Depression is an intense feeling of sadness, often accompanied by lack of motivation, tears and irritability. A large percentage of us will go through some form of depression at one point or another. There are different levels of depression and different levels of treatment for depression.

The most common form of treatment is by prescription drugs called antidepressants. Antidepressants work by suppressing the hormones that make us feel depressed and sad.

Different dosages, different brands, all work differently on different people. On a high enough dosage, a person could be pretty knocked out but most prescribed dosages are a fine balance between dealing with the depression and not blocking other emotions. Often, the issues blocking other emotions are not caused by the antidepressants themselves, but a lack of motivation / disability to deal with the problem actually causing the depression.

If you are on antidepressants and feel knocked out, speak to your doctor, who will perhaps change your brand or give you a lower dosage.

Any effects by the antidepressants do wear off once use of the tablets is stopped, despite the fact that antidepressants can be seen as being addictive. This is because by being on them you can avoid dealing with your actual issues causing the depression, as well as the fact that when you come off them, the reality is still harsh and life on them is a little more simplified as your hormones are “quieter”.

There are other ways to help elevate mild depression without use of drugs and believe it or not these include behaviour therapy, dealing with the source of your depression, a little exercise (where your blood really starts pumping) and a little sunshine.

Ideally one uses more than one method to treat depression. And remember antidepressants should be prescribed by a medical practitioner (GP or Psychiatrist).

Unfortunately we all pass through loss and bereavement. It is never easy and it is always painful. But time is a great healer. Before we can begin to feel normal, we do need to go through a grieving process. There are 5 stages to getting through your grief.

1. Denial – This is when you are still in shock and cannot quiet believe that it has happened.
2. Anger – This stage you get angry about the loss. You feel that it is not fair.
3. Bargaining – Here you wish you can change places with someone else, or plea for more time. Unfortunately, most bargaining here is pointless or not possible.
4. Depression – This is when it really hits you and you feel hopeless and often useless. You often feel like there no longer is any point to anything.
5. Acceptance – This is the final stage, where you finally accept the situation and begin to continue with the rest of your life.

Once you have reached acceptance, this does not mean that you no longer feel pain but that you begin to cope and accept it. Honestly it does get easier. If at any stage, you feel you cannot cope, do speak to friends or family or a counsellor. Speaking about it is a good way to work through your grief and help you cope.

I know it does not sound realistic, but time is a great healer, I promise!