Best Treatment For Depression
The best treatment for depression depends on the type and severity of the symptoms. Psychotherapy and medication are often employed in conjunction to help people feel better.
Certain types of therapy include group, couples or family therapy. Other treatments include light therapy, ketamine infusions or the addition of another medication to an antidepressant (known as augmentation). Certain medications can take up to six weeks to begin working.
1. Medication
If you suffer from depression, a medication which changes the way your brain uses chemicals can improve your mood. Antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), citalopram(Celexa), fluoxetine(Prozac) or venlafaxine(Effexor) may aid. Some people might need to test several different antidepressants until they locate one that works. It could take up to 8 weeks or more before you get results.
You could be referred to psychotherapy, for example, cognitive behavioral treatment to help you change your negative thoughts and behaviors. Talk therapy can assist with issues in life and stress that cause depression. These include relationship issues as well as family or work issues or other stressors. If your counselor recommends it, you can undergo interpersonal psychotherapy, or a specific form of psychotherapy referred to as rTMS. This involves placing an insulated coil on the scalp in order to generate small magnetic waves that alter brain activity. Ketamine, a drug that is anesthetic is a drug that can provide quick relief for people suffering from severe treatment-resistant depression.
It's important to tell your doctor about any other medicines you're taking, such as over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Certain medications may hinder the effectiveness of your antidepressant, or make it worse. Your doctor will also examine any physical issues, such as a thyroid disease or back pain that is chronic, which may cause or exacerbate depression.
Your doctor will talk with you about suicide prevention if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts. Treatment for depression can also include other approaches like acupuncture, a special kind of light therapy referred to as photobiomodulation, as well as certain nutritional supplements (such as St. John's wort). Talk with your doctor about how any of these may help you.
2. Therapy
The most effective treatment is to combine therapy and medication. Talk finding the right depression treatment is also known as counseling or psychotherapy, and is a form of therapy that helps you understand your emotions and thoughts and how to change them. It can also help you develop better relationships and cope with problems in your life. It can be difficult for you to discuss your feelings however, telling a therapist how you feel is part of the process.
Research has shown that a variety of talk therapy -- including cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy help to reduce symptoms of depression as well as antidepressant medications. Psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships is a type of therapy that concentrates on relationship issues that can contribute to depression. Make sure you stick to your treatment plan and attend all your sessions. If any side effects or costs are a concern, inform your therapist know, so she can determine alternatives.
Doctors may also recommend other treatments to be combined with antidepressants or talk therapies. These include repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and lithium. rTMS is noninvasive and uses magnetic coils to alter the activity of the brain in certain areas that affect mood. DBS involves the placement of a small device in your brain to deliver electrical impulses. Lithium, which works by helping to balance the chemical levels in the brain, is sometimes used for treatment-resistant depression.
You could experience some ups and downs as you recovery. Don't make big changes in your life until you're feeling better. For instance, don't relocate to a new location or change jobs until you are confident and ready. It's also important to build an alliance of family and friends, as well as join a depression support group.
3. Exercise
Depression can drain your energy and make it difficult to get up and move around. But exercise is one of the most effective tools for treating depression. just a few minutes of activity can boost mood. Research shows that specific types of exercise--including aerobics, yoga and strength training--significantly ease depression symptoms by releasing feel-good hormones in the brain.
Exercises that are moderately intense could be beneficial in treating depression. This means that you should do a workout which gets your heart rate going but does not make you feel exhausted. Cycling, walking and swimming are all good examples. Even a brisk stroll can boost your mood. However, you must consult your physician prior to starting any new exercise.
Sleep well. It can improve your mood and make you more resilient to stress. Sleep for seven to nine hours every night. Poor sleep habits can cause depression to worsen and getting enough sleep can combat blues by reducing irritability or sadness, fatigue, and feelings of despair.
Depression can be isolating and can lead to feelings of loneliness. Try to be social whenever you can, and spend time with family and friends who can support you. You should also build a support network at work or within the community, and join a depression support group.
If you have depression Antidepressants are a primary treatment option. But they're not the only option to ease symptoms and some studies have shown that regular exercise enhances the effectiveness of these meds. Together, these two therapies are like a double-whammy against depression-related symptoms. Adding yoga and other forms of self-care like stress-reduction methods and healthy eating can help you to boost your recovery efforts.
4. Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Depression can be a drain on your body and the incorporating of healthy lifestyle changes to in reducing or easing the symptoms of depression. It can include exercises like yoga, acupuncture and mindfulness meditation. It is also vital to get enough sleep and to reduce stress as stress and depression can both exacerbate each other.
Dietary changes can also aid in battling depression. Eating a balanced diet is essential. It should include vegetables and fruits, whole grain (in their unprocessed state) as well as seeds, nuts and lean protein. Avoid processed foods, sugars, and animal fats. However, a little indulgence here and there is okay.
Exercise can also be a great mood enhancer. It is important to discuss with patients how much physical activity they're currently engaged in and how they can increase this, for example by suggesting the NHS "Couch to 5K" app or providing information about local community activities. Exercise can also improve sleep and reduce stress, all of which are beneficial factors in reducing depression.
Alternative and complementary treatments can include vitamin and herbal supplements like St. John's Wort and SAMe. However, these should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional. Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of cognitive therapy that is beneficial for those suffering from depression resistant to treatment and those who are contemplating suicide or self-injury.
It's tempting to delay or not seek treatment for depression. However, it can be treated. Discuss with your doctor all of your options including therapy, medication to lifestyle changes that are healthy and self-help coping strategies. By using these treatments in combination you can feel better sooner and learn techniques to prevent depression from returning in the future.
5. Self-Help Coping Techniques for Coping
Depression can cause many issues. It can cause you to be angry, irritable or make you feel worthless and hopeless. It may even cause you feel physically ill. You can reduce the symptoms, and there are a variety of effective treatments for depression available.
Some of the best treatment for depression include talk therapy (psychotherapy) and medication, healthy lifestyle changes, and self-help coping strategies. Positive coping techniques are crucial in identifying negative thoughts and replacing them with helpful ones. Relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation or deep breathing may also help to ease the negative effects associated with depression.
If you're considering treatment for depression, consult your general practitioner first or request a referral. The therapist or doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the length of time they've been there and how they impact your daily life. The doctor will then conduct an examination of your body and conduct tests in the lab to make sure that your depression is not caused by a medical issue such as thyroid problems.
Other options for treating depression include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which is a process that involves the use of electrical currents transmitted through your brain to impact mood. ECT is utilized to treat those who do not improve with antidepressants, or who are at a high risk of suicide. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a different option. A coil placed on your scalp sends magnetic signals to brain nerve cells involved in depression. These aren't as effective as antidepressants, but they can offer some relief for people who aren't responding to medication. In some cases, you may be offered counseling or a form of psychotherapy which can be delivered in person or via the telephone or online. Counselling for depression is offered from the NHS, and you're likely to have 8 to 16 sessions over a span of time.