How Many People Think Depression Is An Illness?

There aren't too many people who think depression is an illness. Well, if you're simply feeling the blues, there really is no need for professional treatment. You can easily cope with this feeling by perhaps diverting your attention, engaging yourself in constructive activities, getting a hobby, taking time out, going shopping, and so on. But depression is of different types, as you know, and if you're struggling with it often or when it already comes to the point when depression causes sleepless nights, eating problems, and impaired relationships, just to name a few, seeking treatment should not be delayed.

Untreated depression can reduce the quality of your life. If you don't want feeling hopeless for the rest of your life, make an appointment with a specialist at the soonest time possible. The earlier you get on in a treatment program, the better for you. It is important that you choose someone who has been specially trained to handle depressed individuals so you can be sure to receive proper counseling. There are many out there who end up feeling more hopeless rather than hopeful because of inappropriate advices supposedly from "experts". You really wouldn't want to be in this kind of situation.

If your depression is at the early stage, yet, there is every reason to be hopeful. Chances are greater that you will be able to cope with your depression without necessarily taking medications yet. Your doctor, more likely, will start you with individual therapy sessions. By doing this, your doctor allows you to be comfortable with the therapy and not feel overwhelmed. Your doctor will help you set realistic goals and accomplish them. He/she will also show you different means, constructive means, that is, of coping with various stressors that contribute to your feelings of depression.

Your doctor may also put you in group therapy sessions where you can communicate and interact with other depressed individuals. The great thing about group therapy sessions is the fact that you are around people who can understand you as they themselves are in the same situation as you are. Group sessions also become avenues for meeting new people and building your social network which may have dwindled as you become socially withdrawn because of your depression.

But whether or not you consider depression as an illness, doing the following will always work to your advantage:

Taking Anti-depression vitamins. Vitamins are not just intended to boost the immune system, apparently; they can also be used to prevent and control depression. Among these vitamins your body needs to help you combat depression and its symptoms are:

Thiamine. It energizes you as it converts blood sugar to energy. It also keeps you from being anxious.

Niacin. Ensuring healthy levels of Niacin keeps depression from progressing to schizophrenia or psychosis.

Pantothenic Acid. It is necessary in regulating hormones and brain chemicals that control fatigue and depression.

Pyridoxine. It is necessary in preventing mood swings.

Folic Acid for DNA synthesis.

Ascorbic Acid. Vitamin C is a natural anti-depressant; it boosts serotonin production.

· Doing meditation or yoga techniques. Meditation relaxes you and helps to create balance between your physical self and your inner self.

· Exercising. Exercising increases your energy levels.

· Making wise food choices. If you are depressed, stay away from foods that are high in sugar content. Although these can make you feel good instantly, the effects are only temporary and come with more consequences to your general health.

· Getting some sunlight. Sunlight activates the Vitamin D under the skin, and Vitamin D, studies reveal, appear to be in low levels in people suffering from depression.