Depression is a medical illness that can affect anyone. More than 17 million adults in the country aged 18 and older suffer from depression in a year. This condition negatively impacts how a person feels, acts, and thinks. If the symptoms of depression are left unchecked, it can lead to issues like social isolation, conflicts at home and work, and bouts of anxiety and anger. Here are three tips that can help manage this illness.

Seeking treatment
Depression should be treated at the earliest to avoid any complications. Here are two prescriptions that help cope with this condition:

• REXULTI® (brexpiprazole)
  This oral tablet is prescribed to treat major depression in adults. Studies show that REXULTI helps reduce depression symptoms by 62% when combined with other antidepressants.
• CAPLYTA® (lumateperone)
  CAPLYTA is a once-daily pill that can be taken with or without food. The prescription treatment curbs depressive episodes in adults with bipolar I or II disorder. The tablet can also be combined with lithium or valproate, based on the doctor’s directives.

Having a disciplined meal plan
No nutrition regimen is proven to get rid of depression, but certain foods can help regulate the symptoms. Here are two main types to consider:

• Antioxidant-rich foods
  The damage caused by free radicals in the body can be reduced by having foods rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamins C and E. Free radicals often aggravate aging, cell damage, and other health problems that may trigger symptoms of depression.
• Protein-rich foods
  Having foods rich in proteins may promote a clearer mind and boost energy levels. Chicken, turkey, and tuna contain the amino acid tryptophan, which promotes serotonin production. Other protein-rich food sources include peas, low-fat cheese, milk, yogurt, and beans.

Adopting lifestyle changes
Making these changes to one’s lifestyle can also help cope with depression:

• Exercising every day
  Indulging in regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can help increase endorphin production in the body. This hormone has proven to improve one’s mood, subsequently reducing the symptoms of depression.
• Getting enough rest
  Fatigue is a symptom of depression that usually results from insufficient sleep. Therefore, sleeping for around eight hours a day will help revitalize the mind and body.
• Mindful practices
  Indulging in mindful activities like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help improve a person’s focus and ease the stress caused by depression.