Medication
Every year, millions of people develop or experience depression. The average depressive episode can last 6 months. But some people will suffer from depression for years.
All these people have at least one thing in common: they need to overcome their depression. This 3 part series will provide several ways to overcome depression. These aren’t miracle cures but each in their own way can help an individual overcome and beat their depression. Usually combinations of the ways below are most effective.
Medication is one of the most common methods people use for overcoming their depression. By preventing the re-uptake of serotonin, dopamine and other certain neurotransmitters associated with depression they can relieve certain depressive symptoms.
Medication used in overcoming depression comes with a variety of side effects. These include but are not limited too: dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, apathy, heart palpitations, and headaches.
While some people experience more than one side effect, some people experience none. In general the newer generation of depression medication have fewer side effects.
Depression medication doesn’t work for everyone. Some people might feel better within days or weeks, while others have no effect at all. The different depression
Medications also have different effects on different people. The reason for that it is unclear how the neurotransmitters influence or even cause depression.
That’s why people are advised to start with small doses and gradually bring them up while checking the effects.
It’s important to follow the advised drug-taking regimen. Improper use can manifest side effects or even remove positive effects. Another thing to remember is to keep track of the effects by regularly checking with your doctor. Quitting suddenly with medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
For people suffering from long lasting severe depressive episodes medication can be a big help. It can give them the effects they need to find and employ other methods overcoming depression.
One should only take depression medication when necessary and should find and use other ways of overcoming depression for the most effective results.
The next part in the series will be about psychotherapy/counseling.
In my case, I find depression medication is of no help except giving me a full night’s sleep, which is good, but it’s not helping overcome my depression. The reason I think that is because my depression I don’t believe, is because of some physical issue, but it’s because of issues in my life for which there appear to be no resolution! I have tried a few psychologists/ psychiatrists over the years & even though they suggest ways to help, it’s very difficult if not impossible to put into practice trying to overcome lifelong thinking habits.
By: John Byrnes on February 16, 2010
at 3:24 am
Thanks for your comment John,
I’ve heard from and of several people with similar experiences. Medication is often handed out like candy and in my opinion generally does more harm than good. For some its necessary though..
I do disagree with you on one thing though. It is not impossible to overcome. If you’ve learned one thing, you can unlearn it or learn something new. It won’t be easy, and can take a long time but its possible and doable.
You mentioned thinking habits, figure out for yourself what these habits are. WHen do you think negatively? What do you think at these moments?
What causes them?
Listen to me John, you deserve and have a right to lead a happy life. More than anything, deep down within you is a happy, bright and successful person, just waiting to come out. The outside world has been telling you a lot of things, often they can be very negative. Its time for you to believe in yourself and your ability to protect yourself from negativity. Its difficult, i know, i really do. And when you stop letting the negative influence you, you’ll feel better. Just remember that you have the right to be happy, to be successful, to be positive and you deserve a fulfilling life! Why else are you on earth? To be sad all the time? NO! You’re here to learn, to grow and to overcome anything that tries to bring you down. John, decide right now that will overcome everything that is negative. Start with the small stuff and work your way up. Every time you overcome something negative, be proud of yourself, and know that you are another step closer to living happily. Keep track of when you overcome, so you can track your progress. Start exercising more, eat healthy and always find out the bright side. Really put in the effort the find the positive, even when something seems so negative.
I hope, i’ve been able to give you some advice you can work with,
take care
By: mentalhealthcoach on February 16, 2010
at 6:50 pm