Treating mental health illness, such as major depressive disorder, should be done only under the care and oversight of a trained mental health professional such as a counselor, social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist. Major depressive disorder can negatively impact daily functioning, the Mayo Clinic reports. The symptoms of major depression can appear differently in anyone, but can include an inability to find pleasure in things she used to enjoy, change in appetite and/or sleep, feelings of helplessness, sadness and loss of energy, the Mayo Clinic notes. If treatment is handled correctly major depressive episodes can be kept at bay and/or reduced in severity.
Step 1
Educate your client about major depressive disorder. Help him to understand the symptoms, signs, risk factors, complications and treatment options associated with major depressive disorder. The more he understands what he is going through the more capable he will be to make changes and fight the behaviors and thought patterns associated with major depressive disorder.
Step 2
Enable your client to build better relationships. According to HelpGuide.org, one of the characteristics of major depression is the social isolation that occurs, the pulling away from friends and family, which can help perpetuate depression. Provide your client with tips on interacting with others. Role-play how the interactions would take place. Help your client feel successful about the interactions. Challenge her to go out and meet new people or reconnect with those who used to be very important in her life. If necessary, ask your client to bring a supportive friend or family member to therapy so that they can reconnect.
Step 3
Identify negative thought patterns and work to change them. According to the Mayo Clinic, negative self-talk and a pessimistic view of the world are classic symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder. Changing these thought patterns is one of the keys to successful treatment. Point out her negative thoughts and thought processes. Challenge her negative thoughts and help her to establish positive ways of thinking. Have her document in a daily journal three negative thoughts and then three positive thoughts that counter the negative ones. Discuss these during the next session.
Step 4
Consult with other mental health professionals about her treatment. If your client is not working with a psychiatrist, refer her to one. Talk with her psychiatrist about her medications and medication management. Give input on the necessary medication. If you feel that the medicine is no longer working at the current level or she is experiencing too many side effects bring this up with the psychiatrist.
