Treatments for Depression
Treatment for depression usually involves some combination of medication and psychotherapy. The most popular medicines for depression are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. That probably doesn’t mean anything to you offhand, and that’s fine. The way they work is pretty straightforward.
There are other medications, but this is far and away the most common. We’ll talk a little bit about that. But medicines don't always work all by their lonesome selves. So we'll also talk a little bit about what to expect from therapy. Then, we'll briefly discuss a few treatments that you'll probably never actually see yourself, treatments that are only used in the most extreme cases.
Image: Seth Macey, Unsplash.
Did you know...
- Have you ever told your husband something and he promptly forgets it? It's not his fault, actually. It really is because he's a man. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with memory) begins to shrink with age faster in men than it does in women. That's why you can remember everything, and he can't!
- There are many factors that contribute to your body odor, but one of the strongest links is our diet. This may be some bad news for meat-lovers because many studies have shown that those who refrained from or ate less red meat were judged as being more pleasant smelling. The meat sweats are real, and they don’t smell great!
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- Starting to feel claustrophobic? The smells of apples may help keep your claustrophobic feelings at bay according to a 1995 study by Dr. Alan Hirsch. Green apples, specifically, helped people change their perception of their space. Maybe they thought of expansive apple orchards? Cucumbers and barbecue made the feelings worse.
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!