What Helps Depression?

People usually suffer from acute depression, which is more like situational depression and is caused by such issues as death, ending of a relationship, financial stressors or educational issues. Chronic depression is seen as an ongoing condition that can be medically related or biologically linked. There are many types of treatment for depression, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, medication and alternative treatment. The approach that an individual takes will determine how fast they will recover and start to feel relief from their depression symptoms.

Traditional Treatments

• There are many treatments for depression. Since the discovery of depression medication in the 1950s, many people have found a better quality of life. Today SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) is a treatment modality of choice for many practitioners. The medication usually takes 7 to 14 days for a patient to see symptom relief and daily doses must be taken to keep up therapeutic levels in the blood stream. This type of medication needs to be written and monitored by your primary care doctor, physician assistant or most preferably by a psychiatrist. Along with medication, it has been well documented that cognitive behavioral therapy is a very effective form of treatment. This modality challenges patterns of negative and self-defeating thought patterns and lets the individual focus on the positive side of self.

Alternative Treatment Modalities

• For individuals who are skeptical of medication, there are many natural approaches to treating depression. One big alternative is starting a workout program or increasing your current routine. This form of treatment must be cleared by your primary care doctor. Along with exercise there are other treatments such as yoga, meditation, seeking a spiritual adviser, joining a depression support group and herbal remedies. The use of herbal remedies must be discussed in length with your doctor.
  One last treatment to consider would be decreasing your level of daily stress. Daily stress is a contributing factor to chronic and acute depression.