Dealing with any mental health problem can be challenging, but there are many ways to manage your condition. There is lots of guidance on coping with major depressive disorder (MDD), whether you suffer from the condition yourself or whether it’s someone you love that struggles with it. You can also find tips on where to access support or mental health depression treatment.
Coping With Major Depressive Disorder
MDD is a condition that causes persistent low mood, sometimes for months or years. It’s also known as clinical depression or a mood disorder. However, if you suffer from MDD, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common mental health problems in the USA, and there are lots of techniques and treatments available to help you manage it, such as:
- Medication
- Psychotherapy
- Shock therapy
- Peer support
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Residential treatment centers
There is a wide variety of medications that help the symptoms of major depressive disorder, including antidepressants. Medicine can go a long way towards rebalancing the brain’s chemicals which are responsible for low mood and other symptoms. However, medication is often most useful in conjunction with other things, such as psychotherapy.
Coping with feelings of overwhelming sadness doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. Discussing your feelings with friends or family, or even your doctor can help. It might also help to have an outlet to express yourself, such as an artistic hobby or writing in a journal.
For an excellent way to manage symptoms of MDD on a day-to-day basis, try downloading a meditation app and build short meditation sessions into your daily routine. The effects of meditation are cumulative, so persevering and keeping a routine offer the best results.
Shock therapy is an uncommon yet sometimes helpful treatment for MDD. Electroconvulsive therapy helps reset the neurotransmitters responsible for mood, and the whole procedure is done under general anesthetic. However, shock therapy can cause memory loss and headaches.
When Someone You Love Has Major Depressive Disorder
If a friend or relative has MDD, there are lots of ways you can help. If they’re taking medication or meditating regularly, you can offer to remind them. It’s best to ask if they’d like you to do this beforehand, though, as some people find this affects their sense of independence.
You can also talk to your loved one and pay attention to how they feel. Not many people consistently make time to listen to a loved one struggling with a mental health condition, and it can make a big difference.
Another way to help a loved one suffering from MDD is to make sure they’re getting out of the house and doing regular physical activity. Even if it’s just a walk around the block, it will help clear their head and boost serotonin. Serotonin is the hormone in the brain that affects mood, and exercising is an excellent way to trigger more of it.
Where to Find Mental Health Support and Treatment
Information and advice are available freely online, and there are lots of psychotherapists, doctors, and treatment centers waiting to take your call. Whether you’re looking for mental health depression treatment or an MDD psychotherapist, there will be something for you.
You can also access trauma therapy services and browse forums to read about other peoples’ experiences. However, remember that what works for one person may not work for another, and be mindful of your mood during your reading. Some other useful searches include:
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Mindfulness exercises for depression
- Psychotherapists near me
- Major depressive disorder
- Sleep hygiene for depression
No matter what you decide or how you choose to manage your condition, know that you are not alone. If you need support, search for a depression treatment center or tips on coping with major depressive disorder today.