Depression Treatment Strategies The good news is that depression can be treated. The first step is to seek out help from a therapist or doctor. Treatment plans could include psychotherapy or medication. Certain people suffering from severe depression may require hospitalization, particularly when they are at risk for harming themselves. It could take some time to determine the best combination of treatments. 1. Medication The use of medication can ease depression symptoms and reduce the chance of recurrence. However, the capacity of a patient to take medication may vary and the adverse effects must be closely monitored. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is also a treatment for depression. Counseling can help a patient overcome negative perceptions about themselves or their worth, which could contribute to the condition. It may also help them find ways to change destructive patterns of behavior. Psychotherapy can be given by a trained mental health professional like psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed social worker or a licensed marriage and family therapist. A physician can refer someone for psychotherapy via local psychiatric societies medical schools, community health centers, workplace Employee Assistance Programs or online locators. Many people have difficulty sticking to the medications prescribed for depression. This is known as noncompliance and can be a major barrier to recovery. Noncompliance has been linked to increased symptoms, poor treatment adherence and a higher chance of suicide. Evidence suggests that combining brief psychotherapy with antidepressants works better than either of them alone. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is usually used in conjunction with talk therapy to treat depression. It helps patients recognize pessimistic judgments and patterns of thinking that are not helpful, which then helps them change the way they look at situations. CBT can be paired with psychotherapy for relationships that focuses on improving problematic situations and relationships. Other treatments that are possible include ECT which involves passing electrical currents through the brain and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that uses magnetic pulses stimulate regions of the brain that are involved with mood regulation. ECT is used to treat severe depression when other treatments fail to work or if the patient is at risk. 2. Therapy Talk therapy (also known by the name psychotherapy) can be used to combat depression. It does this by addressing your emotional distress at its source. Certain types of psychotherapy can alleviate symptoms as well as improve social functioning and relationships and improve overall wellbeing. Psychotherapy is provided by a variety of mental health professionals who are educated. They include licensed clinical social workers as well as marriage and family therapists, and psychologists. They also have training in treating specific disorders, such as depression. You may be referred by your primary physician, your community mental centers, or Employee Assistance Programs at work. Depending on the needs of each person The type of therapy that is appropriate for each person can be short-term (short-term) or long-term (long-term). Certain types of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy can help you identify negative thoughts and behaviors and replace them with healthier ones. These therapies help you learn to manage stress and emotions. Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies for example, assume that your emotions and behavior are the result of unresolved subconscious conflicts. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-treatment can last from a few days to a few months. In addition to traditional face-to-face office sessions, there is various alternatives to therapy, such as animal-assisted therapy, creative arts therapy and play therapy. These techniques employ music and art to assist you in expressing yourself and assist in talking therapy. It is important to collaborate with your therapist to determine the most effective approach for you, and to develop clear treatment goals. Attend your scheduled sessions and follow the advice of your therapist. This will ensure you get the maximum benefit from your therapy. 4. Nutrition Changing your diet is an easy and effective method to improve your mental health. Dietary changes are a natural alternative to antidepressants which might cause adverse effects or are not suitable for all people. A diet low in salt, sugar and processed fats may help reduce depression symptoms. Replace these food items with healthy and nutritious alternatives like vegetables, fruits and legumes (such lentils or a black bean), whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Eat oily fish a few times a week to increase intake of omega-3. Omega-3 can help reduce inflammation and improve mood. Beans are an excellent source of folate, fiber, and protein. Folate, a B-vitamin, can aid in stabilizing blood sugar levels and improve mood. Folate is also found in dark leafy greens, orange juice and many whole grains. A diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory foods like berries can also help improve depression symptoms. Anti-inflammatory food items can help reduce inflammation in the body and decrease the chance of developing a depression episode by cutting down the production of cortisol, an enzyme that raises blood pressure and heart rate. Take into consideration 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. Try to eat two portions of oily fish each week or take an omega-3 supplement to help combat depression. Reduce your intake of alcohol and other substances, which can worsen depression. If you have difficulty cutting down on these substances, consult your doctor about alternative options for treatment, like group or dialectical behavior therapy psychotherapy. These can be helpful for people with depression. 5. Self-care Self-care refers to any method that makes you feel relaxed and refuels your energy. It involves practices such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in activities that make you happy. Self-care may also include walking, expressing gratitude, or sharing a laugh with a friend. If you're suffering from depression it can be difficult to make the commitment to self-care a priority, but even small acts can make you feel better. Your doctor can advise you on what kinds of self-care might be helpful. They could refer you to psychologists, a mental health worker or other professionals. You can receive a rebate through Medicare to see these professionals if your doctor writes you an GP Mental Health Plan (for more details ask your doctor). If you are contemplating suicide, your doctor might suggest that you visit your local crisis service or the emergency department of the nearest major hospital to get a mental health evaluation. Psychological treatments (also known as talk therapies) have been shown to be effective at treating depression. They can help to change negative thoughts and improve coping abilities so you're more prepared to face life's challenges and conflicts. One of the most popular psychological treatments is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you identify and address negative thinking patterns. Self-help strategies, like exercise, sleep and nutrition, can be useful for people suffering from depression. However, a person's willingness and ability to utilize these strategies will depend on the degree of their depression and how much help they need. It's important to understand that, while these strategies can help, they don't cure depression and usually take time to work.