Depression can make work, school, relationships and even just getting out of bed in the morning difficult. Not only is depression difficult for the person going through it, but it also may take a toll on their loved ones as well. The sooner a person seeks treatment for his depression, the faster he may be able to feel better.
Considerations
Psychotherapy and medication are the most popular types of treatment options for depression. Planning a specific treatment will need to take into consideration the severity of the depression, if suicidal thoughts or tendencies are involved and the person's medical history and condition. However, it is often difficult for a depressed person to seek help or make treatment plans due to the condition. In these cases, it is helpful if friends and family offer their support in helping to select a treatment option to ensure their loved one gets the help she needs.
Types of Medications
Many types of medications can be used to treat depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are typically the first type of medications a doctor prescribes to treat depression, but serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) and atypical antidepressants are also common. If these types of medications do not work, tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may be prescribed. Although tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs can be just as effective at treating medications as the other types, side effects and potential risks with these medications are more severe.
Because finding the right medication can be tricky, it is best for people with depression to communicate openly with the doctor. The doctor may be able to prescribe a combination of different medications to produce the desired effect. However, it is also important to keep in mind that certain medications may require eight weeks or longer to take full effect, the Mayo Clinic warns, so the process of finding the right medication is gradual and won't happen overnight.
Types of Therapy
Common types of therapy used to treat depression include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy tends to focus on the here-and-now and focuses on goal setting instead of analyzing past events. Interpersonal counseling works to build a relationship between the patient and the counselor, as well as to build a strong support system for the client when therapy ends. It focuses more on relationships than specific circumstances or events. Psychodynamic counseling tends to analyze and explore how past events may have contributed to the current situation, in the hopes that the client may see a pattern and avoid duplicating past mistakes in the future.
Misconceptions
Many people believe that depression does not require treatment to get better, or that depressed people are simply looking for attention or should be able to "snap out of it." This is simply not true. People do not feel embarrassed or ashamed about seeking help for a physical problem like a broken arm or leg, so they should not feel bad about seeking help for mental problems either.
Warning
Suicide is a very serious risk for anyone who is severely depressed. People who have suicidal thoughts should call a mental health care provider immediately. Family and friends should always take comments about suicide seriously, even if they are "sure" the person was just joking. In addition, some medications may have an increased risk for suicidal thoughts, particularly for adolescents and young people. Before taking any medication, people should talk to a doctor about these risks.
