How To Cure Depression

Due to the various causes of depression and the diverse physiologies that different people have, people will not react the same to different treatments. Oftentimes many methods must be tried before a solution is found. A doctor can be an invaluable tool in finding the answer, as can knowledge about how to cure depression.

The most well-known ways to how to cure depression are therapy and medication. Often these two methods are used in conjunction to achieve the best results. Medications, while not strictly a cure, will help to alleviate symptoms of depression while psychotherapy sessions get at the root cause of the problems and attempt to fix them.

Some important things to remember about using medications are:

  • They may only be needed short-term, but for severe conditions long-term use may be required
  • Different people experience different effects
  • Medications may worsen a person’s depression
  • It can take up to two months to know whether a medication is working
  • It may take many tries to find the medication that works properly
  • Most medications have withdrawal symptoms and must be eased off gradually

Eventually, a doctor will most likely be able to find a medication that works for the person suffering from depression. Often, however, they will have side effects. Some of the most common side effects are:

  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Confusion and/or dizziness
  • Dry mouth, nausea, constipation and/or tremors
  • Headaches, insomnia and/or blurred vision
  • Cardiovascular issues such as high or low blood pressure and/or irregular heartbeat
  • Complications in pregnancy and/or damage to an unborn fetus

With the symptoms under control, therapy is the next step in making sure depression is actually cured as opposed to just suppressed. Psychologists can help a sufferer to learn about their depression and make changes to their lifestyles and behavior patterns as well as assisting them in dealing with the pain that they are feeling.

A therapist also serves as a sounding board for any developments that a sufferer may encounter during their recovery, whether they are good or bad. By having someone there to listen and give constructive feedback, one can receive the positive input needed when things are going right and the comfort needed when things get worse.

There are several different types of approaches that therapists use to deal with and cure depression:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy – Focuses on identifying negative beliefs and behaviors and changing them to positive ones
  • Interpersonal therapy – Identifies the nature of the depression and sets goals to solve the problems which are contributing to it
  • Behavioral therapy – Defines the behaviors which a patient wishes to change and helps them develop techniques for changing them

Even with medications, psychotherapy can take months before a person feels any change in their depressive state. Depending on the severity of the depression, it may take up to a year or more before a sufferer is completely cured.

Other medical therapies may be used when medications are not effective or practical. One of these is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which uses electrical currents to affect the operation of neurotransmitters in the brain. This process is usually reserved for those who have severe symptoms and can have side effects, including temporary confusion and memory loss.

Many people have turned to herbal remedies or other alternative and natural treatments to cure their depression. Studies show that more than 50 percent of people use an alternative form of treatment either with or without conventional medication and psychotherapy.

Some herbal remedies include:

  • St. John’s Wort
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • SAM-e (S-adenosyl-methionine)
  • 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

Studies have shown no conclusive evidence on whether herbal remedies actually help with depression, though many claim to have had positive effects from taking them. As with all supplements, a doctor should be consulted before taking them, especially if one is taking other medications or has health conditions.

Some other alternative therapies which sometimes help are:

  • Acupuncture
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Massage therapy
  • Aromatherapy
  • Reflexology
  • Music therapy
  • Exercise

Recent studies have shown that exercise may have more of an impact on relieving depression than people think. Exercise has the effect of releasing endorphins into the body and improving one’s mood as well as reducing the immune system chemicals that worsen depression. Other positive effects include the psychological changes that increased self-confidence can bring. One particular study showed that a steady exercise program successfully eliminated depression symptoms in a percentage of people comparable to those cured through medications.

As always, much of the work resides in the hands of the person suffering the depression. There are many healthy habits to get into which will make other treatments more effective, such as:

  • Following doctors’ advice
  • Learning more about depression in general
  • Understanding one’s own depressive triggers
  • Maintaining a healthy diet
  • Avoiding alcohol and other mood-altering substances
  • Getting plenty of regular sleep

By taking the necessary steps to become cured, there is hope for anyone who suffers from depression to eventually be free of its grip. With all the treatment options available, there is likely something useful for everyone.