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Even Oprah Had to Fight Depression, Find Out How She Did It

Even Oprah Had to Fight Depression, Find Out How She Did It

by 10/11/2017

Many people have the misconception that depression is a white man’s disease. It is not. Black people also suffer from depression but are more reluctant to talk about it or seek help. Even billionaire Oprah Winfrey had to overcome depression, and her being famous was not a cure!

Depression affects millions — rich and poor

According to the Centers For Disease Control, 1 in 20 Americans age 12 years and older suffer from a mental disease called depression. It’s not just feeling sad; it’s both sadness and hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that used to be pleasurable.

In severe cases, depression can lead to trouble at school or loss of a job, relationship problems, and even early death. CDC also reports that more females report depression than males.

How Oprah dealt with depression

Depression can also affect eating habits and lead to weight gain, which is what happened to Oprah. Her frequent weight fluctuations were an indication of depression and suppressing her feelings. Being in television and film, Oprah experienced both successes and failures, like ratings that were down. It was during these times when she resorted to food for comfort that she recognized she had depression.

Her cure was to practice gratitude, being thankful for what you have, not what you don’t have. As Oprah’s explains, “Because, it’s hard to remain sad if you’re focused on what you have instead of what you don’t have.” And she has a lot to be thankful for. Her advice is not to “put all of your hopes, expectations, eggs” in one basket. Do the best you can and let “whatever happens, happens.”

More helpful tips on how to fight depression

  • Talk about it — join a support group.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Learn to relax through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
  • Build a support system with friends and family who can help you.

Treatment

As with any illness, treatment should be tailored to a specific diagnosis. A treatment plan for a diagnosis of depression and an anxiety disorder should be designed to help a person manage and reduce the symptoms of both disorders, often at the same time.

Some people may have a disorder that causes most of the distress, and it is reasonable to address it first. For example, if a person who is highly depressed is unable to begin treatment for an anxiety disorder, which requires high motivation and energy, it may be necessary to treat the depression first. Often, however it is difficult to tell which set of symptoms is predominant, so treatment of both may start at the same time.

Treating Depression and Anxiety Disorders

Often depression and an anxiety disorder can be treated similarly. In many cases, therapy can be tailored to an individual so that it works to reduce the symptoms of both disorders.

Several forms of psychotherapy are effective. Of these, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works to replace negative and unproductive thought patterns with more realistic and useful ones. These treatments focus on taking specific steps to overcome anxiety and depression. Treatment often involves facing one’s fears as part of the pathway to recovery. Interpersonal therapy and problem-solving therapy are also effective.

Medications can also be useful. Symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders often occur together, and research shows that both respond to treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medications.

Other medications may be used if an SSRI or SNRI does not provide adequate improvement. For people with severe symptoms or functional limitations, psychotherapy and medication treatment may be combined.

More than one in 10 Americans take antidepressants, the number one type of medication used by people ages 18 to 44. Learn more about how these drugs work.

Find out more about medication.

Taking Other Steps

  • Consider joining a support group.
  • Try relaxation techniques, meditation, and breathing exercises.
  • Talk with family members and friends and explain how they can be helpful.
  • Your therapist may recommend self-help materials.
  • Regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Choosing a Therapist

Members of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America who specialize in anxiety disorders and depression have provided descriptions of their practices in find a therapist.

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