can cause crippling anxiety, impairs cognition, and
submerses its sufferers in a world of hopelessness and pessimistic
nihilism. “I always feel like I’m drowning,” one suffer describes.
It is largely due to disturbed reuptake of the neurotransmitter
serotonin, and is commonly treated clinically with prescription
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) or Mono-Amine
Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s). These drugs regulate an unbalanced flow
of serotonin and dopamine in the spaces where one neuron connects to
another.
It affects one in ten Americans—2.5 million people—yet the National
Mental Health Association reports that 54 percent of people believe
depression to be a personal weakness.
People that suffer from depression can have difficulty holding down
a job, maintaining a stable relationship, or even caring for
themselves—doing the things like bathing and paying bills that
others do and don’t really think about.
The disease usually runs a cyclical course: most people with
depression live their lives fluctuating between an intense period of
illness that may present as headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite,
crying spells, and intense fatigue; and recovery periods where the
acute symptoms subside or disappear altogether.
The cyclical nature of this disease can put its victims in a
downward spiral—you lose your job because you can’t control your
depression, you lose your health insurance that at least makes it
manageable, get depressed because you’re off of your medication and
can’t hold down your new job…and so it goes.
However, there is help out there. If you think you might be
depressed, start by talking to your doctor. Talk to a friend as
well.
If you suffer from depression, you should try a regimen of
outpatient group therapy. This is a group you go to a few times a
week that collectively works on skills to manage depression. Not
only is company great for misery, but the activity will get you out
of the house. Remember: worrying is not an action step.
Call your county’s Health and Human Services Department, and ask
what public services are available to you. Many sufferers are
eligible for government assistance to participate in groups, see
doctors, get blood work done, and receive job assistance.
The National Institute of Mental Health, NIMH, is an amazing
resource for understanding the disease. Educating yourself is
crucial because it puts you in control of managing your disease.
Try to understand what your symptoms are and what life events
trigger your own acute attacks so that you can discuss them with
your family doctor.
In addition to educating yourself about the disease, read up foods
and natural supplements you can incorporate into your diet that will
alleviate some of your symptoms, as well as make you healthier and
instill you with a better sense of well-being. Vitamins B1 and B12
and Omega-3 fatty acids are especially good for depression
sufferers.
If your condition requires medication, you will need to see a
psychiatrist. A psychiatrist differs from a psychologist in that a
psychiatrist doesn’t do much more than prescribe medication, while a
psychologist can’t prescribe medication but talks to you. Because
they talk to each other, being knowledgeable of your symptoms and
discussing them with both is of the utmost importance.
Medication often has a negative connotation, but just a person with
a heart condition needs to take heart medication, people with
brain-chemistry conditions need to take brain-chemistry medicine.
Depression is a complicated disease, and different medications are
the right ones for different people. Communicate with all of your
doctors about how a medication makes you feel, and if it is working
for you. Be patient. It may take a few tries to find the best
medication.
Should you start taking medication you will likely start to feel at
least a little better within a few days. In two weeks you will see a
noticeable change.
It is critical that you continue to take your medication once you
start to feel better. Not only will your old symptoms return, but
withdrawing from your medication will intensify them.
Whatever course of management you choose, get help when you feel
good so that you are not gasping for air when an acute attack
occurs.
If you should have an acute attack or episode, surround yourself
with friends and family—don’t be alone. Also, though it may take
every ounce of your energy, try to get some exercise to boost your
metabolism. It really will make you feel better.
Most importantly, if you are experiencing pervasive thoughts of
dying and/or suicide, and especially if you have a plan for
committing suicide, you should tell someone—anyone—as soon as
possible and make an appointment with a doctor. Or, if you are
really in crisis, go immediately to the hospital. |
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