1. Treating Depression Through Talk Therapy
Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," is generally necessary for individuals who are suffering from depression and who want to alleviate their symptoms permanently. Generally speaking, you will meet with your therapist weekly, though some patients with a more severe illness may be encouraged to come more often. One method of psychotherapy that has been proven extremely effective is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This treatment method involves the use of mental exercises to challenge beliefs and alter the way you think and react to depressive thoughts.
2. Treating Symptoms With Antidepressants
Antidepressants work by improving the balance of serotonin and norepinephrine--two chemicals in the brain that have been found largely responsible for mood stabilization. When these chemicals aren't released properly, mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety can result. The benefits of antidepressants aren't felt immediately as it can take 4 to 8 weeks to achieve positive results from the drug. And, because there may be only certain antidepressants that work well for you, there may be some trial and error until your doctor gets the medicine and dosage just right for your individual needs.
3. Achieving Results Through Electroconvulsive Therapy
Not long ago, the process of electroconvulsive, or "shock" therapy, was highly controversial and depicted terrible images of mentally ill patients receiving painful electric shocks. Technology has changed, however, and ECT has now been proven to be safe, effective and painless for depression sufferers who haven't responded well to other treatment options. Patients of ECT will take a muscle relaxant and will be placed under mild anesthesia during the treatment to enhance their comfort. Electrical impulses are then sent to the brain to treat the signs of depression permanently. The number of sessions necessary to achieve results varies from person to person. You may only require a few sessions or regular treatments for up to a year.
4. Promoting Good Mental Health Through Natural Remedies
Natural remedies such as St. John's Wort, acupuncture, reflexology and meditation have provided depression relief for some people and may work for you if you're suffering from a mild to moderate form of the disease. Oftentimes it is environmental factors that cause our depression--not a chemical imbalance of the brain. In such cases, you may achieve full results from the above practices. If you're considering St. John's Wort, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the herbal supplement with your doctor first.
