by Tami Port MS

Created on: August 08, 2008   Last Updated: September 28, 2009

If you struggle with clinical depression you know that maintaining a normal mood, although not easy, does not take the Herculean effort required to recover from a depressive episode. But what can you do to avoid these plunges in mood that seem to strike with no rhyme or reason?

* Facing Depression *

Many people still unfortunately suffer the sting and stigma often associated with having a mental illness. Others believe that mental maladies are not as "real" as other health problems, or that they are a sign of weakness. The brain is an organ of the body, and, as such, is subject problems in function. Disgrace should not be associated with mental illness any more than it should be associated with diabetes, asthma, cancer, or any other illness. Feeling shame about illness, mental or otherwise, only interferes with recovery. And that recovery will come much more quickly if you ignore the haters, accept your illness and go get help.

* Find a Reputable Mental Health Professional *

Psychiatrists: If you haven't already, find a good psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health and who can prescribe medication. Drug therapy may be helpful in regulating your mood on a short or long-term basis. But only a psychiatrist can make that determination.

Psychologists: Therapists, can also be very helpful to people trying to overcome depression. These professionals generally have a PhD in psychology, and can help you better deal with the challenges of depression. Psychologists are not, however, able to prescribe medication. Your best bet is to initially be evaluated by a psychiatrist who can then refer you to a psychologist who would be a good match for your needs.

* Make and Keep Appointments with Your Mental Health Team *

The mood disorders depression and bipolar disorder can be extremely challenging to treat, for many reasons, but one of the most insidious problem is that the patient with normal or elated mood may not see the necessity of going to the psychiatrist while, when depressed, that same person may not feel he or she can muster enough willpower or energy to go in for an appointment.

Do your best to avoid this common problem by making and keeping the regularly scheduled appointments recommended by your psychiatrist and counselor. When you are feeling good, think of your appointment as support for maintaining a normal mood, and make that extra effort to attend appointments when struggling with a down-cycle so that you can more quickly

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