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The first step to getting appropriate care and treatment is a complete psychological evaluation to determine whether or not a depressive illness is responsible for the feelings and what type is responsible. Certain medications and some medical conditions can cause symptoms of depression, and can be mistaken for the illness. Next, the person will go through diagnostic evaluation, which will include questions concerning a complete history of symptoms, family records, thoughts, and any alcohol or drug use. It will also involve a mental status examination to determine if thought patterns or memory have been affected. Lastly, a treatment program will be chosen to help set the person on a road to recovery. (Pfizer, Unmasking)

There are three approaches to treatment which are the use of psychological therapies, the use of antidepressant drugs, and the combination of both. The right choice of treatment depends on a variety of factors, such as severity, symptoms, age, etc. (Baldine, 104) The most common forms of psychotherapy are cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a short term structured therapy which aims to help the depressed person replace the negative thoughts and attitudes with more positive thoughts and a realistic view of themselves and the world around them. Interpersonal therapy focuses more on past and present relationships and examines how they affect the patients current functioning. (Tally, Questions) In general, though, these depressive illnesses can not be cured totally without the help of medication. Antidepressants are the medication used to cure the illness. There are three main groups of these antidepressants, which are tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and lithium. Their job is simply to work within the brain to either increase the levels of noradrenaline, serotonin, or both. Once this happens, the person returns to normal and can function responsibly again. (Kiev, 106) In the first two weeks of treatment most antidepressants do not show full affect on all the symptoms associated with the disease. At first there is a noticeable improvement in sleep habits or less feelings of anxiety. Next, come improvements in mood. After that, a slow increase in energy levels and the return of interest in things comes about. In time, all feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and suicide gradually subside. (Author Unknown, Why) Studies show that more than 70 percent of people with depression respond to treatments. (Pfizer, Unmasking) Antidepressants are not habit forming, however, they need to be carefully monitored to see if the person is getting the correct dosage. With some medications, the depressed individual will have to stay away from certain foods. There are other side effects also. Dry mouth, constipation, bladder problems, sexual problems, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, nervousness, and agitation may occur. (Pfizer, Dealing) Their side effects, though, are in no way a problem compared to the disease they are curing and can usually be resolved somehow. For instance, dosage reduction, drinking lots of water, or eating certain foods will usually help these. (Pfizer, Unmasking)

There are also other ways to help someone with a disorder such as depression. Since it can make a person feel exhausted and helpless, the person will need help from friends and family. Making them feel useful and being very understanding can lessen the burden of this disease. (Tally, Questions) A depression victim can also help himself. The negative feelings make someone feel like giving up. It is important for the person to realize that those negative views are a part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the situation. To help feel a little better, the person should do certain things. He should not set difficult goals or take on a great deal of responsibility. Breaking large tasks into small ones and setting priorities can lessen stress. The person should not expect too much from himself which will decrease feelings of failure when things don’t go as planned. Participating in activities and being around people can make the person feel more useful. Lastly, getting rid of negative thinking all together is a big step, but an important one. A depressed person should never accept negative thinking and always fight it. (Author, Why)

There is a serious problem in the world today. Every 20 in 100 people suffer from some form of depression. Twenty-five percent of the population will suffer from depression in their lifetime. Suicide is the most common cause of death in Indian teenagers and black urban women, and with teenagers, suicide doubled in the past 10 years. (Pfizer, Depression) People need to be more aware of the seriousness of the illness, depression. If more people received the help they needed, there may not be as many suicides. Depression can be cured. There are many treatments such as antidepressants and therapy. A person’s life can be turned around no matter how hopeless it seems it is never worth dying.

” The joy of life is living it and doing things of worth,

In making bright and fruitful all the barren spots of earth.

In facing odds and mastering them and rising from defeat,

And making true what once was false, and what was bitter, sweet.

For only he knows perfectly joy whose little bit of soil

Is richer ground than what it was when he began to toil.”

-(Anonymous recovered depression victim) (Author, Motivational)

As you can see there is hope and there are better times ahead.

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