“What helps with depression?”

I would recommend meeting with a mental health professional to explore issues leading to depressive symptoms. After assessment and diagnosis, treatment interventions to assist in decreasing depressive symptoms can be explored and worked on during the therapy process.

Depression is a mental health condition characterized by intense sadness and/or loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities; as well as lethargy, sleep and appetite disturbances, concentration problems, critical beliefs about the self (feeling worthless, for example,) and thoughts of death/dying/self-harm. There exist many treatments for depression, including medications, "talk" therapies, and alternate psychiatric interventions such as transcranial magnetic stimulation. As a psychologist, I believe firmly in the power of therapy that helps you a) get re-activated in your life through slowly incorporating more activity and b) helps you learn about the way that depression affects your thinking and teaches you to challenge those negative thoughts. This type of therapy, known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, has been demonstrated in research time and time again to be one of the most effective treatments for depression. In some cases, it is also beneficial to combine this therapy with antidepressant medications.

The first step is recognizing and acknowledging that you're experiencing symptoms of depression, kudos to you for that! There are variety of options available including but not limited to, psychotherapy, medications and environmental modifications. With the proper treatment, depression is absolutely manageable. Would advise seeking an expert opinion to learn more about your depression and ways to manage it.

Note: this is an opinion, not to be misinterpreted as actual doctor-patient recommendations, which are provided when expert opinion is sought. If you're experiencing an emergency, kindly call 911 or visit the nearest ER immediately.

Getting into individual therapy is a good first option (I would suggest CBT for depression), and if the depression makes it difficult to do the work you're learning in therapy, the combination of medication for depression and therapy can be very beneficial.

Valeriana

Yes, depression is difficult to cope with for many. Staying away from alcoholic beverages, marijuana inhalation, any street drugs and any non healthy environment where it may make symptoms worse, even personal, work and family relationships that are draining or toxic. Apart from even these things not eating healthy is very taxing on the body so a good healthy diet rich in green leafy vegetable foods, moderate fruits, and plenty of water is always a good thing for the health and in any fight with mental health. Also having regular "check-ins" with your therapist, family doctor and psychiatrist for medication reviews and to adjust any medications that may be not working for you any more and to switch to medications that will work for you. Hope this helps and as always, wishing you well.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ryan Koryciak

Both medications and psychotherapy can help with depression. Check if either or both is right for you

Natural ways to help with depression can be taking walks outside, getting in regular exercise, eating healthy foods, making sure you are getting restful sleep at night, getting bloodwork done to rule out any deficiencies in vitamins or electrolytes. Talking with a therapist can be helpful along with psychiatric medications to assist with depression.

Several approaches can help manage depression:

Medication: Antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs.
Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy.
Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, healthy diet, and adequate sleep.
Social Support: Engaging with family, friends, or support groups.
Mindfulness Practices: Meditation and yoga.
Professional Help: Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider.
Combining these strategies often provides the best results tailored to the individual’s needs.