Depression is a common mental illness marked by sadness, loss of interest in activities that once gave pleasure and a distorted view of oneself and the world. It affects more than 260 million people worldwide and around 17-18% of the general population in developed countries. It is necessary to get diagnosed with depression before finding out what treatment options are best for you. One thing you should know before any antidepressants are prescribed is that they have side effects, but they can be managed, minimized or completely eliminated if certain precautions are taken during therapy.
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What are the different types of depression?
There are three major types of depression, namely psychotic depression, catatonic depression and melancholic depression.
a. Psychotic: Psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations describe this form of depression disease.
b. Catatonic: Catatonia is a kind of depression in which a person does not move or interacts to his or her environment exclusively with nonverbal gestures. Catatonic depression can coexist with psychotic symptoms in certain persons.
c. Melancholic: It is no longer pleasurable to engage in things that were formerly pleasurable. Low energy, weariness, and a loss of enthusiasm in everyday tasks are all symptoms of melancholic depression.
What are the best treatments for depression?
- Taking medication
Taking antidepressant drugs is probably the most common treatment for depression. It is a viable option even if you do not consider yourself to be a person who believes much in prescription medications or you simply want to try out another form of treatment before using medication. Even though antidepressant medications were developed as treatments for depression, they are also prescribed and used off-label as treatments for other conditions such as dysthymia and chronic pain. Antidepressants work on the chemicals in your brain that influence mood, specifically serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
- Keeping a fit and healthy lifestyle
Exercising regularly, eating well and getting enough sleep will help you feel good. Plus, when you have good self-care habits, you are more likely to avoid certain lifestyle factors that may contribute to depression. For example, research shows that lack of exercise can lead to obesity and being overweight may cause depression. When you have more added pounds, your chances of getting a cardiovascular illness or type II diabetes increase.
- Depression Retreat with Hoffman Process
Depression Retreat with Hoffman Process is one of the best forms of depression treatment which can be used as an alternative or as a supplement to medication. The Process uses a combination of guided meditation, conversation and other activities that are aimed at helping participants release past emotions and negative thought patterns while creating a new sense of self.
- Counseling
Certain types of counseling can help you learn skills to deal with depression and its symptoms. It can also help you learn to manage your symptoms and address underlying issues that may be contributing to depression.
- Exercise therapy
Exercise is a type of therapy that helps treat depression and anxiety by boosting your mood, strengthening your muscles and increasing self-esteem. The right way to begin exercising is through a structured workout plan with a program designed for you by your doctor or exercise professional.
- Family and friends
Family alliances, usually exerted between stressed parents and children, are essential to help you cope with depression. Family members should be trained to recognize signs of depression in their loved ones and to help them manage their pain.
- Finding and following your spiritual path
Some researchers believe that spirituality can help people recover from severe mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety. They believe it could function as an alternative treatment that can be used alongside traditional medical treatment and medication.
What will happen if I seek depression treatment?
There are various ways to treat depression, and the success of a treatment depends largely on the individual. If you seek depression treatment from your primary care physician, you will likely be prescribed antidepressant medication, which can help relieve symptoms immediately (although it may take several weeks to feel its full effects). You may also be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist for cognitive-behavioural therapy.
It’s important to remember you are not alone in your battle with depression. There is counselling and medications that can help you manage your symptoms so you can lead a more productive, happy life.
What are the standard treatment procedures applied to people with depression?
The standard treatment procedure used to treat depression is medication, which includes a series of antidepressant drugs that work on brain chemistry. They can be taken at home or in the clinic by one’s doctor. They are usually effective in managing and suppressing the symptoms of depression. However, some antidepressants may have unfavorable side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia or fatigue.
What will happen if I seek depression treatment?
Depression can be a devastating disorder. Depression treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, in addition to your age, health and other factors. Standard treatment procedures include medications such as antidepressants, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
The Bottom Line
Depression comes in many forms. It is not always easy to recognize, nor is it often fully explained. The best way to treat depression is to seek mental health treatment from your primary care physician. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional for treatment. Once you have started taking an antidepressant, your symptoms will decrease.
