Tips for Managing Depression

As you address your depression, it's important to adopt a more positive attitude. You can get better, and here are some ways to help you get through this tough time.

Pace yourself.

Set reasonable goals for yourself. Don't expect to do everything you normally can.

Expect your mood to improve little by little, not overnight. People rarely "snap out" of a depression. Feeling better takes time.

Turn to your friends and family.

Try to be around other people and tell someone your feelings. It's usually better than being alone and keeping to yourself.

Avoid making big life decisions when you're depressed. If you must make a big decision - switching jobs, getting married, or divorced - ask someone you trust to help you. They might be able to see your situation in a more clear-headed way.

Keep yourself busy.

Get involved in activities that make you feel good or feel like you've achieved something.

Physical activity seems to cause a chemical reaction in the body that might improve your mood. Exercising four to six times a week for at least 30 minutes each time is a good goal. But even less activity can be helpful.

Help brighten your mood by doing things that you used to enjoy. Going to a movie, a ball game, or taking part in a religious, social, or other event might help.

Think positively.

Try not to get discouraged. It'll take time for your depression to lift.

Don't believe all of your negative thinking, such as blaming yourself or expecting to fail. This thinking is part of depression. These thoughts will go away as your depression lifts.

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Depression is a serious medical condition, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. Children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior within the first few months of treatment. This risk must be balanced with the medical need. Those starting medication or changing doses should be watched closely for suicidal thoughts, worsening of depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. In children and teens, Zoloft is only approved for use in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A patient Medication Guide about "Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions" is available.

Zoloft is not for everyone. People taking MAOIs or pimozide shouldn't take Zoloft. Concomitant use of Zoloft with NSAIDs or aspirin may be associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Side effects may include dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects, diarrhea, nausea and sleepiness. In studies, few people were bothered enough by side effects to stop taking Zoloft. Side effects may result from stopping Zoloft particularly when abrupt. You should, however, stop taking Zoloft if you get any of the following symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome, a rare but life-threatening reaction, such as fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, trouble thinking clearly, a change in mental functioning, sleepiness, or change in your breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure.

You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as there is a potential risk to the fetus with Zoloft. Like many antidepressants, Zoloft can be present in breast milk so tell your doctor if you are nursing.

Zoloft is approved to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. It is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents age 6-17 years.

Zoloft is not habit-forming and is not associated with weight gain. So talk to your doctor about how Zoloft might help you. Zoloft comes in 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg tablets. You and your doctor can discuss a dose for you.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

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