Depress Your Depression

Each year millions of people suffer from some form of depression. Researchers estimate as many as one out of every three people will develop depression at some point in their lives. Although the average depression lasts around six months, those with severe major depression or constant dysphoric depression may have symptoms that last for years. Some depressed individuals resort to suicide as a way of alleviating their anguish. Given the frequency with which depression occurs in our society, the length of time it can last, and the extent of debilitation that can result, methods for coping with this illness are essential. This article will provide several steps one can take in order to manage and overcome depression.

One of the most common treatments for depression is medication. There are several different drugs on the market that function by preventing the re-uptake of serotonin, dopamine, or some combination of neurotransmitters believed to be associated with depression. Different drugs have different effects on different people. One drug may work well for one person and have absolutely no effect for another.

Each medication can cause various side effects including, but not limited to, dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, apathy, heart palpitations, and headaches. Some people may experience several side effects while others experience none. The more recently developed antidepressants typically produce fewer side effects. Usually, side effects dissipate in a few weeks after the body has become adjusted to the medication. Consumers are advised to start at the lowest dosage with small increments over a period of time until improvement is noticed. An antidepressant's effect may take several weeks before a positive result is noticed.

As antidepressants have to be prescribed by a psychiatrist or a physician, one should follow the drug regimen as advised. If a drug is taken irregularly or at the improper dosage, its effects may go unnoticed and side effects may appear. Once the proper medication at the most effective dosage has been obtained, drug therapy is typically maintained for a period of six months. However, some individuals may need to remain on the medication for a longer period of time or indefinitely. Regular appointments must be kept with one's doctor in order to monitor the drug's impact and one should never suddenly stop taking an antidepressant as this often results in drastic withdrawal reactions.

Contrary to popular belief, antidepressants are NOT addictive. Many depressions are either caused or result in an imbalance in the brain's neurotransmitters and medication is a necessity for improvement to occur. They do not miraculously cure depression, instead, they raise an individual's functioning level to a point where other forms of therapy can benefit (e.g., "talk" therapy).