Depression is indicated if a number of symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks and are severe enough to interfere with the ability to carry out normal routines. Some of the more common symptoms include a lack of pleasure in things you once enjoyed, low moods, sadness, mood swings, feelings of hopelessness and despair, negative thoughts, lethargy, sleep disturbances, anxiety, pessimism, changes in appetite, avoidance of social contact, irritability, and emotional outbursts for no apparent reason.

Without appropriate help, the symptoms of depression can continue indefinitely so it is important to seek advice as early as possible. On the positive side, depression can be treated, but the very nature of depression can make it difficult to admit there is a problem in the first place and to get the right help in order to get well. The following represents some of the more widely available forms of help for depression.

Anti-depressants

Unless the depression is very mild, it is quite likely that some form of anti-depressant medication will be prescribed for a period of time. There are many different kinds of anti-depressants, no one understands exactly how they work, but it is thought that their beneficial effects are due to their ability to alter the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that help to regulate our mood. For example, Tricyclic antidepressants such as Anafranil and Surmontil appear to balance the natural neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors work by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain so that levels of serotonin are increased; probably the most well known form is Prozac. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors like Nardil inhibit the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which in turn increases the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.

Antidepressants take some time to work and what may work for one may not work for someone else as the effects can vary from person to person. If there is no improvement after several weeks or there are significant side effects, then another type may be prescribed until one is found that suits the individual.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on practical ways of dealing with specific issues. Sometimes negative thoughts, unrealistic expectations or pessimistic ways of looking at the world can contribute to feelings of depression and so by looking at how we view these things in detail and how this affects our behaviour as a result, we can learn to change the way we think and feel about them and consequently, how we react to them. This approach aims to help the individual find new and more realistic ways of coping with everyday problems and challenges.

Alternative and Natural Remedies

It is important to discuss the implications of taking any alternative or natural remedy with your GP first.

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