Depression can make a person feel unusually sad， worthless， uninterested in activities that used to be fun， restless or even suicidal①.
Depression is a serious illness that requires professional treatment， often with a combination② of medication and psychological therapy.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions for dealing with depression：
Set a realistic schedule③ for yourself. While you’re getting better， don’t expect that you can maintain a full schedule at a regular pace.
Try not to believe the negative thoughts， like feelings of failure， that depression causes—such thoughts should ease as depression subsides④.
Participate in activities that make you feel good about yourself and that you enjoy.
While you’re depressed， try to avoid making any major life decisions. If you have to， ask a trusted friend or family member for help.
Don’t drink alcohol or take unprescribed drugs， as either can cause serious interactions⑤ with antidepressant medication， and can exacerbate depression.
Get as much exercise as possible—at least 30 minutes four to six times a week.
Following the above-mentioned advices， the depression will be relieved effectively.
① suicidaladj. 自杀的； 自我毁灭的；自杀性的
② combinationn. 结合(体)；联合(体)；【化】化合
③ schedulen. 计划表；日程安排表； 表；清单；目录 vt. 将……列入计划(或时间)表
④ subsidevi. 退落；消退；消失；平静下来，平息；坐下；跪下；躺倒
⑤ interactionn. 互相影响；互动
抑郁症的缓解
患抑郁症的人通常会感到异常忧伤、觉得人生毫无价值、对原本感兴趣的活动失去兴趣、烦躁、甚至会产生自杀的念头。
抑郁症是一种很严重的疾病，通常需要药物和心理治疗相结合的专业治疗。
美国家庭医生学会对治疗抑郁症提出了以下几点建议：
给自己安排的计划要现实合理。即使你在慢慢恢复，但也不要总把自己的时间安排得满满的。
试着摆脱由抑郁症引起的如失败感等此类的消极想法，这些想法会随着抑郁症的减轻而逐渐消除。
参加一些你喜欢的、能让自己感到愉快的活动。
当你情绪低落的时候，避免去做人生中的重大决定。如果一定要做出决定，最好向可信赖的朋友或家人寻求帮助。
不要喝酒精饮料或服用非医生开具的药物，因为这可能会与抗抑郁类药物发生严重反应，而且可能会使病情加重。
多锻炼身体，每周锻炼四至六次，每次至少30分钟。
遵循以上的建议，抑郁症就可以得到有效的缓解。