Treatments for Depression

Knowing that each person is different, one or more of the following options could be the right form of treatment for depression, and each should be explored carefully with your healthcare provider.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Psychotherapy is based on talking about your depression with a professional psychotherapist. The benefits of psychotherapy include improving your coping skills and managing the stress factors in your life, which lead to depression. Therapy for depression is proven to have greater effect when combined with medication and in maintaining a healthy treatment over a longer period of time. It also helps you to understand your depression and to speak about it with others. Most importantly, talking with a therapist may help in preventing more serious disorders.

MEDICATION

Many medications for depression, or anti-depressants, are available because of the many types of depression. Because of the differences in our bodies, not everyone reacts the same to a drug. Sometimes two or more anti-depressants are prescribed in combination so that the best effect can be achieved. According to a 2006 study funded by the National Institutes of Health, only 30% of people with depression go into full remission after taking their first course of antidepressants. So it may be necessary to maintain a long-term and supervised treatment for full benefits.

HOLISTIC APPROACHES

Some people try alternatives to pharmaceuticals. However, it is important to check with your healthcare provider to ensure such approaches are appropriate. In addition to supplements, other alternative approaches recognize the Mind/Body connection. Treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, meditation and guided imagery may be effective against depression. However, like psychotherapy and anti-depressants, the effects are stronger when consistent over longer periods of time. As with stress management, healthy diet, exercise, breathing exercises are beneficial to our mental wellbeing regardless of depression.