Best Treatment For Depression The type and severity symptoms determine the best treatment for depression. Most often, it's a combination treatments that help people feel better, such as psychotherapy and medication. Family, couple or group therapy are a few types of therapy. Other treatments include light therapy, ketamine injections, or adding another medication to an antidepressant. Certain medicines can take up to six weeks to take effect. 1. Medication If you suffer from depression a medication which changes the way your brain uses chemicals could boost your mood. Antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), citalopram(Celexa), fluoxetine(Prozac) or venlafaxine(Effexor) can help. Some people need to try several antidepressants before settling on one that is effective for them. It could take 8 weeks or more to see results. Your doctor could also prescribe psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, to assist you in changing negative thoughts and behaviors. Talk therapy can help you find ways to cope with stress and life challenges that can trigger depression, including relationships issues, family or work-related issues. If your counselor recommends it, you can undergo interpersonal psychotherapy or a specific form of psychotherapy referred to as rTMS. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-treatment involves putting an insulated coil on the scalp to produce small magnetic waves that alter brain activity. Ketamine is an anesthetic that can help sufferers of severe depression. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications that contain herbal supplements, as well as over-the-counter medicines. Certain medications may hinder the effectiveness of your antidepressant or make it worse. Your doctor will also look into any physical ailments, like an illness of the thyroid or chronic back pain which may cause or exacerbate depression. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts your doctor will be able to talk about suicide prevention. Treatment for depression may include other methods such as acupuncture or a particular type of light therapy referred to as photobiomodulation. It may include certain nutritional supplements, like St. John's Wort. Consult your physician to determine whether any of these options can help. 2. Therapy The most effective treatment is a combination between therapy and medication. Talk therapy is known as psychotherapy or counseling, and is a method of therapy that helps you understand your thoughts and feelings and learn how to change them. It can also help you build more positive relationships and manage problems in your life. It can be difficult for you to share your feelings but telling a therapist what you feel is a part of the process. Research shows that talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy can reduce depression symptoms as well as antidepressant medication. Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on resolving relationship issues that contribute to depression. Participate in all sessions and adhere to your treatment plan. If drug side effects or costs are a problem, tell your therapist know so that she can work out alternatives. Doctors may also recommend other treatments that can be incorporated with antidepressants or talk therapies. These include repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as well as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and lithium. rTMS is noninvasive and uses magnetic coils to alter brain activity in certain areas that affect mood. DBS involves the introduction of a small device inside your brain to deliver electrical impulses. Lithium is a treatment for depression that has not responded to treatment. It works by balancing the chemicals in the brain. There will be some ups and downs as you recovery. Do not make major changes to your life until you are feeling better. For example, don't move to a new city or change jobs until you are ready. Join a depression support group and develop a network of family and friends. 3. Exercise A depressive episode can drain your energy, making it difficult to get out of bed and get moving. However, exercise is among the most effective methods to treat depression, and just an hour of exercise 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 strenuous can be beneficial in treating depression. This is a workout which gets your heart rate going but doesn't make you feel exhausted. Cycling, swimming, and walking are great examples. Even a short walk can help improve mood, but it is important to consult your physician prior to starting any new physical activity. Alongside exercise make sure you get enough sleep which can improve your mood and improve your resiliency to stress. Sleep between seven and nine hours each night. Sleeping habits can make depression worse. Sleeping enough can help fight the blues by reducing fatigue and irritability, as well as feelings of hopelessness, sadness and fatigue. Depression can be isolating and can cause feelings of loneliness. Spend time with your family and friends who can assist you. It is also important to build a support network at work or in the community, and be a part of a depression support group. If you suffer from depression, antidepressants are a core treatment option. They're not the only solution to alleviate symptoms. Certain studies have proven that regular exercise can boost the effectiveness of these drugs. Together, they're like a one-two punch against depression symptoms. Yoga and other self-care techniques, such as stress management and healthy eating can also aid in recovering. 4. Healthy Lifestyle Changes Depression can have a negative effect on the body. Making healthy lifestyle changes in treatment can help reduce depression symptoms. It can include activities such as yoga, acupuncture and mindfulness meditation. It's also important to rest enough and minimize stress as these can both exacerbate depression. Changes in diet can also help to combat depression. Eating a healthy and balanced diet is crucial. It should include vegetables and fruits, whole grain (in their unprocessed state), seeds, nuts, and lean protein. Try to avoid processed foods, added sugars, and animal fats, however occasionally indulgences are fine. Exercise can also boost mood. It's important to discuss with patients the amount of physical activity they're currently engaged in and ways to increase their activity, for example by suggesting the NHS "Couch to 5K" app or providing details of local community activities. Exercise can improve sleep, reduce anxiety and depression. Some complementary and alternative treatments for depression include vitamin and herbal supplements, like St. John's wort and SAMe, but these should only be taken on the guidance of a health professional. There is also a type of cognitive behavioral therapy known as dialectical behavior therapy. It is beneficial for those with treatment-resistant depression and those who are considering suicide or self-injury. While it's tempting not to or delay seeking treatment for depression, it's completely treatable. Consult your doctor about all your options. From medication to therapy, healthy lifestyle changes, and self-help techniques for coping. You can feel better faster and learn how to prevent depression from recurring in the future, by combining these treatments in conjunction. 5. Self-Help Coping Techniques Depression can trigger many issues. It can cause you to become angry, unruly, or make you feel depressed and hopeless. It could even make you feel physically ill. You can reduce the symptoms and there are many effective treatments for depression. Some of the best treatment for depression include talk therapy (psychotherapy), medications, healthy lifestyle changes and self-help strategies for coping. Positive coping techniques are crucial in the identification of negative thoughts and replacing them with helpful ones. Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation or deep breathing, may also help ease the negative effects of depression. If you're thinking of seeking treatment for depression, begin by speaking to your general practitioner or getting an appointment with an expert in mental health. The doctor or therapist will inquire about your symptoms and how long they've been present, and how they affect your daily life. The doctor will then conduct a physical examination and run tests in the lab to make sure that your depression is not caused by a medical condition such as thyroid problems. Other treatments for depression include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which is a process that involves the use of electrical currents passed through your brain to alter mood. ECT is usually used by those who are unable to recover from antidepressants, or who are at risk of suicide. Another alternative is transcranial magnetic stimulation, where a treatment coil placed on the scalp transmits short magnetic pulses to the nerve cells in your brain that are involved in depression. They're not as effective as antidepressants, but they can offer some relief for people who don't respond to medications. Counseling may be available. It's a form of psychotherapy which can be done over the phone, via the internet, or in person. Counselling for depression is available from the NHS and you're likely to receive between 8 and 16 sessions over a period of time.