Depression Treatment

Many people wonder when it is necessary to seek professional treatment for depression. Sometimes we say we are depressed just because we've had a bad day at the office or a fight with our partner.

These feelings come and go and are not really related to depression. They are just normal and short-term feelings of sadness or frustration.

However, if depressive symptoms last for more than two weeks or they are very disturbing, you should probably seek professional help.

Depression is a serious medical condition that can sometimes be very dangerous, leading to suicidal thoughts or even behavior. There are two basic types of depression treatment: psychotherapy and medication.

Psychotherapy

Psychological depression treatment can help in many way. First of all, supportive counseling may ease the pain and address the feelings of desperation and hopelessness associated with depression.

Secondly, cognitive therapy fights against the pessimistic ideas and unrealistic expectations, as well as the exaggerate self-criticism that usually lead to depression. It helps the patient distinguish between major and minor problems in life and build positive goals.

Finally, problem solving therapy helps the patient change those aspects of life that create an important amount of stress and thus contribute to depression.

Behavioral or Interpersonal therapy may be needed in order to develop better coping skills and solve relationship problems.

Unfortunately, many therapists do not go beyond supportive counseling. Though it seems helpful and is actually necessary as part of a more complex depression treatment, the supportive counseling alone does not eliminate the depression.

The patient has to make some important life changes, both internal, by changing the way he perceives himself and others, and external, by developing communication, stress management and life management skills. Otherwise, the depression, as well as the therapy, will continue indefinitely without any significant improvement.

The duration of the depression treatment depends on how serious the depression is and the number and complexity of life problems that have to be addressed.

Some improvement is usually experienced after the first 6-10 sessions, and significant changes happen after 20-30 sessions for 70%-80% of all patients.

Mild depressions are easier to cure and require shorter treatment, while more serious ones may need extended treatment. Sessions are generally scheduled once a week, although initially they may be more frequent, especially if the patient is experiencing significant crises.

Medication

Medication is a compulsory depression treatment only in severe cases. However, they do not cure depression, they just help you feel better. If life problems, such as divorce, job pressures, financial crises or loss of a loved one is what makes you depressed, taking a pill will not make them go away.

In serious depression, associated with suicidal thoughts or excessive preoccupation with death, medication may be required in addition to psychotherapy. Antidepressants can help by relieving those symptoms and allowing you to make the necessary life changes.

You should discuss the decision of taking medication to treat your depression both with your treating psychotherapist and your primary care physician.

After you are properly informed, you should spend some time on evaluating the pros and cons yourself and decide whether you want to take medication or not.

If you decide to take antidepressant medication, either your primary physician or a psychiatrist should supervise the medical part of the depression treatment.

If you have a chronic disease, the medical specialist that treats you should also be involved in your treatment.