What Can What Can You Do? You Do?

1 Seek Psychotherapy

Clinical depression generally improves with a combination of psychotherapy and medications. Patients should not feel embarrassed or hesitant about asking for a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist as psychotherapy can help them learn to understand their feelings and illness and cope more effectively with stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a special type of psychotherapy, can be very helpful.

2.Join Support Groups

Support groups led by a therapist or trained counselor can play an essential role in helping patients deal with symptoms of clinical depression.

3 Use Medications

Certain medications such as anxiolytics and antidepressants can help patients manage their symptoms, but proper guidance from a physician is needed. If used properly, improvement is evident in a matter of weeks once the medication is started.

4 Try Over-the-Counter Drugs

It is important for patients to discuss all herbs and supplements taken with their physicians as certain ingredients can interact with already prescribed Lupus medications.

5. Discover the Value of Volunteerism

Volunteerism can provide real emotional benefits, and helping others can have a positive impact on the patient's own well-being.

6 Find Ways to Reduce Pain

Chronic pain plays a major role in the development of clinical depression. Besides medications, experts recommend non-pharmacological approaches to conquer, or at least reduce, chronic pain. These include yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, acupuncture, biofeedback, meditation, behavioral changes, play therapy as well as chiropractic care.

7 Be More Active

If physically able, the patient should be advised to take part in some sort of physical activity every day.

8 Improve Sleep Habits

Not getting enough restful sleep can bring about multiple health problems, including clinical depression. Strategies that aim to improve sleep include:

Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.

Performing aerobic exercises every day.

Avoiding caffeine, nicotine and alcohol several hours before bedtime. Knowing which medications induce sleep disturbances and taking them earlier during the day.

Ensuring a proper sleep environment by having a good mattress, comfortable bed linens, the right room temperature and the right amount of darkness.

9. Build a Support System

Staying in touch with family and friends, making phone calls, joining Facebook or adding an animal companion to the family can help alleviate symptoms of clinical depression.

10 Choose a Positive Self-Talk

Words of anger and self-pity such as "It is not fair. I have not done anything wrong. Why me?" can bring about unproductive and harmful thoughts. Patients should be encouraged to replace negative thoughts with positive ones such as “Despite my illness, I still have many blessings.”

Just as clinical depression develops over time and not overnight, conquering it is a gradual process. However, most patient with Lupus find that, with time, their overall attitude and sense of well-being are greatly improved.