How to End Depression

Depression a mental condition that causes feelings of hopelessness, irritability, chronic fatigue and a loss of appetite. It can be caused by a combination of genes, biochemical imbalances and your environment, according to the Mayo Clinic. If left untreated, depression can lead to suicide. It also can weaken the body's immune system from high levels of stress and poor nutrition. Depression can be treated to reduce, but it can recur if you discontinue medication.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit a therapist. A medical professional can properly diagnose your condition and prescribe a medication that will help you best. According to the Mayo Clinic, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are the most common medications prescribed to treat depression. These drugs increase the neurotransmitter serotonin, boosting mood. Antidepressant medication can take a few weeks before it starts working, so you should continue to take medication as directed even if you don't notice improvement.

• 2

  Eat a balanced meal. A lack of vitamins and nutrients in your diet can affect your body's overall health, which in turn can exacerbate depression. Your meals should have whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats, such as skinless chicken, or fish. Eat four to five small meals a daily rather than three large meals to keep your energy level consistent throughout the day.

• 3

  Increase your physical activity. Regular exercise that increases your heart rate can help release endorphins and improve your mood. Get at least 30 minutes daily of cardio activity to release endorphins and reduce anxiety.

• 4

  Attend therapy sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help treat depression by identifying unhealthy thoughts and behavior, and talk therapy is a way to strengthen relationships and cope with hardships, according to the Mayo Clinic. Multiple sessions with your therapist can help guide you through your thought processes to understand your negative thoughts and feelings in order to improve behavior.

• 5

  Reach out to friends and family. Although depression is difficult, having a supportive group of friends and your family can give you that extra push needed for managing the condition. Isolation is common when you're feeling depressed, but it can be countered by forcing yourself to be social by visiting friends and family, or by joining groups or organizations in your neighborhood.