Depression Treatment Strategies
The good news is that depression can be treated. The first step is to seek help from a therapist or your doctor.
The treatment plan may comprise psychotherapy (talk therapy) or medication. Certain people suffering from severe depression may require hospitalization, particularly in cases where they are at risk for harming themselves. Finding the best combination of treatment may take some time.
1. Medication
Medicines can help alleviate depression symptoms and reduce the chance of the recurrence. However, a patient's ability to tolerate medication can vary and the effects of medication must be carefully monitored.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also a treatment for depression. Counseling can help patients overcome negative beliefs they may have about themselves or how valuable they are, which could be a contributing factor to depression. It can also help them discover ways to alter destructive patterns of behavior. Psychotherapy is provided by an expert in mental health, like a licensed social worker, licensed marriage and family counselor, licensed psychologist, or a licensed psychiatrist. A physician can refer a patient to psychotherapy via local psychiatric societies or medical schools, or community health centers. Employee Assistance Programs at work, online locators or workplace Employee Assistance Programs are also options.
Many people have difficulty sticking to the prescribed medication for depression. This is called noncompliance, and it can be a major obstacle to recovery. Noncompliance is linked to increased symptoms and less compliance to treatment. It also increases the likelihood of suicide. Evidence suggests that a combination brief psychotherapy with antidepressants works better than either of them alone.
Therapy for depression typically includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It helps patients recognize negative assessments and negative patterns of thinking which allows them to change their perspective on situations. CBT can be paired with interpersonal psychotherapy which focuses on improving situations and relationships. Other treatments include ECT (which involves the transmission of electrical currents throughout the brain) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) which makes use of magnetic pulses to stimulate the areas of the brain that regulate mood. ECT is used to treat severe depression when other treatments don't work or if a person is at risk.
2. Therapy
Talk therapy (also known as psychotherapy) can be used to treat depression. It accomplishes this by addressing your emotional distress at the root of the issue. Certain types of psychotherapy may help alleviate symptoms, improve your social functioning and relationships, and increase overall wellbeing. Many mental health professionals have been trained in psychotherapy and offer this kind of therapy. They include licensed clinical social workers as well as family and marriage therapists as well as psychologists. Some also have specialized training in treating specific disorders, such as depression. You may be referred to one of these specialists by your primary care physician or community mental health centers, or workplace Employee Assistance Programs.
Based on your specific needs, therapy may be either long-term or short-term. Some forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy can help you identify negative thoughts and behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. These therapies can also teach you strategies for coping to manage stress and emotions. Psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapies, for instance, believe that your behavior and emotions are a result of unresolved subconscious conflicts. These therapies can take up to a period of time.
There are a myriad of alternatives to traditional face-to-face sessions. These include animal-assisted therapies, creative arts therapies and play therapy. These approaches use art, dance, music and poetry to aid in talking therapy and allow you to express yourself.
depression treatment options Iampsychiatry is essential to work with your therapist in order to determine the best treatment plan for you, and to set clear treatment goals. Attend your scheduled sessions and follow the suggestions of your therapist. This will allow you to get the most benefit from your therapy.
4. Nutrition
Making changes to your diet is an easy and effective way to improve your mental health. Dietary changes are a great alternative to antidepressants, but they might cause adverse effects or not work for everyone.
A diet low in salt, sugar and processed fats may help alleviate depression symptoms. Try replacing these meals with wholesome nutritious ones, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes (such as lentils or black beans) whole grains as well as nuts and seeds. Oily fish can help reduce inflammation and improve mood.
Beans are a fantastic source of protein, fiber and folate. Folate is a B vitamin that can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and boost mood. Folate is also present in dark greens, oranges, and whole grains.
A diet high in anti-inflammatory food items, such as berries, can help improve depression symptoms. Anti-inflammatory foods can reduce inflammation in the body and reduce the likelihood of having a depressive episode by decreasing the production of cortisol, an enzyme that raises blood pressure and heart rate.
Try eating a range of food items to get sufficient vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D and E, as well as iron potassium, magnesium, zinc, selenium and calcium. Take omega-3 supplements or eat two portions of oily fish every week to avoid depression.
Reduce your intake of alcohol and other drugs since they can cause depression to worsen. If you are having trouble reducing your intake, speak to your physician about alternatives to treatment, such as dialectical psychotherapy or group therapy. These are beneficial for people suffering from depression.
5. Self-care
Self-care could be any method that makes you feel happy or boosts your energy. It entails practices such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and engaging in activities that you are enjoying. Self-care includes walking or expressing gratitude, as well as having a laugh with a friend. When you are dealing with depression, it can be challenging to commit to self-care however even the smallest of actions can make you feel better.
Your doctor will give you guidance on which self-care strategies can be most beneficial. They might refer you to a therapist or mental health worker. You may be eligible for rebates through Medicare to consult these professionals if your doctor has written you an GP Mental Health Plan (for more details consult your physician). If you have thoughts of suicide, your doctor might recommend that you visit your local crisis service or the emergency department at your nearest major hospital to get a mental health evaluation.
Psychological treatments, sometimes called talking therapies have been proven be effective in helping those suffering from depression. They can help you alter negative thinking patterns and enhance your coping skills, so that you are better equipped to face the challenges of life. Cognitive therapy for behavioural issues is among the most common kinds of psychological treatments. It helps you learn to recognize and confront harmful thoughts patterns.
Many people who suffer from depression benefit from self-help techniques like exercise, sleep and nutrition. The ability and willingness of a person to use these strategies will depend on the severity of their depression and the level of assistance they need. These strategies are helpful however they don't treat depression. They also take time to work.