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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffDepression generally isn't an illness that you can treat on your own. But you can do some things for yourself that will help. In addition to professional treatment, follow these self-care steps:
- Stick to your treatment plan. Don't skip psychotherapy sessions or appointments, even if you don't feel like going. Even if you're feeling well, resist any temptation to skip your medications. If you stop, depression symptoms may come back, and you could also experience withdrawal-like symptoms.
- Learn about depression. Education about your condition can empower you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan.
- Pay attention to warning signs. Work with your doctor or therapist to learn what might trigger your depression symptoms. Make a plan so that you know what to do if your symptoms get worse. Contact your doctor or therapist if you notice any changes in symptoms or how you feel. Ask family members or friends to help watch for warning signs.
- Get exercise. Physical activity reduces depression symptoms. Consider walking, jogging, swimming, gardening or taking up another activity you enjoy.
- Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. It may seem like alcohol or drugs lessen depression symptoms, but in the long run they generally worsen symptoms and make depression harder to treat. Talk with your doctor or therapist if you need help with alcohol or substance abuse.
- Get plenty of sleep. Sleeping well is important for both your physical and mental well-being. If you're having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about what you can do.
References
- Mood disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Nov. 28, 2011.
- Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/complete-index.shtml. Accessed Nov. 28, 2011.
- Eisendrath SJ, et al. Psychiatric disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2012. 51st ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=13381. Accessed Nov. 28, 2011.
- Depressive disorders. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric_disorders/mood_disorders/depressive_disorders.html#top. Accessed Nov. 28, 2011.
- Krishnan R. Epidemiology, pathogenesis and neurobiology of depression. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 28, 2011.
- Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association. http://www.psychiatryonline.org. Accessed Nov. 28, 2011.
- Viibryd (prescribing information). St. Louis, Mo.: Forest Pharmaceuticals; 2011. http://www.frx.com/pi/viibryd_pi.pdf. Accessed Nov. 28, 2011.
- Lynch T, et al. The effect of cytochrome P450 metabolism on drug response, interactions, and adverse effects. American Family Physician. 2007;76:391.
- Katon W, et al. Initial treatment of depression in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 28, 2011.
- Deligiannidis K, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of depressive disorders in women. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010;33: 441.
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