If you are like the other 18 million Americans who suffer from depression and depression like symptom, you know there is no "cure" for depression.
As a chemical issue, it can come and go in your life and cause a variety of challenges for you.
Most likely, you have tried countless ways to alleviate your symptoms, but to no avail.
Here are some specific ways you can overcome certain aspects of your depression, as recommended by professionals.
1.
Give your antidepressants time to work.
One of the biggest challenges for anyone facing depression is patience.
You must have patience with yourself, patience with your doctors, patience with your family and patience with your medication (if you're taking any).
Sometimes, it will take several weeks for your medication to kick in, don't give up on it too soon or you could regret it.
2.
Once your medication takes affect, use it exactly how your doctor prescribes it for as long as your doctor prescribes it.
At any point, you may get bored or think you know how to treat yourself.
But your physician went to school for a long time to learn how certain chemical react to the body.
Make sure you use your medication wisely.
3.
Find activities and actions the help you battle your depression.
Maybe lots of exercise helps keep your mind in a good place, or maybe cooking for friends helps keep you in good spirits.
Other people like to enjoy incense or herbal incense because they feel it relaxes them.
Regardless, so long as your doctor does not think it will interfere with your condition, using alternative forms of treatment can help enhance your ability to steer clear of depression like symptoms.
4.
Be prepared to seek treatment for years.
Some people have several risk factors or a few high risk factors.
In this case, you may need treatment for a longer term than other people facing depression.
This goes back to having patience with yourself and not being so impatient that you skip treatment, medication, etc.
That could be quite dangerous.
5.
If you do decide to stop taking medication, do so ONLY after discussing the possibility with your doctor.
There are several things to take into consideration with this decision.
For example, if you just stop taking the medication cold turkey, it could lead to confusion, side effects and problems with the rest of your life.
A trained physician can help you understand the various risk factors involved and whether or not the timing is right to come off of your meds.
Depression does not have to rule you, but you must be sure to listen to experts, be patient with yourself and seek long term treatment rather than short term "solutions.
" Listening to your doctor and finding "happy" activities or products can help you move into a great place mentally.