Blues; Discouragement; Gloom; Mood changes; Sadness; Melancholy
Prevention
Healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent depression, or lessen the chances of it happening again. These habits include eating properly, sleeping adequately, exercising regularly, learning to relax, and not drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Counseling may help you through times of grief, stress, or low mood. Family therapy may be particularly important for teens who feel blue.
If you feel socially isolated or lonely, try volunteering or getting involved in group activities.
References
Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Major Depressive Disorder. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Mosby, Inc., 2004:chap 74.
Guide to Clinical Preventive Services: Screening for Depression, Recommendations and Rationale. Rockville, Md. US Preventive Services Task Force, Dept of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Ann Intern Med. 2002; 136(10): 760–764.
Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder , 2nd ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2005.
Conway MW, Miller MN. Mood disorders. In: Rakel P, Bope ET, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 281.
Schiffer RB. Psychiatric disorders in medical practice. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 420.
Previous Section
