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MANAGEMENT OF DEPRESSION IN MENTAL HEALTH

By Tess Thompson

Managing depression is a key requirement for all depression cases since the condition can have a significant impact on daily life and interactions with other people. Medication and therapy can help in various ways but it is essential that an individual should learn the various methods which he can utilize to control depression. Managing depression can, however, get quite difficult if you do not have a full understanding of the specific history and the cause behind the condition.

But before we move on to the specifics of managing depression, it is vital to understand the difference between psychotic and neurotic depression. Psychotic depression is a severe state of depression where the afflicted loses contact with reality and suffers a variety of functional impairments.

Neurotic depression is a mental or personality disturbance that is not attributable to any known neurological or organic dysfunction. Whereas psychotic depression is difficult to treat without medication, neurotic depression can be managed with the aid of psychological treatments as well as antidepressant drugs.

Treating depression naturally involves psychotherapy and natural remedies for depression like herbs, relaxation techniques and homeopathy.

Interpersonal Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy are common modes of treating depression that are used to correct faulty cognition and improve relationship skills.

It is not true to say that only drugs and psychotherapy can elevate moods. And this is especially true for mild to moderate depression cases. There are natural ways of mood elevation and getting out of depressive feelings.

Many times depression is a direct result of knee-jerk responses. If you do not stop to consider the end result of your statements and actions before making them, you are liable to add to stress, anxiety and depression. Grandma’s recipe of counting till ten before you react to any provocation stands in good stead to diffuse tensions.

Some level of depression occurs when you feel out of control. It will surprise you to know how an organized personal environment can be an effective mood elevator in such cases. ‘Find a place for everything and put everything in place’.

You will be amazed at the boost that your self confidence gets from this. Organize your stuff and keep a schedule for jobs that you need to complete during the day.

Depression can worsen with unsolved conflicts that keep simmering over time. Instead of adding to tension and depression, it is a sound policy to make amends. Most of the times, it is only a matter of saying, ‘I am sorry’ to diffuse tensions and avoid depression.

Nature is a great stress reliever and a mood elevator. Even a walk in the park or at the beach helps to calm fazed nerves.

All work and no play make a dull person and also give rise to depressed feelings. Make sure that you get some time off to relax and have fun, preferably a couple of hours everyday.

Depression is usually the result of negative perceptions, feelings and emotions about something. These lead to negative ‘self talk’. Writing is another mode of ‘self talk’. Try to maintain a journal and see the difference it makes to your approach to life situations. Make sure that you try and positive while writing.

Another way to ensure that you are moving forward rather than backwards is to go back and read some of your thoughts. In a different mood, you may realize that some of the writings mentioned have a negative perspective. This will help you identify what you should change, going forward. This can provide a new perspective and alternative solutions for a problem.

You may find it difficult to talk about your feelings but if you convince yourself that you are out to find a solution to your depressed feelings, you are bound to succeed. Talking to family members, friends or dedicated support groups in the community will help in sharing fears. Valuable inputs can be found when you share your experiences with others.

Mild and neurotic depression is relatively easy to manage. All it takes is a little bit of resolve and determination at self help. It is erroneous to believe that drugs or alcohol will cure you of the condition. Both give rise to temporary ‘feel good’ moods and the after effects can be worse than depression.

References:
http://www.reachout.com.au/default.asp?ti=1909
http://www.articlecrack.com/Article/Depression-Management-Advice-For-Dealing-With-Sorrow/7716
http://ezinearticles.com/?Grandmas-Proven-Tips-Reveal-Her-Self-Help-For-Anxiety-And-Depression-Secrets&id=578668