Health Information

Everyone, at some time of their life, has episodes of feeling unhappiness, sadness, or grief. Sometimes this occurs when a loved one dies, we suffer a personal tragedy, dealing with the difficulty such as divorce or loss of a job. Most of us are able to cope with these and other types of stressful events.

Most of us are able to return to our normal activities after a period of days or weeks of “the blues”. Clinical depression occurs when the symptoms last for more than a few weeks. The term "clinical depression" is used to distinguish "true" depression from the blues.

Clinical depression is an illness that can challenge your ability to perform even routine daily activities. At its worst, depression may lead you to thinking about suicide. Depression becomes a burden for not only you, but your entire family and it can sometimes become overwhelming.

Home treatment is an important addition to therapy and antidepressant medication as an effective treatment for depression. During a depressive episode, there are a few steps you can take to prevent future episodes:

1. Set realistic goals for yourself, and take on a reasonable amount of responsibility.


2. Break large tasks into small ones, and set priorities. Do what you can when you are able.


3. Postpone major life decisions (such as changing jobs, moving, or getting married or divorced) when you are depressed.


4. Try to share your feelings with someone. It is usually better than being alone and secretive.


5. Let your family and friends help you.


6. Even if you don't feel motivated, try to participate in religious, social, or other activities.


7. Get regular exercise.


8. Eat a balanced diet. If you lack an appetite, eat small snacks rather than large meals.


9. Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs or medications that have not been prescribed to you. They may interfere with your medications or make your depression worse.


10. Get adequate sleep. If you have problems sleeping:


11. Go to bed at the same time every night and, more importantly, get up at the same time every morning.


12. Keep your bedroom dark and free of noise.


13. Don't exercise after 5:00 p.m.


14. Avoid caffeinated beverages after 5:00 p.m.


15. Avoid the use of nonprescription sleeping pills or alcohol, because they can make your sleep restless and may interact with your depression medications.


16.  Be patient and kind to yourself. Remember that depression is not your fault and is not something you can overcome with willpower alone. Treatment is necessary for depression, just like for any other illness.


17. Try to maintain a positive attitude-remember that feeling better takes time, and your mood will improve little by little.

 

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