Take an active role in your depression treatment. At times this disorder can make you feel powerless, but you must not be passive. Work with your doctor as a team so you can take back control of your life.
Here are some tips.
- Stay determined. Some treatments usually won’t work at first, some not at all. Antidepressants can take from four to six weeks to begin working. Therapy can also take some time. So do not despair, but instead allow treatment to take its course. 70% of the time when a person with depression receives the right medicine, at the right dose, and takes it for the right amount of time, the treatment succeeds. Every case is different so it may take time to find the right treatment.
- Lifestyle changes. Eat healthy foods, especially vegetables and fruits. Eat sugars and fats less and avoid illegal drugs or alcohol. Physical activity can be helpful and a good night’s sleep is essential. You can start slow with just walks during the day and then gradually progress towards exercising several days of the week.
- Reduce stress. There is nothing wrong with asking for help with some of the more stressful things like Ask friends and family for help at home or with running errands. You can reduce stress at your job by trying to take on less duties.
- Follow your prescription. Good habits can only help you. Remember to take your medication at the same time every day. It can be easier to take your medication during specific parts of the day like when you eat lunch or go to bed.
- Open up. Talking with a therapist, being completely honest, is not easy for anyone. But the more honest you are, the more likely this treatment will work. Even if you have doubts about your sessions, talk about them openly with your therapist. If you aim to work as a team you may be able to find a new approach that works best for you.
- Be open minded. Additionally, your therapist may suggest some things that seem to be unorthodox. Your therapist pushing you to do things that might make you feel uncomfortable and awkward, will be for your benefit. Try to stay open and give these methods a shot.
- NEVER give up. Feeling hopeless, like you’re never going to get better, is common. But you can’t stay feeling that way. Give yourself some time, allow your treatment to take effect, and you’ll surely start feeling better again.
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