Adams Media - Depression: The most important information you need to improve your health

If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, you know what a challenge life with this condition can be. Some days your depression probably feels insurmountable; other days you may feel okay, but still somethings not quite right. In short, depression can become a controlling force in your life. But it doesnt have to be. Theres never a good time to suffer from depression, but youre battling it at the best time in history to do so.

Researchers are making significant inroads into understanding the causes of depression. This is the first step toward a cure. It may seem that a cure is a long ways off, but life and science move quickly these days; todays commonplace items were yesterdays wild dreams. Where science is concerned, its a good idea to keep current. Any day that one item youve been hoping for may come along.

Also, the medical community and society at large are more tolerant and accepting of the idea of depression as a legitimate condition than ever before. Dismissive reactions and harsh stigmas are fading away. People are more eager to seek help for depression, as well as to offer it to those in need. There are countless books out there on the subject, and new medications and therapies are emerging every day.

Depression is not all in your mind. You know that, because you feel lousy all over, and now science agrees with you. Depression involves both your brain and your body. Its called the mind/body connection. Treating depression, then, becomes a holistic endeavor. Today there are antidepressant medications that work quite effectively to manage many kinds of depression, and psychotherapy, called talk therapy, can help you find the root causes of your depression. Together, antidepressants and psychotherapy, combined with positive lifestyle changes, work well to keep depression under control and manage its symptoms.

If terms such as psychotherapy are still a bit foreign and frightening to you, dont worry. This book will give you an introduction to depression, the various ways to deal with it, and all the details in between. Youll read about choosing the right therapist for your needs, the benefits and risks of alternative therapies, the necessity of exercise, and the importance of a good diet. And you probably have questions about how youll cope on a daily basis. What about work? Will your job be in jeopardy if you cant keep up your former level of productivity? What about your relationships? Will they survive such a test? These are honest questions that deserve compassionate and realistic answers. In this guide, youll find those answers. Remember, knowledge is power.

Acknowledging that you need help is the first step toward getting that help, and just picking up this book is a step in the direction of a better life. Theres no time like the present to make a change for the better!

If youd like to learn more about depression, check out The Everything Health Guide to Depression , available in print (978-1-59869-407-9) and eBook (978-1-60550-212-0) formats.

You cant put your finger on it. You cant tell somebody where it hurts. All you know for sure is that somethings not right. Perhaps youre feeling sluggish, with some vague aches and pains, or youre grouchy and irritable. It seems that at times its almost impossible to work up any enthusiasm about anything. Other times, little things you usually brush off are really getting to you. What youre experiencing could be depression.