We all go through storms.
There are many ways to combat depression in the short term. It can be hard waiting for a medication to work---if it does work---and it can take months for a good medication to kick in. There really are a variety of tools you can use to help yourself in the short term, living in the here and now instead of hoping tomorrow will be better. This guide will explain handle doctors, medications and drugs for depression and take action.
Instructions
1. Behavioral therapy. While researching an article on negative habits, I found a useful study on behavioral therapy that has a big effect on depression. The study will be published in "JAMA" and, in short, it says behavioral therapy, the art of changing negative behavior, can help. This particular story is focused on the teenage age group, who are as prone to depression as any other, and prone to combating it with drug use. Do not rely just on your doctor for your information. Whenever you hear something like this, consult your doctor on it. Many doctors have, at most, a half an hour to give you. Other people can help you with depression in the short term, like family or therapists.
2. Don’t act on impulses. A good way to take your mind off of depression is to not act out on impulses, to consider bad thoughts a waste and to stay social. For example, eating six candy bars in a row is an impulse; thinking of hurting yourself is a waste of time and staying holed up in your home rarely has a good result. Rash actions are common for the depressed. When you begin to act in your own way, ignoring these thoughts, short-term depression will inevitably lessen. This is a day-to-day disease, one that afflicts millions. Reach out to others when you can.
3. Do not use drugs or alcohol in extremes. Depressive people are more apt to become addicted to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Smoking marijuana, for example, offers anti-depressive elements, but can also make you a lazy, unmotivated person. Here is what writer Nancy Schimelpfening said about the side effects, "Although the depressed person may feel relief from their symptoms, this may be an illusion of well-being if the person loses motivation and productivity."
4. Look to the long term and take action. It's important to point out that any book or medicine promising to be the shortcut to defeating depression is likely out for your money. There are new medications for depression coming out and promising great results within weeks. There are new books, offering "miracle cures," providing more shortcuts. This is not to say that no medication or book can help, but person-to-person contact is important, as this will provide you with answers. Remember, it's not something taken---it's something given.
Tags: short term, behavioral therapy, depression short term, drugs alcohol, take action
