The first step is acknowledging that you are depressed and need help. This can be difficult because depression can make you feel hopeless and like nothing will ever get better. However, it is important to remember that depression is a real illness, and it is treatable.
If you think you are depressed, you should ot be afraid to talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what helps with depression and what kind of treatment you need, if any.
Mosh offers an online mental health assessment tool that can be completed in just three short sections: Getting Started, Mind Check-in, and Personal History and Lifestyle. The results cannot take the place of a diagnosis, but our team of doctors can use them to assess your situation and provide personalised recommendations.
The answers you give to your doctor’s questionnaires can help them understand what is happening with you, keep track of any changes that take place over time, and advise you on what helps with depression for your case moving forward.
The doctor may ask you questions that help them rule out other possible diagnoses. If your symptoms do not indicate depression, your doctor will go over them again to understand what you might be experiencing.
For some people, making lifestyle changes helps with depression. Some examples of natural ways to alleviate depression are:
- Exercise. Exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression, with benefits seen in both aerobic and strength-training activities.[3]
- Diet. Research suggests that eating a nutritious diet, particularly one rich in folate, as well as eating vegetables, fruits, berries, whole grains, chicken, fish, and low-fat cheese may help protect against depression.[4]
- Herbs and supplements. Some herbs and supplements, such as St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), have been shown to be effective in treating depression. However, there are risks associated when they are taken in conjuction with other medications, and knowledge of herbal remedies is still subject to further studies.[5]
- Light therapy. Exposure to bright light naturally or from therapy boxes has been shown to help improve symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the winter months, as well as other nonseasonal conditions better than placebo controls.[6]
- Mindfulness-based therapies. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) are two mindfulness-based therapies that have been shown to help reduce levels of active depression.[7]
As with many health conditions, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to what helps with depression and its symptoms. Only a doctor can determine whether you are experiencing depression and whether it is appropriate to manage the condition with or without medication.
Consult your doctor about alternative options that may help with depression. At Mosh, your doctor may recommend therapy when appropriate for your situation, where you can talk to a therapist online in a confidential 50-minute session.
It is also important to note that taking medication for depression is not a character flaw or a personal shortcoming. While it may be possible to manage symptoms with lifestyle changes, it may not be enough. For some cases, what helps with depression is the appropriate medication to effectively manage their condition – and that is okay.
In the event that medications are prescribed by your Mosh doctor, we will take care of delivery in discreet packaging. With our subscription service, you can receive a refill of your medications when needed. It is recommended that you discuss your progress with your doctor after the first, third, and sixth months, as well as every six months thereafter, to know if the medication needs to be adjusted.
Depression is a serious condition that can negatively impact every aspect of a person’s life. However, it is important to remember that depression is manageable, and there are treatments available that can help.
Mosh, your online health platform
Mosh is a health platform that focuses on sensitive issues such as mental and sexual health, as well as weight management, hair loss, and skin care.
At Mosh, no matter how sensitive or intimate your health issue is, rest assured it will be given the attention it deserves. We provide you with the personalised treatment you deserve without making you leave the house or wait in line. Feel free to ask your doctor questions like ‘What does depression feel like?’ ‘How to calm an anxiety attack?’ or ‘How to overcome anxiety?’
You do not need to feel helpless or like you have to suffer in silence. If you or someone you know shows symptoms of depression, seeking help will help you find a suitable treatment.
Whenever you are ready, Mosh is here to help.
