Third, is there an ongoing neurological or medical disorder that precipitates, aggravates, or complicates depression?

Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, vitamin B-12 deficiency, pancreatic cancer, brain tumor, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can all cause depression. If any of these disorders are present, antidepressants are less likely to help. The goal in these situations is to treat underlying medical condition. A 65 year-old lady came to see me complaining of severe depression. On evaluation, she disclosed that she had been on three types of antidepressants for past four years with minimal response. I checked her recent laboratory results which showed an abnormal thyroid! No wonder, she was not responding to medication.

Fourth, are there ongoing psychosocial issues?

Financial problems, family conflict, work-related stress can all precipitate and complicate depression. Despite adequate medication treatment, some individuals will remain depressed especially if such problems are not addressed by therapist or psychiatrist. Is there any way you can reduce stressors? Please do so earliest you can.

The treatment of depression is frequently straightforward. Occasionally however, various factors complicate it. For antidepressant to be effective, a psychiatrist should ensure that diagnosis is correct, that co-morbid psychiatric disorders and medical problems are treated, and that psychosocial issues are adequately addressed.

Maria’s doctor should explore further real problem and provide most appropriate intervention.

Take dance lessons! Ballroom dancing, tap dancing, belly dancing-whatever you like! Dancing is a wonderful hobby because you get exercise while having fun. You can start teaching yourself with videos at home, without embarrassment of other people watching, and practice as long as you want. If you decide you like it, find a place to take lessons when you can get out again! You can make new friends and even get really involved in competitions, exhibitions, etc. Who knows, maybe you’ll love it so much you’ll become an instructor yourself! Order those videos now!

Learn a craft such as knitting, crocheting, quilting, embroidery, needlepoint, etc. Keeping your hands busy with crafts will keep you out of refrigerator.

Do you have musical talent? Learn an instrument, or get back into playing one you haven’t touched in a while. Just try not to practice to point of driving away your family!

Light some candles, put on some soft music, and sink into a nice hot bubble bath. C’mon, you know you love it! Can you even remember last time you indulged in it?

Have you ever thought about building a house? There are literally thousands of floor plans available on web. You can spend hours refining your search, looking at interesting plans and getting ideas. It might inspire you to make that dream come true!

I hope having some of these ideas in your head and getting supplies in order will help keep you occupied, keep you out of refrigerator and cupboards, lift away winter doldrums, and maybe even open some new doors for future adventures. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! We’ve got plenty to do inside!