by Trish Austin

Created on: April 05, 2009   Last Updated: March 05, 2010

Coping with depression is possible. It is not only possible, but it can be simple. For the person who has mild symptoms of depression. Treatment may only include visits to a Cognitive Psychologist. Then, once the person feels better and is asymptomatic, treatment can be suspended unless the person becomes symptomatic. Then, treatment will need to be resumed.

When a person is moderately to severely depressed   treatment will include seeing a qualified therapist, but also a Psychiatrist. A person who lacks energy to bath, who sits all day, or who has unexplained crying episodes etc. is severely depressed. A person needs to have only one of these symptoms for two weeks to be considered severely depressed.

Severely depressed people often suffer from anxiety, too. And, anxious people tend to be depressed. So, treatment involves two problems not one.But, a key is to find the right kind of medication for the person. Each medication effects different people different ways. But, in situations of severe depression, a medication needs to be found quickly. And, the individuals need care and empathy at this stage. They need to hear that the depression will not last. Severely depressed individuals feel hopeless. They need to hear that it is not hopeless. That depression never lasts.That is the truth it does not last. The patient just feels as if it will never end. Also, individuals need to be around supportive and loving family members.

Medication side effects play a roll in a person coping with depression. Usually, the side effects are not that bad. And, if the medication is elevating their mood, a few minor side effects are not that big of a deal. The benefits outweigh the side effects.

At any time a person threatens suicide that is an emergency. Not only is the person severely depressed, but he or she is in need of medical attention immediately.

Once, the depressive symptoms have become less severe.  Meaning that the person is bathing. Smiling . Acting and feeling more like their "old" self again. Some things a person can do to help themselves to prevent a major depressive episode from reoccurring are the following-

1. make a list of things that make them happy or laugh. For example, this list could include the titles of funny movies that the person       enjoys watching. If they feel or act in ways that usually signal the development of a depressive episode. Watching a funny movie can amazingly stop the feeling from growing into a depression.

2. Make a list of music that they associate with "happy" times.

3. A list of all the famous people who have suffered from depression.

4 A collection of photos that have happy memories attached to them, writing down what happened before they felt depressed.

5 A list of uplifting quotations.

6. Stand up comic acts on DVD or CD

6. Eating healthfully

7.Getting rid of stress or reducing stress in their life.

8. Exercising

Whether it is taking a walk everyday or getting a trainer. Exercise improves mood drastically.

A personal trainer is very good, if a person can not  get started on an exercise routine.

Depression has been shown to be prevented or lessened by laughing, exercise and diet. So, doing all or some of these items listed will help a depressed person feel better. Most importantly, they can help prevent depression from returning.

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