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Three things everyone should know if they have Depression
Depression can take on many forms and affects. For some it may be a constant feeling of anxiousness or hopelessness, while for others it may be debilitating enough to cause sleep
problems, loss of interest in activities, or feelings of worthlessness. According to the Clevelan clinic, depression can worsen, last longer, or lead to self-harm without treatment. If you or someone you know struggles with depression, below are a few things you should know.
1) First and foremost, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from depression on a
daily basis. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic states around 1 in 6 adults living in the US will
suffer from depression at some point in their life. If you’re concerned you may be one of
those people do not hesitate to reach out to others. Whether you talk to your healthcare
provider, family, or friends please let someone know how you are feeling so they can help you. There is an abundance of resources such as support groups, therapists, and self help books/exercises available to help you on your mental health journey.
2) The good news is there are many treatment options for depression. The important part
is finding which is right for you. According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatment for depression includes: lifestyle modifications (increasing sleep, exercise, etc), counseling/therapy, alternative medicine (yoga, acupuncture, massage), medications, and brain stimulation therapy. Talk to your health care provider to find the treatment that works best for you. It’s important not to get discouraged if the first method does not work as sometimes people may have to try different therapists or medications before finding the right fit.
3) If you are every feeling overwhelmed or contemplating self harm do not hesitate to call
the National Suicide Preventioon Lifeline 1-(800)-273-8255. Other options include calling
911, going to the emergency department, calling your healthcare provider, or reaching
out to a trusted family member/friend.
Reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible regarding your depression. As
the Cleveland Clinic states, the sooner you begin treatment for your depression, the faster you can start to feel better.
This article reviewed by Dr. Jim Liu, MD and Ms. Deb Dooley, APRN.
There’s nothing more important than our good health – that’s our principal capital asset.
#medical #telehealth #Depression #umedoc
