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How to recover from Depression

Medically Reviewed by: Charley Allen

Table of Contents

When you’re depressed, everything feels heavy and painful. Major depression is more than just sadness and negative thinking — it is a legitimate mental health condition. You feel like there’s nothing to look forward to and no point in getting out of bed. But depression doesn’t have to last forever. In fact, the sooner you get treatment for depression, the faster you will see positive results. If you’re reading this it probably means that you or someone you love has been diagnosed with depression. It can be a scary time but also an incredible opportunity for growth and personal transformation. With the support of friends and family members, along with proper therapy and medication, anyone can recover from depression and live a happy life once again. In order to do that, however, it is important that you know as much as possible about your condition so that you can take the right steps in recovering from depression effectively.

Understanding Depression

Depression is a condition that causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. It can affect people of all ages, genders, cultures, and backgrounds. It can be triggered by a stressful event, such as the death of a loved one or financial problems, as well as specific medical conditions like obesity or a thyroid disorder. On average, people experience an episode of major depression once in their lifetime. However, certain people are more at risk of developing depression. These include people with a family history of the disorder, people who are dealing with stressful life events, and those who are dealing with chronic illnesses. Furthermore, certain people are more at risk of experiencing severe and persistent depression, such as people who have experienced depression in the past.

Signs of Depression

There are a number of signs and symptoms you should be aware of if you suspect a loved one is dealing with depression. Some of these include:

  • Feelings of sadness
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Frequent changes in appetite
  • Decreased energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Thoughts of suicide

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Early intervention and treatment can make an immense difference in reducing the severity of any symptoms and improving the overall condition.

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder, or MDD, is a type of depression characterized by a prolonged period of feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. It is a mental health disorder that can have a significant impact on quality of life, both for the person experiencing it and the people in their lives. There are many different types of depression, but MDD is the most common. It is also one of the most treatable forms of depression, with many people experiencing relief from symptoms after taking antidepressants. If you or someone in your life is experiencing signs of depression, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Early intervention and treatment are critical in reducing the severity of symptoms and improving the overall condition.

Bipolar Depression

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme changes in mood and energy levels, as well as sleep patterns. People with bipolar disorder cycle between phases of depression and mania. Bipolar depression is characterized by depressed moods that are consistent with MDD, but also include manic or hypomanic symptoms (e.g. racing thoughts, increased activity, decreased need for sleep). Bipolar depression can be challenging both to diagnose and treat. While antidepressants are often used to manage symptoms, they are less effective than with non-bipolar depression. It is also particularly important to carefully monitor the use of these medications in people with bipolar disorder. Poorly managed, these medications can trigger a manic episode, which can have devastating consequences for the person experiencing it and their loved ones.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent depressive disorder, or PDD, is a type of depression that does not respond to treatment. It is an uncommon but debilitating form of depression that occurs in people who have experienced at least two episodes of MDD. It is also referred to as chronic depression or treatment-resistant depression. Unlike MDD, which responds to treatment in most cases, PDD occurs in people who do not respond to treatment using the traditional methods of talk therapy and medication. It can have a devastating impact on the lives of those who experience it, as well as the people in their lives. There is no definitive cause of PDD, but it is thought to result from a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for PDD. However, there are some strategies that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that occurs in the fall and winter months. It is triggered by decreased sunlight during these seasons. If you or someone in your life experiences depression during this time of the year, there is a good chance that it is SAD. SAD can be challenging to diagnose because many depressed people have low energy levels in the fall and winter. SAD is also challenging to treat, with light therapy (exposure to bright light) being the most effective treatment. If you or someone in your life experiences depression in the fall and winter months, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Early intervention and treatment are critical in reducing the severity of symptoms and improving the overall condition.

Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression

Peripartum (postpartum) depression is a type of depression that occurs during pregnancy or in the first 12 weeks after giving birth. Despite the name, it can occur in men and women, both before and after having a baby. There are many factors that contribute to peripartum depression, including changes to hormones, sleep patterns, stress, family history and expectations, as well as the new responsibilities of being a parent. Fortunately, peripartum depression is highly treatable, with most people experiencing relief from symptoms after taking antidepressants. If you or someone in your life experiences depression during or after pregnancy, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Early intervention and treatment are critical in reducing the severity of symptoms and improving the overall condition.

Treatment-Resistant Depression

Treatment-resistant depression is a term used to describe a person who has not responded to at least two different types of antidepressants. Many people with depression experience relief after taking an antidepressant. But for others, just one antidepressant is not enough. If you or someone in your life has experienced two or more episodes of depression that did not respond to treatment, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. Early intervention and treatment are critical in reducing the severity of symptoms and improving the overall condition. There are a variety of things you can do to help a loved one who is dealing with depression. The most important thing you can do is to let them know that you are there to support them and that you care. Once they know that you are there for them, you can help them find ways to cope with their feelings. You may also want to consider helping them get professional help, like therapy or medical treatment. Overall, remember that you can help someone who is dealing with depression by being there for them and helping them find ways to cope.

Treatments for Relieving Depression Symptoms

If you are any human being, there is a high likelihood that you will experience depression at some point in your life. It’s also quite likely that you will experience more than one bout of depression during your lifetime. With this being the case, it only makes sense that you would want to know how depression is treated so that you can be armed with the information should it happen to you. With so many people going through bouts of depression at different points in their lives, we have learned a lot about how to treat it. In fact, there are a variety of ways to effectively treat depression. There are several kinds of therapy, prescription drugs, and lifestyle changes that can all help manage your symptoms and get you back on track again. Read on to learn more about how depression is treated today:

Change Your Environment

If you’re constantly surrounded by toxic people or are in a negative environment, recovery will be much more difficult. Try to avoid triggers that might bring about feelings of depression. Spend time in nature, for example, as research has shown that being in nature can promote positive feelings and moods. And spend time with positive, supportive people who can help you through this difficult time in your life. You may also want to consider moving to a different environment. If you’re in an unhealthy environment and don’t feel like you can leave, consider therapy online. Online therapy is a great way to get the support you need while also maintaining some distance from negative influences.

Set Small, Reachable Mental Health Goals

When you’re dealing with clinical depression, it’s important to set goals that are realistic and that you can easily achieve. It’s also important to set attainable goals and to have a system or reward for when you achieve them. Whilst it’s important to take your time to heal, it’s also important to stay focused on the fact that you WILL get better. This will help to keep you motivated and feeling like you’re moving forward with your recovery.

Don’t Dwell on the Past

Sadness and severe depression can often be triggered by traumatic past experiences. When this happens, people often fall into the trap of thinking about the past and wallowing in negative emotions. While it is important to process past traumas and learn from them, it’s also important to not get stuck in the trap of constant sadness. Dwelling on the past will do nothing to help you move forward and live a better life in the present.

Talk to Friends and Family and Be Open About Your Mental Illness

When you are depressed, it can be difficult to communicate with others about how you’re feeling. However, the more you communicate about what you’re experiencing, the easier it will be to recover. Asking for help is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to relieving depression symptoms. For some people, depression is too overwhelming to deal with alone. If you experience extreme feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or lack of motivation, you might have a mild case of depression. Depression can be treated with therapy and medication.

Try Behavioral Therapy and Medication

Getting professional help is critical for anyone trying to treat depression. There is only so much that can be achieved by making healthy lifestyle changes — sometimes you need a doctor or therapist to treat this debilitating mental illness. Depending on the severity of your situation, you may need to try a variety of different things to get your depression under control. You may want to try a combination of therapy with a mental health professional and medication to really get your situation back in line. You can try a variety of different kinds of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is especially effective at treating depression because it helps individuals achieve better mental well-being by changing their negative thoughts and teaching them how to better manage stress. You can also try to join a support group, which can help a person’s recovery by teaching them lifestyle habits that reduce stress and help them stay connected.

Commit to an Exercise Program

Regular exercise is one of the best ways to combat depression. Staying active with physical activity releases endorphins that promote a sense of happiness and satisfaction, and also help to improve your sleep routine and diet. Exercise has also been shown to be as effective as medication in treating depression, and it has none of the side effects. Research shows that engaging in a regular cardiovascular exercise program reduces the severity of episodes of depression and mitigates the symptoms of depression. Ultimately, given how many people with depression are attempting suicide each year, this can save lives.

Take Care of Yourself with Healthy Eating

It’s been shown that people who eat a healthy diet have better mental wellbeing and are less likely to experience depression. Eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, for example, has been shown to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. A healthy diet will also help you to have enough energy to get through the day and feel good when you’re at rest at night. By following these tips, you’ll be able to treat your depression effectively and get your life back on track. Recovering from depression is a difficult process, but with the right support and approach, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Once you are no longer depressed, it’s important to stay mindful and continue practicing self-care. Don’t forget to celebrate your progress and mark your milestones along the way.

Medications for Depression Recovery

There are many medications that are prescribed to treat depression. The most common medications prescribed for treating depression include SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs. Most of these medications take about four to six weeks to take effect, which means you’ll need to be patient if you decide to go this route to treat your depression. Medications are a great option for treating depression, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t respond well to other methods. Medication is also a great option if you have depression that is severe and interferes with your daily life.

Meditation and yoga

If you don’t respond well to medication, you may want to try supplementing your treatment with meditation and yoga. Meditation and yoga are both ways to manage stress and anxiety, which are two major causes of depression. Additionally, both meditative practices have been shown to have positive effects on the brain and can help promote neurogenesis, which is the process of your brain growing new neurons. Meditation and yoga are excellent ways to treat depression because they are completely non-invasive, completely natural and completely free of side effects.

Dual diagnosis treatment for depression and addiction

People who suffer from depression are also more likely to have addiction problems. In fact, the relationship goes both ways — since drug and alcohol abuse can make depression worse as well. The best way to treat depression and addiction is to go to an outpatient rehabilitation facility that can provide a treatment plan for your comorbid conditions. These treatment options are known as dual diagnosis programs.

Outpatient rehab for depression

If you don’t have a co-occurring disorder, but you just want to treat your depression, there is no shame in seeking help from an outpatient facility. Whether you are treating depression with medication or with therapy, it’s important to understand that it will take some time to see results. It’s important not to get discouraged if you don’t feel better right away. It could take anywhere from six weeks to six months to see the full effects of your treatment.

Seek Help at Design For Recovery

Recovering from depression can be a difficult and challenging journey, but at Design for Recovery’s sober house in Los Angeles, we offer a supportive and nurturing environment to help individuals overcome their struggles and achieve lasting recovery. Our program is designed to address the underlying causes of depression, including trauma, substance abuse, and co-occurring mental health disorders. With evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, as well as holistic approaches, such as mindfulness and meditation, we help residents develop the skills and tools they need to manage their symptoms and build a fulfilling life in sobriety. Our experienced staff provides individualized care and support, working closely with each resident to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and goals. We also offer life skills training, vocational support, and other resources to help residents build a strong foundation for a successful life in recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, contact us today to learn more about how our sober living house in Los Angeles can help you achieve lasting recovery.

Read Further:

Top 5 Common Mental Illnesses

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Edited by: David Beasley

David Beasley - Design for Recovery

RADT
David Beasley is a certified RADT (Registered Alcohol/Drug Technician). David, moved to California from North Carolina after many failed attempts to get sober.

Medically Reviewed by: Charley Allen
IMG-1545

LMFT
Charley earned his Masters of Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles, and is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).He teaches mindfulness to both adults and children in group setting such as schools, corporate workplaces, and medical treatment facilities.

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