Taking Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself is an important part of getting better. Feeling the way you do now probably didn't happen overnight. Feeling better may take a little time, too. If you are just beginning treatment, this might mean putting off big decisions for a little while and letting friends and family help you. Reaching out to the people around you is a great step toward improvement. Try to spend more time with them, talk about how you're feeling, stay in touch, and remember to ask for help. Try writing down your feelings in a notebook or journal. Some people find this comforting, and you may, too. You can even be creative and write a poem about how you're feeling.
As you respond to treatment with Cymbalta, look at your depression as an opportunity for a positive, lasting change. If you find that you are starting to feel better, talk with your doctor about how long you should continue treatment. Do not stop taking your medicine until you speak to your doctor directly. He or she may decide to steadily reduce your dose. If you stop taking your medicine, you may experience dizziness, nausea, headache, or other potential side effects.
If you're already feeling better, you may feel like actively pursuing lifestyle changes that may complement your treatment and enhance your general health, like improving your eating habits, getting a good night's sleep, or getting more exercise. Talk with your doctor before starting or changing an exercise program. The following suggestions may not be right for everyone, so work with your healthcare provider to determine what may work best for you.
Improve Your Eating Habits
You are what you eat, and what you eat can affect the way you feel. Talk to your healthcare provider about the types of food you can eat. He or she may be able to make a recommendation for you or refer you to a specialist, such as a dietician or nutritionist, to get you on the road to healthy eating. Limiting your intake of caffeine and sugar may help you feel better.
Get a Restful Night's Sleep
It is important to have healthy sleeping habits. Getting a restful night's sleep can certainly affect the way you feel in the morning and throughout the day. By creating a sleep-friendly environment, you will feel more rejuvenated and refreshed, ready to take on a new day. Your sleep environment should be a quiet, calming, soothing retreat. Turn your alarm clock to the wall—you'll be less likely to count down the time until sunrise. Don't force yourself to fall asleep. If you are still awake after being in bed for 20 minutes, do something relaxing, such as reading a book or watching TV until you feel tired. Minimize your daily intake of caffeine, sugary foods, and nicotine. These substances can cause you to be wide awake at night. It's a good idea to have a consistent sleep time and wake time. If you go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, your body will adjust to this pattern, and you'll feel much more relaxed and awake in the morning. If you have a hard time falling asleep at night, be sure not to nap during the day. It will make it more difficult for you to fall asleep when you should.
Be sure to discuss your sleep habits with your doctor and how they may be affecting your daily functioning. Write down when you go to bed and when you get up every day.
Be More Active
By adding a little exercise to your day, you can feel better—emotionally and physically. According to healthcare providers, at least 30 minutes of exercise a day is sufficient. You don't have to join a gym—you can take walks or work out at home. By walking with a friend, you get the benefits of exercise and good company. You can work out at home by renting an exercise DVD or VHS tape. Maybe you can borrow one from a friend. Other things you can do to incorporate exercise into your daily routine include taking the stairs rather than the elevator and parking your car farther away from the supermarket, so you walk more.
You should talk to your doctor before starting or changing any exercise program.
