It is normal for one to experience minor symptoms of depression due to life circumstances. However, if this feeling persists for extended periods of time and start to interfere with a person’s normal ability to function, then it is important to consider treatment. It is important to determine if a person is suffering from clinical depression or normal short term non-clinical depression that is due to psychosocial reasons. Short term depression, if allowed to progress, may result in a long term and more serious clinical depression. Therefore, it is important for one to be aware of signs of depression in order to get treatment at its early stages so that one will not lead to the more serious clinical depression.
Signs of Depression:
Despair and sense of helplessness - A sense of hopelessness and negativity always surround the mind of depressed person and he or she may start losing interest in life.
Loss of Interest – Depressed persons lose interest in daily activities such as socializing with friends, browsing favorite websites, reading books, playing with kids and all other activities which they previously enjoyed.
Change in energy levels – Individuals suffering from depression is in a constant state of restlessness that prevents them from concentrating and being focused on one task. Some might even feel drained of energy and do not want put too much effort to perform even the simple activity.
Alternative Therapy for Depression
Health treatments that do not belong to standard medical practice are referred as alternative therapy. This may encompass a wide range of approaches. This may include diet and exercise to lifestyle change and mental conditioning. All these are included in the alternative therapies that are found effective for the treatment of depression. The following are some of the alternative therapies:
- Meditation & yoga
- Massage therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Dietary supplements
- Acupuncture
- Relaxation
- Effective Medications
Depression Treatment
Besides alternative therapies, a depressed person can also find relief with the help of some effective medications. However, it might take couple of weeks for the depression medications to start showing effect. Some of the highly recommended and effective depression medications include Paxil, Celexa and Cymbalta. Individuals must always consult with the doctor prior starting the medication. A doctor or pharmacist should be consulted on a person’s drug therapy.