How many of these things are true for you? You’re feeling down. Not going out anymore. Not getting things done at school or work. Withdrawing from your family and friends. Not doing the activities you love. Struggling to concentrate. You’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, unhappy, indecisive, miserable, or maybe guilty or disappointed. You’re constantly fighting thoughts that tell you, “I’m a failure,” or “Nothing good ever happens to me,” or even “Life’s not worth living.”
If any of these the items on this list sound familiar, you may be suffering from depression. It’s a mental health disorder characterised by a persistently low mood. That might sound intimidating, but it’s important for you to know that it’s a highly treatable condition and help is always available.
Want to talk to a professional? Ravel Mental Health is coming soon.
What’s the Number One Cause of Depression?
Research suggests that prolonged periods of hardship, such as long-term stress or isolation, are more likely to cause depression than short-term issues or one-off events. It’s no surprise then that the number of Americans experiencing symptoms of depression increased significantly due to the outbreak of COVID-19. It was a period of collective trauma that pushed many people to their limits, between economic instability and long periods of time without access to loved ones.
However, many different things can cause depression. This can include abuse, trauma, advancing age, ongoing conflict, death or loss, physical health issues such as illness or injury, some medications, and more. Factors such as genetics, brain chemistry, and personality type, can also play a part. Some people might also experience depression as a result of a particular situation or set of circumstances. The point we’re making is this: depression is not a sign of personal weakness or failure. It’s a normal response to challenging times, and it’s something many of us will experience at some point.
An estimated 17.3 million Americans have had at least one major depressive episode in their lives, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. That number represents about 7% of all adults living in the United States, which makes it one of the most common mental disorders in the country.
What’s the Best Treatment for Depression?
Natural Methods To Treat Depression
Everyone is different. Sometimes, symptoms of depression will pass with time. Sometimes, you may be able to make lifestyle changes that will lift your mood and help you to feel well again. It’s widely accepted that there are three key elements to mental health first aid: diet, exercise, and sleep.
- Diet: A diet filled with fresh whole-foods will give your body the fuel it needs to thrive, without the artificial highs and lows that come with processed high-calorie foods such as candy or pizza, for example. That can play a big part in stabilizing your mood, restoring your energy levels, making your body feel good, and helping you start feeling like yourself.
- Exercise: Movement is powerful because it stimulates positive hormones called endorphins. These interact with the receptors in your brain to naturally reduce pain and elevate your mood. They take effect almost immediately, which means it’s something you could do right now to feel better. Start with something simple, like a walk around your neighborhood.
- Sleep: Sleep is one of the first things to suffer when we feel stressed. You might stay up late, trying to get work done, watching hours of TV as a form of escapism, or laying in bed feeling stressed. Start by clearing eight hours for sleep, put yourself into bed, and give your body a chance to rest. Creating a routine will help your body know it’s safe to rest and relax.
Any one of these elements will have a positive effect, however, they work best when you prioritize them in conjunction with each other. Diet helps you have the energy to exercise, exercising helps your body sleep, and sleep makes it much easier to follow a healthy diet. If these are things you feel up to trying, you can put it into effect right now to take the first step to feeling well again.
Professional Help to Treat Depression
Other times, you may need professional help. About 23 million Americans receive mental health services every year. Checking in on your mental health is just as important as checking in on your physical health, so if you’re not feeling like yourself, it’s worth making an appointment with a mental health provider in your area – just like you would if you needed to see your primary care physician.
There are lots of different ways a mental health professional can help treat your symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 15% of people with depression receive help from a health professional, about 6% receive medication, and about 44% receive both.
Most commonly, this may include a prescription for anti-depressant medication as well as one-on-one talk therapy. The medication will help your brain chemistry return to a healthy level – just like taking blood pressure medication can help your heart run at an optimal level. Meanwhile, the talk therapy will enable you to identify the cause and triggers of your symptoms, learn coping strategies, and put plans in place that will help you to manage your mental health over time.
Types of Mental Health Professionals
Broadly speaking, a mental health professional is a health care practitioner who will work closely with you to improve your mental health, which includes treating specific mental health disorders. There are several different types of therapists to choose from, depending on your needs:
- Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They can prescribe medications and specialize in helping people with complicated issues. Psychiatrists can order and perform a full range of medical laboratory and psychological tests to provide a complete picture of your health.
- Psychologists: Psychologists specialize in the science of behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. They can work in a range of settings, such as private practices, hospitals, or schools, and help with a wide range of issues. They can’t prescribe medication but they can work closely with your primary care physician to develop an effective treatment plan.
- Counselors: Counselors often specialize in a particular field of mental health practice, such as marriage and families, grief and loss, addiction, LGBTQIA+ issues, religion, and many more. The term is very broad so it’s important to look at each person’s background, education, and experience to make sure they’re the right fit for you before making an appointment.
- Social workers: Social workers help people to make changes in their lives that will improve their personal and social well-being. They have a deep knowledge of human development, behavior, and relationships, and can work with you to identify and achieve your goals.
Finding the right person to treat your depression can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you’re at a point in which you feel like you need help immediately. If you’re at a crisis point, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to access free and confidential support at any time of day or night. It’s made up of a network of 170 crisis centers located across the country.
You should also keep an eye out for Ravel Mental Health, which is revolutionizing online bookings for mental health services. It’s a go-to destination where you can view the providers in your area, apply filters to find someone with the skills and experience you need, and schedule an appointment on the spot. It’s currently in beta testing and will be rolling out across the United States very soon.
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