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Ways to Get Rid of Depression

Depression can make you feel sad, lonely and isolated. Above all, it makes you feel as if you are not yourself. If you have depression symptoms, talk to your doctor. Do not be embarrassed; getting help for your depression and working with your doctor to learn ways of getting rid of depression are the first steps to eventually feeling better.

  1. Exercise

    • Exercise is often used to combat depression. Physical exercise releases endorphins, also known as the "happy hormone." Studies show that people who engaged in vigorous exercise enjoyed a reduction in depression symptoms. It could be a simple brisk walk or aerobic exercise at the gym. Any vigorous exercise can help fight your depression symptoms.

    Psychotherapy

    • Talking with a therapist can help you work through depression by discovering the root of it, trigger factors and coping techniques. Psychotherapists can examine help discern why you are depressed, which can be a major factor in treating and curing the condition. Therapists also can assist in learning to deal with certain social situations, so that depression is kept at bay.

    Light Therapy

    • Some people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. This means that the depression symptoms are highest during the winter or other times during the year when the seasonal weather is bleak, cold or gray. In these cases, light therapy can help by infusing patients with vitamin D from artificial light sources to lift their depressive moods.

    Drugs

    • Some patients who do not have success with the other methods of getting rid of depression might need drug therapy. While drug therapy should only be undergone with the direct and close supervision of a doctor, certain drugs, such as Prozac, Lexapro and Cymbalta, all have good results in adult depression patients. However, these drugs also have a history of suicidal thoughts being one of the side effects, so talk to your doctor about risk factors. Your goal should be to take drugs only for the short-term before working on other ways to get rid of depression.

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