Treating Depression
Depression can make you feel hopeless and helpless. But just taking the first step—deciding to get treatment - can make all the difference. A number of effective treatments are available for depression and the right one or the right combination of them can usually be found for each person with the illness. It does not just quickly go away on its own, and it can be a disabling and potentially serious condition.
Medication
It's possible that, like millions of others, you may be taking medications (antidepressants) of some kind to treat depression. Antidepressants are often the first treatment option prescribed by health professionals. More medications are available to treat depression than ever before. Some antidepressant classes have fallen out of favor, while others have risen in popularity. All antidepressants work by boosting one or more chemicals (called neurotransmitters) in the nervous system. These chemicals may be present in insufficient amounts in depression, resulting in the symptoms of the illness. Antidepressants may cause mild and often temporary side effects in some people, but they are usually not long - term. The most common side effects associated with antidepressants include Nausea, Dry mouth, Diarrhea or constipation, Problems with sexual health, Dizziness, Problems sleeping, Drowsiness, Weight changes, Anxiety/agitation. However, any unusual reactions or side effects that interfere with normal functioning should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy-"talk therapy", is one of the most effective ways to treat depression. Studies have proven that talking to an expert about your condition can help resolve it. While the results are not immediate, you may find that just expressing what you're feeling can bring some relief. Psychotherapy can be delivered, to individuals or groups, by mental health professionals, including psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, counselors, and psychiatric nurses. This therapy works in many ways - emotional support, problem solving, examining and changing thinking styles, checking basic needs are met, looking at behavior, teaching social and other skills and so on. With more complex and chronic forms of depression, a combination of medication and psychotherapy may be used.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy formerly known as "shock therapy" is one of the most misunderstood treatments for depression. Yet ECT remains one of the most effective treatments for severe depression, and can provide relief for people who have not been able to feel better with other treatments.
ECT works by sending an electrical charge to the brain that causes a brief and controlled seizure. Although it may sound frightening, patients receive it while under general anesthesia, and awaken with no memory of the procedure. Typically, people receiving ECT will have 6 to 12 sessions over several weeks. Like all treatments, ECT does have some side effects. These can include headache, forgetfulness around the time of treatment.
Depression is one of the top five conditions for which people turn to complementary and alternative therapies, such as herbal treatments, exercise, relaxation or meditation exercises, and acupuncture. All of these approaches have been tested in scientific trials for depression, some with better results than others. Studies have shown that most people don't tell their doctors what alternative therapies they're using, but it is important to do so. Sometimes a complementary treatment has a problematic interaction with a medication your doctor is prescribing for you. Also, your doctor may be able to offer advice about that particular alternative therapy