3 priority qualities to consider when choosing a treatment plan for depression

Depression is a mental health condition that affects many people around the world. It has many causes including; illnesses, genetic abnormalities, age, trauma, substance abuse, and stress among others. Individuals suffering from depression have been found to have a smaller hippocampus. This is the area of the brain that stores memories and contains serotonin receptors. Serotonin is one of the ‘feel good hormones’ responsible for the regulation of mood, appetite, sleep, and sexual desire. With a smaller hippocampus, you have fewer receptors and thus, less serotonin which leads to dysregulation of mood, sexual desire, sleep, and appetite. To treat depression effectively, some of the things to consider include:

1. Clinic

Depression is a serious illness that needs to be clinically diagnosed. When choosing where to go for treatment, it is important to fully evaluate the situation. Do you need a specialized clinic or a general facility? This depends on the cause of your depression. If it is a side effect of an underlying issue such as a chronic illness, your general practitioner can put you in touch with a mental health professional. They can work hand in hand to find the best treatment plan for you. If not, a visit to a certified mental health professional can help you get your footing. The clinic you choose should be licensed and the staff should be board-certified professionals.

2. Treatment program

Depending on the cause of your depression, you and the doctor can come up with a treatment program that works for you. It is important to consider if you are willing to try new forms of treatment available such as Ketamine infusion therapy for depression. This is mostly prescribed for anti-depressant-resistant depression. You should be able to access the options available before you make up your mind. Other treatments besides ketamine therapy and antidepressants include; electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, and antianxiety medication.

3. Multifaceted approach

Other than medications such as Ketamine infusion therapy for depression and the clinical treatment methods, you may need to consider a holistic approach. Since depression affects many areas of your life, getting them in order may make you feel better. This can be done through activities that stimulate the reward centers in your brain and release endorphins. You can start by laying down a routine for your daily activities. This will get you out of bed and get you moving. Exercise and good sleep can contribute to making you feel better about yourself. You can also talk to your doctor about getting some supplements such as fish oil and folic acid which have been shown to improve brain activity. Trying something new with your friends can also give you a sense of accomplishment on a bad day.