According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, nearly 14 million American adults over the age of 18 are diagnosed with depression each year. The National Health Institute estimates that 80 percent of those who seek treatment show improvement in their symptoms within four to six weeks of beginning treatment. Such treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, support groups or a combination of treatments. To be successful, treatment requires commitment from and to be tailored to your specific condition.
Step 1
Get a proper diagnosis. According to Dr. Jeanne Segal, psychologist and author, depression comes in many forms, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. Before receiving proper treatment, you must first receive a correct diagnosis. This requires you to be completely honest with your doctor or therapist about the symptoms you are experiencing. Although you may feel ashamed or embarrassed, your honesty is the only means of receiving the help you need.
Step 2
Take medication. As Dr. Segal states, in cases of major or severe depression, antidepressants may help relieve the symptoms but do not necessarily cure the condition. In addition, many of these medications pose the risk of serious side effects. The most commonly prescribed drugs are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
SSRIs include the drugs Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Celexa. They work by regulating serotonin levels in your brain, a chemical responsible for balancing your mood. Its most common side effects include nausea, drowsiness, sexual dysfunction and problems sleeping. While these generally go away a few weeks after beginning treatment, in some cases they become worse.
Tricyclic antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for depression and include the medications Amitriptyline, Sinequan, Tofranil and Pamelor. These antidepressants also work by regulating the amount of serotonin absorbed by the brain, and some of the more common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain, increased appetite, blurred vision, headache and low blood pressure.
MAOIs include the medications Marplan, Nardil and Parnate. They work by slowing the breakdown of serotonin in the brain. The side effects, drug and food interactions can be more serious than with the previously mentioned medications. The most common side effects include extreme agitation, stomach pain, fluid retention, muscle pains, mood swings, fatigue, constipation and sexual dysfunction.
Step 3
Seek therapy. Psychotherapy is extremely helpful in the treatment of your depression. For some people suffering from mild-to-moderate depression, talk therapy has shown to be effective as the main source of treatment. For those suffering from severe depression, talk therapy may need to be combined with medication.
Step 4
Join a support group. According to Dr. Segal, isolation is a key risk factor for depressive episodes. Among other things, she recommends joining a support group for those diagnosed with depression. This will reduce the amount of time you spend isolated and alone while helping you connect with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings as yourself. It is also a way of learning new coping techniques.
