As with every other illness, patients need some time of rest to help them recover and this may include medical leave for a short period and a gradual return to light and then normal duty. It is important that families understand the illness and their role in facilitating recovery. It is important to have a balanced diet with reduction in fatty and fried foods as well as avoidance of alcohol.

Stress relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, progressive muscular relaxation or yoga complement the treatment. Peer support or talking to others who may have undergone the same illness helps to instill hope and understanding. Depression is a relapsing illness but you can prevent relapses by various techniques that your Doctor will be able to advise you.

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Introduction

I was married, 30 years ago and have 3 grown up children. I was a home maker, wife and mother. No full time career but worked part time at many different jobs and studied pottery and art. I enjoyed traveling and meeting people, learning about cultural and spiritual beliefs, traditional crafts, environment and nature.

The Change

1. My emotions changed when I suspected my husband of having an affair, with a much younger woman, and I didn’t want to work at or continue our marriage. He also insisted that I move out of the condo. I felt hurts, betrayed and panic. My whole life and career was crumbling around me and felt everything I tried to do failed. I felt lost, empty, and and betrayed also felt foolish and ashamed that I allowed this to happen, that I had failed in life. I couldn’t believe that everything I worked for and believed in was discarded so easily by someone I loved and trusted and dedicated my life to.

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The most important treatment for all forms of depression is antidepressant. This is often given in combination with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy or talk therapy alone may only be useful for mild types of depression. Many people find it hard to accept taking a medication to help change the way they think and feel. By accepting that depression is an illness and not the same as normal sadness, we find it easier to think of being on medication that is safe and effective.

The antidepressants can be broadly divided into the old tricyclic antidepressant (TCA’a) and the newer ones such as the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) and the dual action preparations. Talk to your Doctor in detail about these medications and it is essential to determine which one may be suitable for you. All preparations have side effects but most of these side effects disappear after taking them for a while.

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