If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, it can be hard to weed through all of the information, pros and cons, of using prescription drugs in order to treat your symptoms. While there are of course ups and downs, good and bad, hopefully this article can help you understand the different options, and why one might be right for you and your recovery.

Prescription Drugs Help You Overcome Your Depression

Prescription drugs help you overcome your depression by altering the chemicals in your brain to stabilize your mood and can even help you produce more of the good feeling chemicals. There are many supplements available that can claim to do the same thing as a prescription will, but many of these are not strong enough to feel a noticeable difference for many people.

In order to get a prescription for these mood boosters, you will need to visit a doctor or a psychologist who can write scripts. A diagnosis of depression will need to be made. This can be done through going over your symptoms with your doctor.

Some prescription drugs are more expensive than others. Your insurance company may cover generics but not name brands. If cost is a factor to you, make sure you discuss this with your doctor as well when he is writing the prescription. Often they can check with your insurance company to find out what brands, types, or doses will be best covered for you so that you have as little out of pocket expense as possible.

Anti-depressants can have some side effects. Many of these carry a warning that if your mood worsens, or if you have suicidal thoughts or actions, you should stop taking them immediately. Many doctors will prescribe you a very low dose of the drug for the first few weeks to see how you tolerate it before having you take a full dosage. In the same way, you cannot simply stop taking a drug when you feel better. You must slowly lower your dose until you can wean yourself off of it completely.

Prescription Drugs known as a useful and effective medication

The effectiveness of these prescription drugs can be very helpful. Depending on the cause of your depression, anti-depressants can make all the difference in the world for some people. They are meant to be used in conjunction with therapy though. Just taking a feel good pill once a day isn’t going to solve all of your problems, they are just a tool to help you get better faster.

Anti-depressants also have to build up in your system. They don’t work overnight. It can sometimes take weeks in order to really see the benefit of the drug.

If you have tried traditional routes to deal with your depression and haven’t seen the results you desire, it may be time for you to consider taking anti-depressants or other prescriptions to deal with your depression. While these prescription drugs can carry side effects, as with any drug, the benefits can often outweigh the possible negatives. In the end though, it is really a decision that is up to you and your doctor.

How to Manage your Depression without Prescription Drugs

The mental affliction of depression is among the most common diagnoses made by health professionals in modern times. Even in addition to those known to be depressed, there is assumed to be far more that suffer through this condition alone and prescription without manage your depression. If you are depressed or suspect that you might be, you need to know that you can regain control over things. Antidepressants are valuable, but maybe not the right choice for you. Keep reading to learn how to manage your depression without prescription drugs.

Start an exercise regimen. You might be so frustrated and self-critical with yourself in depression, that going nuts at the gym might seem like an manage your depression appealing idea. Granted, you might feel great for a day or two, but you will crash even harder into ill-feeling. Instead, focus on a sustainable regimen that makes you consistently feel good. Do not even worry about losing a lot of weight or anything. Focus on a systemic rhythm of cardio that gets you sweaty a few times a week, as well as some light resistance training for some muscle building and a good stretching regimen that helps you relax. A light combination of the three is going to make you feel terrific.

Think about wiping caffeine consumption from your diet, or at least cut back on it. You might already be having trouble sleeping, and caffeine in the later hours of the day does not help. Also, caffeine can make you panicky, irritable and jumpy. The worrisome feelings that come from caffeine are only going to add to your depression, not buzz you out of it.

Think about St. John’s wort. This drug has long been known to help lift people’s moods and seems to be perfectly safe to use. Do your own research to make an informed decision.

Tips That Will Help You Manage Your Depression

Get your vitamins. B and D vitamins in particular have a tremendous impact on the nervous system and overall mental function and health. Low levels of D vitamins are also documented as prevalent in those battling depression. Sunlight is a good way to get vitamin D.

A good and healthy diet is a good way to get your vitamins naturally, although a multivitamin supplement never hurts as a hedge. Still, what and how you eat can make you feel alive or dead. So, try and cut back on fast foods, fried dishes and anything heavily processed or preserved with chemicals. Foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds or frozen produce are better choices.

See a doctor if your depression lasts more than a week or longer. Even if you are not keen on the idea of an antidepressant, get yourself checked out anyway. Often, there are physical causes and symptoms both that your physician can help you address.

Even though depression might be the most frequently diagnosed mental affliction, it is also one of the most easily addressed mental health issues. You need not be depressed, much less alone and without help. Try the ideas from this article help you manage your depression without prescription drugs and see what you can do to start managing your life again soon.